The Department of Biological Sciences at Oakwood University is designed for students who aspire to careers in healthcare, research, and the life sciences. The department offers a dynamic, hands-on education that prepares graduates to excel in competitive professional and graduate programs, while remaining grounded in service, leadership, and faith.
Degree Programs & Concentrations
Students can pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology or Biomedical Sciences, or earn a minor in Biology, all within a curriculum intentionally structured to support diverse career goals. Degree programs include concentrations in Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Biomedical Engineering, Animal and Environmental Sciences, and General Biology. Whether students are preparing for medical school or exploring broader scientific careers, they receive a strong academic foundation combined with highly personalized guidance.
Hands-On Education
Oakwood biology students push their science beyond study into practice. Coursework is reinforced through laboratory-based learning, research experiences, and real-world problem solving that prepare students for the demands of professional schools and the workforce. Graduates consistently gain admission into medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary schools, as well as STEM graduate programs, while others launch successful careers into science-related workforce.
Student Development & Leadership
Beyond academics, students benefit from meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, and community service engagement. Student-led clubs and organizations provide platforms to grow professionally, build teamwork skills, and develop confidence. These qualities give students an edge into the application process for professional schools, and even the workforce.
MCAT Preparation & Academic Support
Understanding the competitiveness of health-professional pathways, the Department of Biological Sciences offers targeted academic support for entrance exams and applications. Through strong collaboration with alumni physicians, the department provides a highly subsidized MCAT preparation program, giving pre-medical students access to structured content review, mentorship, and application guidance. This intentional support model ensures students are not only academically prepared, but also strategically equipped to navigate the professional school application process.
Research Opportunities
Research is a major highlight of the Oakwood experience. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in paid summer research internships, often lasting six to twelve weeks at research institutions across the country. These highly competitive placements allow students to work alongside experienced researchers, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to careers in science and medicine. Many students continue working with mentors after the summer, preparing presentations for regional and national scientific conferences.
Presenting research at conferences such as the Emerging Researchers National Conference gives Oakwood students the opportunity to showcase their work, strengthen professional networks, and stand out among peers nationwide. These experiences build confidence, sharpen communication skills, and open doors to graduate schools and professional opportunities.
Career Pipelines & Institutional Partnerships
Career preparation at Oakwood extends well beyond graduation planning. The Department of Biological Sciences has deliberately built robust career pipelines through long-standing partnerships with more than 120 institutions that have admitted Oakwood graduates. These partnerships engage students early, helping them explore professional fit, gain exposure, and build relationships that strengthen their future applications.
Current pipeline partners include leading institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Howard University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, and many others. These collaborations reflect the department's reputation for producing capable, well-prepared, and principled graduates.
STEM Success Academy
The department's commitment to recruitment and early exposure also extends to the broader community through the STEM Success Academy, a program designed for high school students interested in science and healthcare careers. Participants engage in STEM enrichment, conduct research with Oakwood faculty and student teaching assistants, and present at an annual community science fair. Recently, 60 students presented projects, many advancing to and winning awards at the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair, highlighting the program's academic rigor and impact. This program goes beyond presenting great opportunities for high school students to giving our undergraduate students an early opportunity to invest and connect with their community.
Investment in Student Success
Supported by strategic partnerships, Title III funding, and more than $2.5 million in external grants, the Department of Biological Sciences continues to invest in modern facilities, enriching experiences, and student success initiatives.
For students seeking a science education that combines academic excellence, hands-on research, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership, Oakwood University's Department of Biological Sciences offers a compelling path forward. They make a difference, even as they develop their own careers.