DeWitt Family Science Center greenhouse

Strong in science. That describes our biology faculty, which includes experts in avian and stream ecology, developmental biology, genetics, neurobiology and pharmacology. It also describes professors' and students' courageous approach to exploring areas of scientific inquiry. Studying biology with professors who are committed Christians will prepare you to bring your faith to the complex research and ethical questions facing today’s scientists. Explore our programs: 


Elite research

Hands-on experiences and research opportunities for Northwestern biology majors include experience with a human cadaver, field research in the college's forest and prairie, collaborative research with a professor, and off-campus study through the AuSable Institute or Creation Care Study Program. In addition, Northwestern is 1 of just 3 institutions in Iowa and 1 of just 28 baccalaureate colleges worldwide selected for SEA-PHAGES, which involves our students in a global effort to discover phages and sequence and annotate their DNA. We also are 1 of just 23 colleges and universities worldwide selected for next-level SEA-GENES research.


Top pre-med scores

Our 2021 pre-med grads' MCAT scores ranked in the top 10% in the world. An impressive 80% of Northwestern science majors headed to medical school are accepted the first time they apply (compared to a 45% national medical school matriculation rate).

Abigail Clarke

Growth through challenges

An aspiring physician assistant, Abigail has loved learning how the body works and feels well prepared for graduate school.

Abigail's story

Elli Sanders

Preserving the environment

An interest in the outdoors and animals led Elli to major in biology–ecological science at Northwestern. Research experience and studying abroad while in college has helped her to quickly move up the career ladder at work.

Elli's story

Steven Van Meeteren

Equipped to stand out

Talented professors and a Christ-centered culture helped Steven grow in knowledge and in faith—a combination that has prepared him to make a difference and pursue his calling to become a physician.

Steven's story

Sarah Meyer

Called to teach science

Sarah has loved science since she was a little girl. Now as a high school biology teacher, she shares the wonders of God’s creation with her students.

Sarah's story

Ali Almail

Reflecting the Creator

Now in medical school at the University of Toronto, Ali Almail hopes to someday help patients as both a surgeon and a scientist.

Ali's story

Laura Hurley

Future Family Physician

Laura was a triple major at Northwestern who took advantage of cross-cultural experiences in Nebraska, Nicaragua and Ecuador. She went on to earn an M.D. and a master’s degree in public health and is now a family medicine resident.

Laura's story

Alex Yoerger

Well prepared for lifelong learning

With the help of Northwestern's science professors, Alex is on her way to her dream career as a veterinarian.

Alex's story

Alison Schutt

Thinking critically

Alison's action-packed academic career was filled with opportunities to think critically about biology and chemistry, which has served her well as she transitions into life as a medical student.

Alison's story

Joseph Tolsma

Research in his genes

Hands-on research experience and lessons on becoming a well-rounded person are the ways Northwestern equipped Joseph to stand out as he continued his education and pursued a career in genetics.

Joseph's story

Zach Landhuis

Forensic scientist

Zach completed a master’s degree in forensic science and is now a DNA specialist with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Zach's story

Emily Wynja

Medically minded

The knowledge, confidence and experiences Emily gained at Northwestern fueled her journey to become a physician.

Emily's story

Jordan Reinders

Bug lover

Jordan combined two passions—insects and the outdoors—when he decided to earn a doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Jordan's story

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