Dr. Erin Morris
Professor of Biology
Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry
Health, Behavior, and Communication
About
The human body is fascinating and our health is affected by a variety of factors beyond strictly physical concerns. This major takes an interdisciplinary approach to biology.
Students complete a natural science core complemented by courses that address personal and group behavior, the role community can play in an individual’s health, and how to communicate health information to a variety of stakeholders. Students are prepared for careers in patient care and engagement, health care management, and health care administration.
“We saw a growing number of students who showed interest in biology and the social sciences, so we designed a major that allows students to take courses in multiple disciplines in preparation for a career in health care. This major is a good choice for students considering a job in health care and for students applying to nursing school or pharmacy school after earning a bachelor’s degree.”
—Dr. Erin Morris, Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry
Perfect First Step
The study of human biology is excellent preparation for graduate study in patient care and public health.
Interdisciplinary Tracks
Students complete two of the following tracks.
Communication (9 credit hours)
Students will learn communication strategies, methods, and principles in order to disseminate health information effectively, influence audiences, and bring about change in the health field.
Psychology (9 credit hours)
Students will gain an understanding of psychological principles and human behavior. They will then be able to evaluate research and health policy and improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of themselves and those they serve.
Sociology (9 credit hours)
Students will gain an understanding of the interaction between individuals, groups, and institutions and learn how to apply this to the health field.
Health Science (9 credit hours)
Students will gain an understanding of community-based programs that focus on the overall health behaviors and risk factors of the community and be able to evaluate and apply these programs.
Exceptional Experience
01/03
Careers
- Human biology majors are prepared for these pursuits:
- Graduate study in a variety of health-related fields
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Health-care administration
- Public health
- Medical and pharmaceutical sales
Scholarships
The Department of Biology and Chemistry gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:
- Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Biology
- Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Chemistry
- Howard T. Bonnett Scholarship and Mrs. Ivan L. Boyd Memorial Scholarship
- Margaret E. Scanlon Endowed Memorial Scholarship
- J. Cragoe Scholarship
- Chemical Rubber Company Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award
- Sonia Browning Endowed Scholarship
- Doris Cink and Kathryn Zimney Endowed Scholarship
- Outstanding Senior in Biology
- Outstanding Freshman in Biology
Course of Study
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Erin Morris
Professor of Biology, Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry
B.A. Drury University, Ph.D. University of Missouri-Columbia
Expertise: molecular plant genetics
Office: Boyd Science Center 228
Dr. Kyle York
Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D. Cleveland University
Expertise: Human anatomy and physiology
Office: Boyd Science Center 227
Dr. Darcy Russell
Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Professor of Biology
B.S. Baker University, Ph.D. Kansas State University
Expertise: microbiology
Office: Constant Hall, Academic Affairs Suite
Dr. Tim Buzzell
Professor of Sociology
B.A., M.P.A. Drake University; Ph.D. Iowa State University
Expertise: Computer crime and Internet deviance, sociology of ritual and holidays, political sociology and extremist groups
Office: Parmenter Hall 16
Dr. Sara Crump
Professor of Psychology, Chair of the Department of Psychology
B.S. University of Washington, Ph.D. University of California at Santa Barbara
Office: Mabee Hall 204
Dr. Susan Emel
Professor of Communication Studies, Ernestine Susannah Buckley Chair
B.S. Kansas State University, M. Div. St. Paul School of Theology, Ph.D. University of Kansas
Expertise: interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, communication theory, rhetorical studies
Office: Parmenter Hall 15
Dr. Erin Holt
Chair of Applied Health Sciences Department, Associate Professor of Applied Health Sciences
B.A. Park University, M.A. Southeast Missouri State, Ed.D. Delta State University
Office: Mabee Hall 405
Dr. Robyn Long
Professor of Psychology, Director of Study Abroad
B.S. Baker University, M.Ed. & Ph.D. University of Georgia
Office: Mabee Hall 206
Dr. Kimberly Schaefer
Associate Professor of Communication Studies
B.A. University of Richmond; M.A., Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin
Expertise: interpersonal communication, communication technology, personal relationships
Office: Parmenter Hall 18
Dr. Christian Gomez
Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S. Washburn University, Ph.D. University of Kansas
Expertise: cell biology, microbiology, cancer biology
Office: Boyd Science Center 230
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