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Biological Sciences Options

Biology students in labBiomedical Sciences Option

The Biomedical Sciences Option prepares students for entry into medical and dental school, as well as other medically relevant ventures including biomedical research. Biomedical coursework includes exploring career-relevant topics such as cell and molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and immunology, physiology and anatomy. Additionally, students have the opportunity to conduct novel biological research projects with biological sciences faculty in various fields including microbiology, immunology, developmental biology and neuroscience. Students regularly present research at regional and national meetings. The combination of our broad biomedical sciences coursework and opportunities for undergraduate research training have led to a 90+ percent acceptance rate into graduate and medical programs.

Pre-Medical Professions Information

Environmental & Organismal Biology Option

Boat with students on it in a lake

The Environmental and Organismal Biology Option provides students with opportunities to engage in courses focusing on vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, plants and the environment. Students selecting this option take field trips to a wide diversity of habitats that range from aquatic springs and water bodies to grasslands to forested areas in the region.  Additionally, they experience firsthand data collection and analysis of organisms in both field and laboratory settings, and many engage in research activities with biological sciences faculty that result in presentations and publications. This combination of our broad undergraduate coursework and mentored research opportunities has led to high acceptance rate into graduate and veterinarian programs for SWOSU biology graduates.

Testimonials from SWOSU Biology Graduates

Steven Chase Stroud, M.D.

Steven Chase Stroud, M.D.

PGY1 Resident, Internal Medicine, University of Arizona

SWOSU provided an excellent foundation to pursue medical school. The biology professors are truly passionate about teaching, and are great resources to help students develop meaningful research projects and participate in volunteering activities. The front office staff is exceptional as well. Everything from individualized teaching with a small professor: student ratio to prompt delivery of letters of recommendation for medical school applications, the SWOSU Biology Department had me covered from day one.

Abby McKisson

Abby McKisson

First-Year Vet Student, Oklahoma State University

SWOSU, and especially the Biology Department, quickly became home to me and was the perfect place for me to gain the education and skills needed for professional school. The quality of professors, availability of resources, and opportunity to gain research experience have undoubtedly prepared me for success in veterinary school. Being the first student to graduate with the Environmental and Organismal Biology degree option, I can attest to the rigor and excellence that I experienced taking these classes. The smaller class sizes truly propagate a sense of camaraderie among peers and allow for genuine interaction with the SWOSU professors.