Students using pipettes in a microbiology class

A degree in biology from Wartburg College is well-recognized around the nation.

The Wartburg Department of Biology prepares students for a variety of careers, including health professions, research, teaching, biotechnology, and fields involving global and environmental issues. We teach what science is, not just the knowledge it has produced, with inquiry-based learning. While the curriculum of the biology department is rigorous, students also gain an appreciation of how studying biology can be fun, exciting, and rewarding. The success of the biology program is grounded in its inquiry-based emphasis where students facilitate their learning by experiencing science rather than merely reading about it.

Outstanding Graduate Outcomes

Wartburg’s medical school acceptance rate is extremely high and the college has one of the highest rates of students accepted into the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Graduates applying to dentistry, optometry, podiatry, occupational therapy, nursing, medical technology, and chiropractic medicine programs have had similar acceptance rates. Students in pre-health programs who are double majoring in Spanish will have the opportunity to participate in a unique Spanish for Health Professions program at the University of Oviedo, Spain, which includes an advanced Spanish for Health Professionals course and a one-week clinical field experience in Oviedo at the end of the course. 

Biology professor showing the class a chicken during a Biology of Ordinary Things class

If you enjoy sharing your knowledge and preparing students for success in the sciences, consider becoming an educator.

Dentist Tools

Dentistry goes beyond great smiles. Dentists are often the first to recognize and identify many different diseases, including high blood pressure and cancer. 

Cell Biology Lab

Graduate students in the sciences have a passion for specialized knowledge and research and data analysis in hands-on laboratory environments.

Physical therapist helping patient walk

OTs help people who have mental, physical, or developmental disabilities often caused by birth defects, injuries, illnesses, or aging.

Close up of medical doctor's lab coat

Explore Wartburg’s four dining locations, hours of operation, and meal plan options to accommodate your needs.

Chemistry lab - students analyzing data

This field combines the challenges and rewards of basic science, medicine and technology to uncover clues to disease. 

Stethoscope and scrubs

Registered nursing programs prepare people to work as RNs. Students learn techniques and procedures of caring for patients and helping doctors.

Close up of human eye

Optometrists examine patients’ eyes to diagnose vision problems. They prescribe corrective lenses or other treatments.

Therapist stretching clients leg

Physical therapists treat patients to relieve their pain and increase their strength and mobility. Physical therapists care for patients with disabilities, injuries, or pain.

Veterinarian with dog

Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are medical professionals whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and people.

Graduate Outcomes

Owen Grover

Department News & Features