Bachelor of Science

The Henry Robert Herold Chair of Biological Sciences, established to honor Dr. Herold, is funded by the Pfeiffer Foundation.

The Joe T. McKibben Chairs of Biological Sciences were established in 1998 to honor Dr. McKibben's distinguished career and generous support of the College.

Students graduating with a degree in biology from College of the Ozarks will:

• attain a basic knowledge of life processes occurring at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem levels (Academic);
• acquire skills in research using modern tools for gathering and analyzing data, communicating the results in written and oral formats, and critically analyzing the research of other scientists (Vocational);
• understand the processes and roles of science in perceiving God's work in the ordered universe and perceive themselves as responsible stewards of the earth and its diversity of life (Christian);
• become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and active citizens of God's Kingdom and our country and be able to apply critical thinking skills to make well-informed decisions about current scientific issues (Patriotic);
• be able to collect, evaluate, and communicate biological information and present it to the scientific community and the general public (Cultural). 

Students interested in teaching biology at the secondary education level (grades 9 - 12) can complete the following curriculum that enables them to earn a major and to become certified.

All Elementary and Secondary Majors should apply for admission to the Teacher Education program by the end of their fourth semester. Minimum standards for admission include: 1) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and passing all sections of the MoGEA (Missouri General Education Assessment); 2) 30 semester hours course work completed and at least one (1) consecutive semester at College of the Ozarks; 3) ACT score on file.

Students must apply for permission to enroll in student teaching the semester preceding the student teaching semester. Minimum standards for permission to enroll include: 1) minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 with minimum 3.0 in content and professional courses; 2) successful completion of teaching certification course requirements in one or more teaching fields; 3) minimum grade of "C-" in all professional education and content field courses required; 4) Successful completion of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) is required prior to student teaching.

NOTE: College of the Ozarks Teacher Education Program and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification Standards that are in effect at the time of program completion must be met in order to be recommended for teaching certification.

College of the Ozarks students who completed the professional educational programs for teacher certification had a 100% pass rate on the prescribed state licensure tests for 2022-2023.

Bachelor of Science

The Henry Robert Herold Chair of Biological Sciences, established to honor Dr. Herold, is funded by the Pfeiffer Foundation.

The Joe T. McKibben Chairs of Biological Sciences were established in 1998 to honor Dr. McKibben's distinguished career and generous support of the College.

Students graduating with a degree in biology from College of the Ozarks will:

• attain a basic knowledge of life processes occurring at the molecular, cellular, organismal, population, and ecosystem levels (Academic);
• acquire skills in research using modern tools for gathering and analyzing data, communicating the results in written and oral formats, and critically analyzing the research of other scientists (Vocational);
• understand the processes and roles of science in perceiving God's work in the ordered universe and perceive themselves as responsible stewards of the earth and its diversity of life (Christian);
• become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and active citizens of God's Kingdom and our country and be able to apply critical thinking skills to make well-informed decisions about current scientific issues (Patriotic);
• be able to collect, evaluate, and communicate biological information and present it to the scientific community and the general public (Cultural). 

Biology minors may not major in Conservation and Wildlife Management or Human and Molecular Biology.