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.
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.
Understanding the Principles of God's Creation
At Cornerstone, we have a resolute commitment to seeing you succeed. Our students build their character as well as their education during their time here. In the environmental biology program, you will develop a better understanding of what Creation care is and how we can build God’s kingdom here on earth.
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.
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.
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.