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B.S. in Environmental BiologyBecoming A Better Steward
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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology

In the environmental biology program at Cornerstone University, not all your learning will be in the classroom. Our backyard is West Michigan, providing us with access to beautiful sand dunes, inland lakes, wetlands and streams, and of course, the Great Lakes themselves. God has called us to become dedicated stewards of His Creation, and our environmental biology program is designed to help you do just that.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Science

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Live Out Your Faith
As a Steward of Creation

God’s creation is diverse. We can see His handiwork in all people, places and things. The environmental biology program gives you an opportunity to explore, understand and nurture the environmental resources God has given us. Your course work will be infused with a passion for serving our Lord, and your fieldwork will prepare you for a career in ecology.

At Cornerstone, you will have a chance to travel and study diverse ecosystems like Yellowstone, Everglades or Grand Canyon National Parks. You may find yourself taking courses in botany, exploring forests, conducting stream evaluations, researching white-tailed deer in the summer, doing research on a Lake Michigan research boat or watching elk during mating season. Your opportunities to serve God’s creation are boundless.

Careers

For many careers in this area of study, a graduate degree is required. Cornerstone’s wholehearted education will prepare you for the rigorous work that lies ahead for you in environmental biology.

Internships

Our students in environmental biology develop critical skills by doing field work in their internships. Take a look at some of the places our students intern and make a difference before they even graduate.

Opportunities

  • John Ball Zoological Park
  • Waikiki Aquarium
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources
  • North Country Trails

100%

Of environmental biology graduates from the class of 2018 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Courses and
Learning Outcomes

The environmental biology program at Cornerstone—with options to earn a water resources major or wildlife biology major—is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom. From caring professors to one-on-one advising appointments, we have resources to support you in reaching your goals and being successful in your classes.

As an environmental biology student at Cornerstone, you will take courses at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies where you will be taught by Christian professors and earn professional certification as part of your degree program.

Biology Core Courses

  • BIO-151 General Biology
  • BIO-225 Botany
  • BIO-233 Zoology
  • BIO-400 Capstone Seminar: Bioethics & Argument Theory
  • ECO-241 Environmental Science
  • ECO-341 Ecology
  • ECO-342 Field Biology
  • ECO-442 Advanced Field Studies
  • SCI-262 Geology
  • SCI-361 Evolution & Origins
  • SCI-380 Internship
  • SCI-495 Senior Research Project
  • SCI-496 Senior Research Seminar

Environmental Biology Major Courses

Required Courses

  • BIO-351 Genetics
  • Upper-Level Elective in BIO or ECO
  • Upper-Level AuSable Electives

Choose one of the following:

  • BIO-331 Ornithology
  • BIO-431 Vertebrate Zoology

Required Cognates*

  • CHM-111 Principles of General Chemistry
  • CHM-212 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
  • MAT-121 College Algebra
  • MAT-151 Statistics

*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.

Environmental Biology: Water Resources Major Courses

Water Resources Specific Courses

  • BIO-351 Genetics
  • BIO-352 Microbiology
  • BIO-431 Vertebrate Zoology
  • Upper-Level AuSable Electives

Required Cognates*

  • CHM-111 Principles of General Chemistry
  • CHM-212 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
  • MAT-121 College Algebra
  • MAT-151 Statistics

*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.

Environmental Biology: Wildlife Biology Major Courses

Wildlife Biology Specific Courses

  • BIO-331 Ornithology
  • BIO-351 Genetics
  • BIO-431 Vertebrate Zoology
  • Upper-Level AuSable Electives

Required Cognates*

  • CHM-111 Principles of General Chemistry
  • CHM-212 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
  • MAT-121 College Algebra
  • MAT-151 Statistics

*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.

Elective courses to meet potential Wildlife Certification requirements:

  • COM-322 Advanced Public Speaking
  • ECO-310 Environmental Law & Policy
  • MAT-131 Calculus I
  • MAT-132 Calculus II

Program Learning Outcomes

The environmental biology program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts and practices used by naturalists in school, park, nature center and other non-formal education settings.

  • Assess and evaluate natural ecological systems and develop solutions leading to their stewardship and sustainability.
  • Develop evidence-based arguments in the assessment of environmental issues and the potential solutions to address these issues.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate natural history and ecological principles to various people groups using effective communication skills.

  • Design investigations, collect and critically analyze data and communicate results related to natural ecological systems locally, nationally and/or globally.

Intellectual Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

Want to Learn More About CU?

Many of the biology classes were taught by some of the strongest Christians I ever met, and their faith in teaching creation care was an inspiration for deepening my faith in a mighty God who has the power to save.

Michael Hindy (’17)

Faculty

CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.

Related Programs

Cornerstone University offers a variety of majors in the Science & Kinesiology Division. Take a look at some of our other programs related to environmental biology.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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