Biology-Chemistry, B.S.

Biology-Chemistry, B.S.

Program Overview

PLNU’s Biology-Chemistry major fuses two foundational sciences to help you explore life at the molecular level. With personalized mentorship, extensive lab experience, and a strong pre-health track, this program is ideal if you're aiming for medical school, graduate studies, or a career in biotechnology.

Why Choose Biology-Chemistry at PLNU? 

Over 90% Acceptance Rate to Medical & Graduate Schools

Since 2004, our grads have been accepted into top-tier programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, and research-focused graduate degrees.

Enhanced graphic of copy in the color green. Text reads "Our Biology-Chemistry program has been recognized by the EDC as 'preferred provider for life science talent' in San Diego, the nation's 3rd largest biotech hub."

1,300+ Hours of Hands-On Lab Experience

More than 80% of your science courses include labs, and you can earn 800+ additional hours through our paid 10-week summer research program, complete with free housing and a stipend.

Personalized Mentorship

Faculty advisors will work with you one-on-one to map out your academic plan, help you gain lab and internship experience, and guide your next steps after graduation.

What You'll Study

Courses span topics like organic chemistry, immunology, cell biology, and biochemical research, all designed to deepen your understanding of how chemistry drives living systems. You'll graduate prepared for roles in:

  • Biotechnology & Biomedicine
  • Pharmacology & Public Health
  • Medical & Dental Professions
  • Molecular Biology Research
  • Graduate & Ph.D. Programs

Explore life from the inside out and build a future in science, research, or healthcare.

Nature's Blueprint

A Recipe for Impact (Try Adding Coffee Beans) with Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick
How Ministry with Mexico trips informed Michal Montana’s role as an OB-GYN

A Passion for Life: Shaping the Future of Science

Fueled by Curiosity, Driven by Discovery

"Finding Purpose and Growth"
"Service Starts in Your Backyard"

Living Science

Videos (10)
Articles (7)
Quotes (5)
Pictures (5)
A Recipe for Impact (Try Adding Coffee Beans) with Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick The motorcycle came sputtering up behind them. They turned toward the sound to find a woman on a mission: a mother cradling her son as she simultaneously maneuvered the bike toward their one hope of relief. Discover
How Ministry with Mexico trips informed Michal Montana’s role as an OB-GYN Michal Montana, now an OB-GYN physician in Bend, Oregon, attributes her compassionate patient care and dedication to serving others to her experiences with Spring Break Build and Ministry with Mexico during her time at Point Loma. Discover
PLNU’s Catalina Ecology Trip Immerses Students in Nature When PLNU ecology students went on a trip to Catalina Island they came back with a fresh perspective on appreciating and stewarding creation. Discover
4 Impactful Research Projects from PLNU Professors PLNU is home to a variety of talented and hardworking professors doing important research in San Diego and beyond! Here are 4 professors in the biology and chemistry departments whose projects stand out as creative, fascinating, and impactful. Discover
Fish Farming in Malawi Fulfills Jake Minich’s Dream Minich’s aquaculture journey has led him to unexpected work in unexpected places. Discover
Black and in Medicine: Giving Voice to the 5 Percent Mitchell Prins used his artistic ability to co-create Voices of the 5%, an art exhibit that celebrates current and future Black physicians. Discover
Seeking the Unseen Dr. Kris Koudelka, a professor of biology at PLNU, spends his days working in the realm of the invisible. Based on indirect detection, his research can’t be seen or summarized in a concrete sense, but rather consists of what Koudelka describes as “moving liquid around in small tubes” and analyzing it with the help of Discover
Finding Purpose and Growth
"Point Loma doesn’t just give you the tools you need to get a job once you graduate; it teaches you how to be human, to ask questions, to never stop learning, to find comfort in your doubts, to seek truth, and to be a follower of Christ. I found my purpose here and was given everything I need to fulfill that purpose."
Tanner Matthews Biology-Chemistry B.S.
Service Starts in Your Backyard
"My motivation to pursue medicine has always been missionally-focused. I wanted to follow the pathway that my grandfather set ahead of me and serve others globally. I initially thought that always meant serving transcontinentally, yet my involvement with Ministry with Mexico showed me that service starts in your backyard."
Michal Montana Biology-Chemistry B.S.
Shaped by Mentorship
"I realized I wanted to be a college professor while I was a student in my PLNU lab class. One thing that is unique about Point Loma is that professors will continue to reach out to their former students long after graduation. Point Loma really helped shape me into the person I am today."
Kelsey Alexander Biology-Chemistry B.S.
Seeing Science as Creation
"As a science major at Point Loma, I learned to view the natural world not just as unending chemical and biological systems, but truly as God’s creation that He loves and cares for deeply."
Tanner Matthews Biology-Chemistry B.S.
Prepared for Medical School
"I felt better prepared by PLNU for medical school than most of my medical school classmates who went to other schools for undergrad. At Point Loma I had closer relationships with my professors who were passionate teachers, more hands on learning in smaller classes, and many more lab classes in my undergraduate training. I had active pre-med advisors who helped me through the entire application process, while many of my medical school classmates had to figure it out mostly on their own."
Matthew Steinhaus Biology-Chemistry B.S.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Biology-Chemistry, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Combining chemistry and biology into a singular degree will prepare you for either becoming a researcher or being an expert healthcare provider. If serving others and exploring the science of life are passions of yours, begin your college journey with a Biology-Chemistry (Bio-Chem) B.S.

What can you do with a bio-chem degree?

PLNU bio-chem graduates are sought after for the ways they are able to confidently integrate and apply their faith, knowledge, and skillset to their work. As one of the most common degrees chosen by those aspiring for a pre-health track or medical school, a bio-chem major offers students many resources on their educational journey, including references for volunteering, shadowing, research/internship opportunities, first- and second-round mock interviews, and meetings with the pre-health advisor (just to name a few). 

Not to mention, 90% of PLNU students who have applied to health professions schools have been admitted! Alumni have combined their passion for science and strong academic foundation into careers in pharmacology, biotechnology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, and many others.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living organisms and biological processes. They work in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, universities, or healthcare institutions—conducting experiments to understand disease, genetics, drug development, or cellular function.

  • Median Pay: $103,650/year
  • Number of Jobs: 35,700
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +9%
  • Employment Change: +3,200 jobs
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Family Medicine Physicians

A Family Medicine Physician provides comprehensive, ongoing healthcare for individuals and families across all ages, genders, and medical conditions. They work in clinics, hospitals, or private practices—diagnosing illnesses, managing chronic diseases, promoting preventive care, and building long-term patient relationships.

  • Median Pay: $231,400/year
  • Number of Jobs: 834,500
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +3%
  • Employment Change: +34,500 jobs
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Biomedical Scientists

A Biomedical Scientist conducts laboratory research and diagnostic testing to understand human diseases and develop treatments. They work in hospitals, research institutions, biotechnology companies, and public health labs—analyzing biological samples, studying pathogens, and supporting medical breakthroughs.

  • Median Pay: $106,950/year
  • Number of Jobs: 19,700
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +7%
  • Employment Change: +1,500 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Be the intersection of biology and chemistry in your community and make your mark in research efforts or quality healthcare

The Biology-Chemistry B.S. from PLNU prepares you with experience and knowledge to be an innovator in the science or medical industries. Whether you pursue research, healthcare, or other careers within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, you’ll be ready with the insight gained at PLNU. 

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Dr. Mike Dorrell smiles as he works with students on a research project.

The Biology Club (TriBeta)

TriBeta is the national biology honors society comprised of biology, biology-chemistry, and environmental science majors and faculty from PLNU.

A chemistry student focuses as she pours a liquid into a test tube.

Chemistry Club

From synthesizing pharmaceutical drugs to discovering new materials, chemistry is everywhere. That's why PLNU's Chemistry Club is here to help you get involved.

A stack programs for the Kyoto Symposium fanned out on a table

Kyoto Symposium

Awardees of Japan’s highest global achievement in technology, science, art, and philosophy gather for a symposium of lectures and ceremonies held in San Diego.