Biology Minor
Study one of the most diverse sciences when you minor in biology.
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Study Living Organisms in Hands-on Labs
Explore the beauty and complexity of God’s creation through the Biology Minor at Concordia University Irvine. You’ll examine living systems at every scale, from microscopic cells to entire ecosystems, while developing the analytical and laboratory skills needed to understand how life functions and flourishes.
This minor program combines classroom learning with hands-on laboratory experience, so you can apply what you learn in real-world settings. You’ll begin with two foundational biology courses, then choose from a variety of specialized topics such as evolutionary zoology, ocean science, and population genetics.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Meet Our Faculty
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Sarah Karam
Professor of Biology
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Sean Bignami
Professor of Biology
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Lindsay Kane-Barnese
Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry
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Scott Gaines
Associate Professor of Biology
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Stephanie Matsuno
Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry
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Tyler Zarubin
Assistant Professor of Biology
FAQs
Is a biology minor useful?
A minor in biology can complement a wide range of majors and prepare you for meaningful careers in science, healthcare, and education. It’s especially useful for students interested in fields such as Healthcare Management, Kinesiology, Nursing, and Psychology — where understanding human biology and environmental systems enhances both professional practice and personal insight.
What careers can a biology minor support?
Graduates who study biology often pursue careers in physical and biological sciences, nursing, education, and management.1 Others apply their scientific knowledge in related fields such as public health, environmental policy, biotechnology, and research. No matter your path, studying biology builds analytical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving skills that employers value across industries.
Is a biology minor or major right for me?
It all depends on what you want to use biology for. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the life sciences such as medicine or research, then a major is the best path to take. If you are interested in a career that is outside of the life-sciences such as an educator, then a biology minor is a good choice.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/biology/biology-field-of-degree.htm (viewed Oct. 14, 2025).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.