Biology

Digging deep to solve life mysteries.

Life. There’s so much to study! As a biology major, you will learn to think scientifically and critically, while gaining an understanding of the wide diversity of life. Your ability to conduct scientific methods of analysis will have you more than prepared to make a difference in the world throughout your career in science or medicine.

  • colleges of distinction 2025-2026
  • 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • ranked as a national university by u.s. news and world report

Advantages

  • Develop the ability to write, think critically, and do research through applied coursework
  • Gain a strong theoretical understanding of biological concepts
  • Conduct lab work with up-to-date instruments and equipment
  • Have unique opportunities to research alongside professors and graduate students

Concentrations

UIndy offers multiple concentrations to help you zero in on your strengths:

  • Organismal Biology
    The Organismal Biology concentration focuses on the diversity of life found on Earth. It includes the study of structure, function, ecology, and evolution at the level of the organism. It will prepare you for a career as a zoological scientist, animal behaviorist, wildlife scientist, botanist, or park ranger.
  • Cell and Molecular Biology
    The Cell and Molecular Biology concentration focuses on the structure and function of organisms and biological processes at the level of cells, and the macromolecules that define them (DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates). It will prepare you for a career as a cell culture technician, microbiologist, clinical lab scientist, and OSHA specialist. It can also prepare you for a graduate school program in genetics, medical research, biochemistry, or cell biology.
  • Roche Academy
    The Roche Academy concentration was designed for students interested in participating in UIndy's partnership with Roche Diagnostics. In this partnership, students complete a summer internship at Roche in Indianapolis and enter an employment pipeline with the company. However, if you choose not to continue with this pathway, this concentration will prepare you for a career as a laboratory technician, R&D scientist, instrument specialist, and biotech assistant.
  • Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Vet Concentrations
    These concentrations are designed to ensure you fulfill the requirements necessary for admission to the majority of medical, dental, and veterinary schools around the country.
Student Story
Sierra Corbin
Biology major, Chemistry minor, Class of 2017

At UIndy, the teachers genuinely care about our academic success. Some of our courses definitely are harder than they would be at other schools, but that makes us more prepared.

Potential Careers

  • Medical technician
  • Plant biologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Geneticist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Physical therapist
  • Grant writer or technical writer

Roche Academy Partnership

Through this partnership, UIndy biology and chemistry students may be eligible to join the Roche Academy, where they will complete a Roche-customized curriculum path and summer internship experience focused on the hands-on, life science and engineering skills necessary for employment at Roche. In exchange, Academy students successfully completing the program will receive financial and educational incentives, including a job offer from Roche upon graduation.

Curriculum Guides

These curriculum guides outline the different classes you will need to take as a Biology major. The general education guide provides a list of all the classes you need in order to fulfill UIndy’s general education requirements. The Biology and Biology concentration guides list the classes you'll need to take to fulfill your major’s requirements. Be sure to take a look at the guides in order to get a complete picture of what your classes will look like at UIndy.
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