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The College of Idaho offers a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and a BS (Bachelor of Science) in Biology. Our Biology major offers a research-focused curriculum taught by faculty who are committed to mentoring and engaging students in the process and interpretation of science. Consistent with the liberal arts tradition, our faculty’s objectives are to give students a strong foundation in the natural and biological sciences.
Through our BA curriculum, we aim to prepare students for science-based careers—including medical, dental, veterinary, or related professional pursuits like careers in wildlife, fisheries, and plant biology. Ultimately, the major is designed to enhance student appreciation and understanding of life on earth.
Through our BS curriculum, we aim to prepare students for science-based careers—including careers in research and laboratory work, plant and wildlife management, conservation, and agriculture, as well as medical, dental, veterinary, or related professional pursuits—and to enhance their appreciation and understanding of life on earth. The Bachelor of Science degree is excellent preparation for post-graduate studies (i.e., M.S., Ph.D., and M.D.).
Our alumni include the co-discoverer of vitamin B12 and many successful doctors, physician assistants/associates (PAs), nurses, dentists, physical therapists, veterinarians, pharmacists, researchers, botanists, zoologists, professors, and scientists. Graduates enjoy a high placement rate into graduate school, and many undergraduates get a head start on their research careers through grant-funded faculty-student research programs such as INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) and SWITCH (Southwest Idaho: The Comprehensive Herbaria).
Dr. Anna Himler (Biology) and Dr. Chris Walser (Biology) connect classroom work to real-world experiences in the field by taking College of Idaho students to Baja California, Mexico and introducing them to its natural history and supporting the students own independent research.
No matter the major, College of Idaho students were able to get real-world experience learning about salmon in the Pacific Northwest in a multi-disciplinary course that explores the biology, cultural history, politics, and conservation of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River drainage.
In 2023, Kris Komori ’05 became the first Idaho chef to win a James Beard Award (often referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world). “Who in this room thought someone from Idaho would be up here?” Komori asked the audience during his acceptance speech. “I didn’t, that’s for sure.”
B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and History. Co-Owner, KIN, and Idaho’s First James Beard Award Winner (2023).
During my first meal on campus as a freshman who didn’t know a soul, I took the first seat I could find in the cafeteria next to two students from Egypt. This would become one of the most fascinating lunches of my life. The College community is full of impressive people from the U.S. and all over the world, and to be able to get to know them and engage with them every day has been the highlight of my college experience.
B.A. in Biology with minors in English Literature and Psychology & Health.
In a recent interview with 340B Report, Liz Trenkel ’17 said: “After obtaining my degree in Biology in college, I knew I was interested in helping people in a more behind-the-scenes way than the traditional physician or patient-facing career path…. Knowing that I can help create expanded patient access to medications for people in small, rural communities like the one I grew up in is my favorite part of my job.”
B.S. in Biology with minors in Art & Design, Business and Psychology. Senior Compliance Specialist for RPh Innovations.
The moment I laid eyes on the College campus for a tour, I knew this was where I was going to be spending the next four years. I like the intimate campus community and the student-to-teacher ratio. It felt like a place I could call home. Plus, I chose The College of Idaho because of its flexible curriculum, allowing me to double major, and its excellent financial aid, making college a reality for me without any debt.
B.A. in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Human Biology.
Everything just felt right. I love to travel and I love to teach, so I thought the Fulbright was a great opportunity. There’s so much to see before I settle here [in Idaho]. While I’m young, I want to take advantage.”
B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology with minors in French, Human Biology and Journalism. The College’s 2nd Fulbright Scholar.
Sarah Wicher
Your innovative spirit has propelled you this far. What’s next? That’s for you to dream, make, live and unleash at The College of Idaho. Come see what awaits you here.
2112 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605
208-459-5011 • 800-2C-IDAHO
