Undergraduate
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
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.
Of environmental biology graduates from the class of 2018 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The environmental biology program at Cornerstone—with options to earn a naturalist major, 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.
This course is designed to provide a natural science foundation for all science majors and minors. Foundational concepts in zoology, cell biology, botany, genetics (classical and molecular), energetics and systems biology will be stressed in both lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.
Studies basic plant science, including the structure, reproduction, and ecological relationships among plants. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.
Introduction to the basic principles of zoology, including development, distinguishing characteristics and interactions of the major animal kinds, with special emphasis on the invertebrates. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.
This course is a senior capstone course for Biology and Pre-Professional Majors, and investigates the ethical and theological issues confronting one choosing a biology-related career. Emphasis will be placed upon constructing a personal, Christian philosophical framework. Students will address these concepts as they investigate and evaluate relevant biological issues.
Studies how ecological principles, philosophy, economics, sociology and politics interact with identifying and solving environmental issues. Topics include: air quality, water quantity and quality, population dynamics, energy sources, types of waste, sustainability, environmental policy and legislation, and pertinent government agencies. Lecture and lab.
The study of the interrelationships of living organisms, plant or animal, and their environments. These are studied with a view of discovering the principles that govern relationships. A special emphasis on the different ecosystems of Michigan bogs, marshes, streams, and sand dunes, and man’s impact on them, will be studied. Lecture and lab.
First two weeks: Instruction and experience in the use of the tools of the field biologist, trips to different types of ecosystems: forest, field, stream, pond, lake, marsh, and bog. Final week: Travel experience covering points of interest in the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula of Michigan, or the student may elect to work on a field problem in the Grand Rapids area.
A field-oriented course in the study of the relationships of the fauna and flora of special segment of the biosphere such as Northern Ireland, Yellowstone National Park, the Florida peninsula and other locations in the USA and abroad. Students spend most of the time on location experiencing the ecology of the area.
A study of the materials and processes of the earth, leading to a responsible Christian appreciation for it and its use. Explores basic principles through a survey of the history of the ideas about the earth. Applies basic insights of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to the solution of problems such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, marine erosion, the nature and distribution of fossil fuels, metals, ground water, and other mineral resources. Studies man-imposed and natural boundaries to characterize geographic regions. Lecture and lab. This course satisfies the core requirement for Lab Science.
A scientific investigation of the feasibility of various origin theories with special emphasis on the creation vs. evolution debate. Explores the difference between origins science and operation science and analyzes the conflict in the Christian scientific community as well as the population at large.
This course provides an opportunity to work in a supervised biological setting (e.g., DNR, nature center, public health agency). The experience must include opportunities to apply the theories and concepts learned in the discipline or to enhance biological science research skills.
The senior research project is independently conducted research under the guidance of a science faculty mentor and is taken as a summer credit before taking the senior research seminar (SCI-496) or in the spring after the senior research seminar.
The senior research seminar is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to complete their senior research project (SCI-495). Seminars will focus on literature review, scientific writing, use of statistics in writing, creating tables and figures, reviewediting of manuscripts and posters and presentations.
Biology Core Courses
Environmental Biology Specific Courses
Elective (choose one)
Required Cognates*
*A cognate is a course that supports the success of completing a major program.
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Program learning outcomes are the foundation of a CU degree. Explore how our environmental biology program prepares you with the essential knowledge and 21st-century skills to reach your God-given potential and become a lifelong learner.
Michael Hindy (’17)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.
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 Kinesiology, Science, Engineering & Mathematics Division. Take a look at some of our other programs related to environmental biology.
MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
At Cornerstone University, you’ll get the full college experience with a Christ-centered worldview. Learn more about the undergraduate experience below.
Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we’re dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.