Ever wondered what it would be like to study elephants in Kenya? Swim with eagle rays in the Florida Keys? Inject DNA into worms? In the Goshen College biology program you can do all of this and more!
At GC, the biological sciences are divided into three majors: biology, molecular biology/biochemistry and environmental science. All three are rigorous, experiential and founded in the belief that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Not only do we offer international courses, but we also have interactive learning events right on campus, including a science speaker lecture series, a biology coffee hour, and multiple teaching and research assistantships. You’ll also have access to 1,189 acres of prairie, forest, wetland and lake habitat to explore at the college’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, just 30 miles from campus.
If you need more convincing, the GC biology program excels at preparing graduates for medical and graduate school. In the last five years, between 90-95 percent of biology majors who applied to graduate school were accepted. On top of that, GC is second in the state for the number of students who go on to earn doctorates! Whether you enter a biology-related career right out of college or choose to further your education in postgraduate studies, Goshen College will give you the skills you need to succeed.
For two weeks in February, five Goshen College students joined Ryan Sensenig, professor of biology, in Kenya to assist with prescribed burns inside the Kenya Long term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE).
The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is pleased to announce Dr. Shafkat Khan '08 as director of conservation.
This summer, 15 students participated in the Maple Scholars and Hickory Scholars, Goshen College’s eight-week, hands-on interdisciplinary summer research programs.
of biology majors who applied to medical or graduate school in recent years were accepted
Acres of land to explore at GC’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
Number of years the marine biology program has operated in the Florida Keys
Number of years the marine biology program has operated in the Florida Keys
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
By joining our department you will learn from other students and professors alike. And they will learn from you. The department organizes the Biology Coffee Hour and a special Science Speaker Lecture Mini-Series to kick off our Departmental Research Project. Through biology picnics and internship presentation events you will not only connect to a community of scholars, you will have fun doing it!
Through weekly 3-hour labs in each of your courses you will gain the skills of a biologist. As a junior you will collaborate with a team of colleagues to design, implement and analyze an independently designed research project – which will serve as your senior thesis project.
Our students benefit from the expertise of faculty in chemistry, physics and other departments across campus. Faculty collaborate in research (e.g. pigeon genetics, soil diversity in prairies, photobioreactors), in addition to engaging in dialogue about bioethics and science and religion during Interdisciplinary Forum events and the annual Science & Religion Conference.
Zoe Brown ’23 has always loved science, and is applying what she learns in the classroom to her everyday life
Emily Stuckey Weber '07 is the teen services coordinator at Goshen Public Library, where she oversees programming and services for young adults in sixth through 12 grade.
Emily's storyAlejandro Genis, a 2016 graduate with a molecular biology and biochemistry major from Elkhart, Indiana, has a diverse set of interests: golf, violin and animal research.
Alejandro's storyHenry Stewart graduated from Goshen College in 2014 with a music and biochemistry double major. As a student, he was known for playing the accordion, writing award-winning music compositions and as an academic star.
Henry's storyKalen Guynes ’23 an environmental and marine science major from Elkhart, Indiana, has always had a fascination with the natural world and wants to work with the Department of Natural Resources.
Kalen's storyDakota Cain ’23 is connecting STEM and writing to bridge the gap between science and the general public.
Dakota's storyRyan Sensenig
Professor of Biological & Environmental Science
ES Program Director
& Lindsay Teaching Fellow
Neil Detweiler
Assistant Professor of Biology
Director of Pre-Health Programs
John Mischler
Assistant Professor of Sustainability and Environmental Education & Director of ASI
