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Cornerstone is one of America's best online colleges according to Newsweek

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Cornerstone University students studying environmental biology. Cornerstone University students studying environmental biology. Cornerstone University students studying environmental biology.

Bachelor of Science in

Environmental Biology

On-Campus

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Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2026.

Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Lead in Science with an Environmental Biology Bachelor’s Degree

Gain the scientific expertise and hands-on field experience needed for an influential career in ecology, conservation, and resource management with a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Cornerstone University. Choose from concentrations in Water Resources or Wildlife Biology. Whatever path you take, you’ll develop skills in ecosystem analysis, environmental research, and sustainability practices, all grounded in a Christian worldview that emphasizes responsible stewardship of creation.

Students also earn professional certification through the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, enhancing Christ-centered career readiness.

Develop Market-Ready Skills with an Environmental Biology Bachelor's Degree

Cultivate highly sought-after professional skills taught by faculty experts through Cornerstone’s Biblically-grounded environmental science curriculum. Concentrations include Water Resources or Wildlife Biology.

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Ecosystem Analysis & Field Research – Conduct environmental assessments, habitat evaluations and species monitoring.

Wildlife & Conservation Management – Apply techniques for habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation and wildlife tracking.

Water Quality & Resource Management – Perform stream evaluations, test water quality and analyze aquatic ecosystems.

Environmental Data Analysis – Utilize statistical tools to assess ecological trends and inform conservation efforts.

Environmental Policy & Compliance – Understand regulations, sustainability practices and conservation laws.

Laboratory & Research Methods – Apply scientific techniques in botany, microbiology and environmental chemistry.

Sustainability & Stewardship Practices – Integrate conservation strategies with a Christian worldview of responsible resource management.

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Address ecological challenges through data-driven solutions and field-based research.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The information below reflects just a few of the general education and industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Featured Courses

BIO-233: Zoology

Explore animal development, characteristics, and interactions, focusing on invertebrates, through lectures and hands-on lab experience.

ECO-241: Environmental Science

Explore environmental issues through ecology, philosophy, economics, sociology, and politics. Address air and water quality, population dynamics, energy, waste, sustainability, policy, and government agencies.

ECO-242: Geographic Information Systems

Introduce the theory and application of GIS. Manage spatial data and apply ArcGIS software for mapping, modeling, and spatial analysis.

SCI-262: Geology

Learn Earth’s materials and processes, exploring natural hazards, resources, and geographic regions while integrating a Christian appreciation for creation through lecture and lab.

ECO-341: Ecology

Examine the interrelationships of organisms and their environments with a focus on Michigan ecosystems, human impact, and ecological principles through lecture and lab.

BIO-351: Genetics

Study Mendelian and molecular genetics, gene expression, and modern lab techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cloning, with ethical considerations.

SCI-361: Evolution & Origins

Investigate major origin theories with emphasis on the creation–evolution debate. Distinguish origins from operational science and consider the dialogue within the Christian scientific community and broader society.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

The Cornerstone Core™ Statement

The Cornerstone Core offers a groundbreaking general education unlike any other college or university in America. Faith, civic understanding and career preparation are fully integrated into one coherent formation. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, this focused 33-credit-hour curriculum develops both depth of character and clarity of thinking. The Cornerstone Core new general education curriculum is an antidote to the rising popularity of relativism, skepticism, doubt and moral ambiguity. Graduates are prepared to succeed in their professions and strengthen the institutions and communities they serve as Biblically grounded moral leaders to influence the world for Jesus Christ.

Students in every major study three areas:

The Beauty of Christianity

Examine the beauty of God, the Gospel, and the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Discover the coherence of a worldview rooted in God’s truth through Scripture applied today —- shaping character, conviction, and spiritual depth. We believe that beauty is more important than arguments and these courses will introduce students to the grandeur and beauty of Jesus and His creation and our place in the redemptive work of Jesus.

The Wisdom of the American Experience

Engage with Cornerstone’s Great Works Canon of the American Experience, by exploring the original speeches, sermons and foundational texts that shaped the American Republic, wrestling with enduring questions of liberty, order, duty and self-government. Graduates will learn what it means to be Christian citizens who are dutiful, wise, and formed with character to influence themselves, their families, and our nation.

Marketplace Intelligence

Develop analytical reasoning, scientific thinking, ethical utilization of artificial intelligence, commitment to free market economics, ethical clarity, and truthful and effective communication strategies to create solutions to complex challenges and serve society and humanity with excellence. Graduates will be able to consider and discern what is true, beautiful and good.

Learn more about the Cornerstone Core.

Learn More

Environmental Biology Concentrations

Expand your career opportunities and gain specialized skills with optional concentrations in water resources or wildlife biology.

Water Resources

Water Resources Concentration

Develop skills to analyze, protect, and manage freshwater ecosystems, focusing on conservation, quality assessment, and sustainable resource management. Courses may include:

  • BIO-352: Microbiology – Explore the structure and function of microorganisms, emphasizing bacteria, and gain hands-on experience in isolation, identification, and culture techniques.
  • BIO-431: Vertebrate Zoology – Learn the characteristics, structure, and life history of the seven vertebrate classes.
  • ECO-442: Advanced Field Studies – Experience ecological field research by studying flora and fauna in diverse locations like Yellowstone, Florida and international sites.

Wildlife Biology

Wildlife Biology Concentration

Learn to conserve and manage animal populations and ecosystems, focusing on habitat restoration, species protection and ecological research. Courses may include:

  • BIO-331: Ornithology – Examine bird anatomy, behavior, migration, and ecology while gaining field experience in species identification by sight and song.
  • BIO-431: Vertebrate Zoology – Learn the characteristics, structure, and life history of the seven vertebrate classes.
  • ECO-442: Advanced Field Studies – Experience ecological field research by studying flora and fauna in diverse locations like Yellowstone, Florida and international sites.

Influential Careers with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology Degree

  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Water Quality Specialist
  • Hydrologist
  • Aquatic Ecologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Stormwater Management Specialist
  • Fish & Game Warden
  • Zoologist
  • Habitat Restoration Specialist

Tuition

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

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Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

I’ve had some amazing professors who really helped me grow in my appreciation of God and His creation and creativity

—Joey N.

Cornerstone provided so many opportunities to get hands on experience! Our senior research project was not only genuinely interesting, but it gave me so many hours of experience for grad school applications.

—Moriah S.

Cornerstone has equipped me to be more like Christ by consistently teaching me the importance of a Christ centered vocation.

—Zachary B.

Cornerstone University

Hours

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

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