The Northwest Difference
Comprehensive biology majors emphasizing in cellular and molecular biology at Northwest study the most fundamental aspects of life. Faculty focus on topics such as gene expression, or how genes are turned on and off to respond to environmental stimuli; cellular metabolism, which is the sum of biochemical reactions inside the cell that build up and breakdown the molecules of life; and replication, which is the process organisms use to make copies of genetic material and pass them to future generations. This major is designed for students who want to pursue careers in biotechnology or biomedical research.
This major does not require a minor.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Astrid's story »
Career Opportunities
100%
placement rate
100% of students who graduate with a comprehensive degree in biology obtain employment or continue their education within six months after graduation. Jobs related to this major include:
- Bench Scientist
- Industrial Biotechnologist
- Stem Cell Researcher
- Genetic Counseling
- Government Agencies (EPA, FDA, CDC and USDA)
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Research Technician
*Based on self-reported data.
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Northwest’s award-winning Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation has more than $3 million invested in equipping its lab with state-of-the-art instruments that undergraduate students use regularly.
Garrett-Strong Science Building offers 26 labs where students gain profession-based experience on campus. The building is the home to the synthetic cadaver, aquarium, two museums and living animals that include a hedgehog, rats, iguanas and others kept in labs.
Internships
Although internships are not required, they are highly encouraged to prepare students for future careers.
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Ashley Blanchard
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My summer research took place on the Northwest Campus at Garrett-Strong. We were working to determine which combination of drugs affect urine output of hypertensive or normotensive rats on varied diets. By understanding complex physiological processes and running confocal microscopy, we can determine ratios of certain receptors on specific areas of organs. We hope that the research findings will see clinical trials, and help develop new and more affective medication for hypertensive patients.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
For more information about study abroad opportunities »The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and
2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The textbooks and laptop rental programs save students nearly $7,300 over four years.
Ranked as the top moderately selective regional university in the "25 Best Colleges" by U.S. News and World Report for third time in four years.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
