| Explore the World of Science
Start your journey with a degree in Environmental Science from UIW.
Launch Your Science Career at UIW
Explore diverse scientific pathways with our Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry programs.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Biology
The Department of Biology offers two degree programs, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology. The B.A. and B.S. are 120-hour programs that incorporates a broad range of disciplines including evolution, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, topics in animal and human physiology, microbiology and ecology.
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The Chemistry degree programs are designed to develop the next generation of environmental, forensic, and synthetic chemists by engaging students in laboratory training and research skill development using curriculum that has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
The Biochemistry degree programs are tailored to prepare students for career paths as a biomedical researchers, dentists, physicians and teachers and are approved by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
All first-time freshman applicants are automatically eligible for a range of academic scholarships up to $20,000.
Program Highlights
Students enrolled in the UIW School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering can expect rigorous and dynamic programs integrating significant lab experiences.
Biology
Biology Students Can Expect:
- Comprehensive education covering courses such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Ecology
- Cell biology
- Molecular genetics
- Opportunity for advanced research, particularly for UIW Honors students, fostering deeper exploration and application of theoretical knowledge
Chemistry
Chemistry Students Can Expect:
- To pursue advanced studies in area of drug design and synthesis, chemical biology, forensics and environmental chemistry
- To train using high-tech instruments
- To engage in research opportunities with individualized faculty mentoring
- To develop career skills and attend scientific conferences
Biochemistry
Biochemistry Students Can Expect:
- To pursue advanced studies in the areas of metabolism, chemical biology, biomedical science and protein structure-function
- To train in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and the use of biotechnology instruments
- To engage in research opportunities with individualized faculty mentoring
- To develop career skills and attend bio-agricultural or biomedical scientific conferences
Career Outlook and Opportunities
The Biology major serves a wide variety of career opportunities. In addition to professional school opportunities or graduate school in biological sciences, the biology major provides a strong foundation in the basic life sciences that prepares students for research and technical positions in universities, government and industry. A biology degree also prepares graduates for positions in zoos, museums, botanical gardens and wildlife parks. With a minor in teaching, graduates can be certified to teach biology in high school or science in middle school.
Careers in the biology field are expected to grow by up to 10 percent between now and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings Potential in Biology:
The national median wage for biology degree holders was $70,000 as of 2021.Examples of Career Opportunities:
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Nurse
- Dental Science
- Veterinarian
- Professor
- Research Scientist
- Environmental Protection
- Public Health Inspector or Analyst
- Biomedical Scientist
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Pharmacist
- Regulatory Compliance
- Nutritionist
- Epidemiologist
- Criminologist/Forensic scientist
Countless industries rely on the work of chemists to operate, innovate and advance. Chemistry majors may be well suited to positions as research associates in private labs, lab technicians, toxicology assistants, forensic scientists, water or soil quality analysts and much more. Chemistry majors are particularly valuable in healthcare industries and medical labs, pharmaceutical companies, and government and public sector positions. Students may also progress to graduate school to pursue work as an educator in higher education, chemical engineering and analytical chemistry or advance in their chosen career paths.
Careers in the chemistry field are expected to grow by six percent between now and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings Potential in Chemistry:
The national median salary for chemists and materials scientists was $81,810 as of 2022.
Examples of Career Opportunities:
- Product development
- Process development
- Analysis
- Testing
- Biotechnology
- Consulting
- Quality assurance/Quality control
- Management
- Environmental analyses
- Forensics
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Environment
- Agriculture
- Food Science
- Cosmetics
There are many careers open to students with a biochemistry degree. Students wishing to pursue medical school or advanced study in fields such as pharmacy or other health fields will be well prepared to move on to such professional programs. Students may also advance directly to the workforce as a clinical research assistant, lab technician, forensic scientist or other positions in biotechnology, product development, higher education, private labs, government, hospitals and medical centers, to name a few.
Careers in the biochemistry field are expected to grow by seven percent between now and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earnings Potential in Biochemistry:
The national median wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $103,810 as of 2022.Examples of Career Opportunities:
- Analysis and Research
- Testing
- Biotechnology
- Consulting
- Management
- Forensics
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
Alumni Testimonial
Learn how UIW helped Dr. Amanda Roberts realize her dream of becoming a scientist and how she is helping mentor future students as a visiting professor at UIW.
UIW By the Numbers
#1
Largest Catholic university in Texas
99%
of UIW full-time, first-time freshmen received financial assistance
$24,651
The average amount of need-based scholarships and grants awarded to full-time, first-time freshmen
Your Journey. Our Mission.
Since our founding in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, we have challenged our students to think critically, explore curiously and to leverage their God-given talents to make positive impacts on their communities and the world around them.
Dr. Thomas M. Evans
President, University of the Incarnate Word