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Life Sciences

Department of Life Sciences

Our students have gone on to be highly successful in their careers, whether it be as a biologist, medical professional, natural resource manager, researcher, or teacher.

About the Department

In the Life Sciences Department, we foster a climate of intellectual curiosity. As a student here, you’ll develop crucial laboratory skills that are applicable to a variety of science and health fields. Our science labs are among the best in the state and are used regularly by a range of classes to complete a rigorous science curriculum under the supervision of our distinguished faculty. The Carhart Science Building features biological, physical, and chemical science laboratories with cutting-edge equipment, while our human cadaver lab provides students the opportunity to learn about human anatomy and physiology beyond the books. Our new Anatomage Tables are 3D, life-sized, interactive anatomy tools that allow you to virtually dissect cadavers, to prepare for health care professions. Anatomy students will also have access to a lab that features human cadavers.

Many of our students go on to medical and dental school, as well as various other health programs such as physician assistant and physical therapy. Other students go on to jobs in industry or natural resource conservation. Some students go on to graduate school and become researchers and faculty members at major universities. Our faculty frequently hear back from graduates who praise the preparation they received at Wayne State College.

 

Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP)

A cooperative program between Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) that recruits and educates students from rural Nebraska to become health care providers and return to a rural community. You’ll receive a full tuition scholarship at Wayne State College with guaranteed admission to UNMC.

"The professors here are truly outstanding. They are extremely helpful and dedicated to student success. The small classes and one-on-one opportunities in labs and lectures are one of a kind. My future plans are to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha for physician assistant school. The professors know the rigor of professional school and have prepared me for the difficulties that medical school entails. Upon completion of PA school, I hope to return and work in family practice in rural Nebraska so that I can provide healthcare to people in their own hometown."

 

Natalie Gasseling

Hometown: Hemingford, Neb.
Life Sciences/Biology

Life Sciences Degree Programs

Choose from our majors in the life sciences, or enhance your education by adding on a second major or minor. Explore your options here.

Program Name Bachelor's Pre-Professional or Affiliate Master's Minor Education Field Endorsement Education Subject Endorsement Supplemental Endorsement
Applied Science (Agriculture/Biology) Explore             
Biology Explore      Explore       
Biology Education (7-12) Explore             
Chiropractic (Pre-Chiropractic)   Explore           
Conservation Biology Explore             
Dental Hygiene (Pre-Dental Hygiene)   Explore           
Dentistry (Pre-Dentistry)   Explore           
Environmental Studies       Explore       
Health Sciences (Life Sciences) Explore             
Interdisciplinary Studies Explore    Explore  Explore       
Medical Laboratory Science   Explore           
Medicine (Pre-Medicine)   Explore           
Mortuary Science   Explore           
Nursing (Early Admission BSN, or Pre-Nursing)   Explore           
Occupational Therapy (Pre-Occupational Therapy)   Explore           
Osteopathic Medicine (Pre-Osteopathic Medicine)   Explore           
Physical Therapy (Pre-Physical Therapy)   Explore           
Physician Assistant (Pre-Physician Assistant)   Explore           
Plant Biology-Ecology and Management   Explore           
Podiatry (Pre-Podiatric Medicine)   Explore           
Respiratory Therapy   Explore           
Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)   Explore           
Doug Christensen

“There are many options to explore in the Life Sciences Department! Our curriculum is designed to be an exciting and challenging experience, preparing you for a wide range of careers in medicine and health care, conservation biology, natural resource management, industry and beyond. Follow in the footsteps of our alumni that have chosen to pursue graduate research or academic careers. With amazing faculty, outstanding research and teaching technology, and field and internship experiences, we can grow together and continue the strong reputation Wayne State College graduates enjoy as they pursue their dreams in Nebraska and around the country.”

 

Doug Christensen, Ph.D.

Department Chair
Professor of Biology

Outside the Classroom

At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your degree in the life science by participating in clubs, organizations, and more.

WSC Service-Learning

Service-Learning

Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

Activities for life sciences degree majors

Opportunities

Conduct your own research and present your findings at conferences such as The Wildlife Society, American Society of Microbiology, The American Association for the Advancement of Science, and The North American Prairie Conference. Help judge at the Junior Academy of Science Fairs, and visit area science labs

Internships for life sciences degrees

Internships

We encourage all students to complete an internship before graduating, to gain experience in this field of study. Before graduating, you’ll have a chance to work with local agencies. Career Services is also available to help you find the best internship opportunities.

Learn From the Best

Our faculty are accomplished. They are highly regarded as experts in their fields and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in our life science degree programs.

Life Sciences Scholarships

In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships for life sciences students.

Take the Next Step

Take the Next Step