Mission Statement
Specifically, the aspiration of our Department is to prepare students to make contributions to their local communities and beyond as educators, researchers, and professionals. In support of this mission, and recognizing the breadth and diversity in the life sciences, the Navajo Technical University Department of Biology offers its students a comprehensive education in the biological sciences by providing them the opportunity to pursue a B.S degree with emphasis in general biology. Our goal is to graduate students with a broad understanding of the processes, concepts, and organizations of life at the molecular/cellular, systemic/organismal, and the community/ecosystems levels. To strengthen this goal, students are required to reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained in various courses with laboratory and field experiences that will eventually prepare them to pursue a range of careers in the general education, biological sciences, allied health, and health sciences, including many other fields that engage directly with various aspects of human adaptation and welfare. Since today’s professional biologist need advanced degrees or specific training, our program prepares them to pursue higher degrees in biology and health-related professional schools.

The Biology Degree program is rich in biology and chemistry, and other related areas of study that includes biochemistry, genetics and cell biology. The program provides a solid background in physics and mathematics.

Students develop a broad knowledge of biology that is integrated with dynamic high quality research programs in specialized areas like molecular biology, genetics, animal and plant physiology, ecology, cell and developmental biology, evolution and behavior. Research experience would instill students the scientific application of theoretical knowledge to real world problems, as well as the opportunity to work with and get to know researchers working in their desired fields. Knowledge of these specialized subjects is intended to lay the groundwork for entry into a range of much needed professions in the Native American Communities such as the Navajo Nation, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, conservation and management of the environment, and broader job opportunities elsewhere in biotechnology, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

A student needs to complete the core Biology and general education courses within the first two years of study with a grade point average of 2.5 or better before taking the upper level core courses (300 and 400-level courses).

Degree Checklist (PDF)

Biology Requirements (119-120 Credits)

CHEM 1217CPrinciples of Chemistry I4MTH 120, CHEM 1120