Mount Mary University’s Human Biology major, Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration emphasizes scientific inquiry and brings real-world experience into the classroom and laboratory to prepare you to achieve personal and professional success. As a Human Biology major with a Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration, you’ll get to participate in many hands-on labs, as well as undergraduate research projects. The major prepares you for success in healthcare, research, writing, education, public health or management careers.

• Human Biology Pre-Dietetics sample plan

Mount Mary University offers a Biology post-baccalaureate certificate in General Biology or Biology Education to those who have already completed a bachelor's degree.

Certificate Requirements: Requirements for the Biology post-baccalaureate certificate are the same as for the traditional biology major. If you wish to teach biology at a middle or high school, you may need complete an Education certificate as well. 

Take the Next Step: To learn more about the Biology post-baccalaureate certificate program, contact our Admission Office.

The Food Science certificate is an interdisciplinary program rooted in the foundational sciences of biology, chemistry, and engineering. This program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of food, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, develop, and improve food products for both industry and consumer benefit.

Throughout the program, students will explore the complex nature of foods — from their raw ingredients to their final form — while examining how nutritional content is affected at each stage of production. Drawing on principles of biochemistry and microbiology, students will investigate how microorganisms, enzymes, and chemical reactions influence food safety, preservation, and shelf life.

With a strong emphasis on food engineering, the curriculum also introduces students to the technological processes behind food manufacturing, including processing, packaging, and quality control methods used in real-world production environments. Students will learn how to apply scientific principles to solve practical challenges in the food industry, such as developing healthier formulations, reducing food waste, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

By the end of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

• Analyze the nutritional and chemical composition of various food products
• Apply biological and chemical principles to understand food behavior and safety
• Evaluate food processing techniques to optimize quality, taste, and nutritional value
• Develop innovative solutions to improve food production and sustainability

This certificate is ideal for students pursuing careers in food manufacturing, quality assurance, product development, nutrition, or those looking to build a foundation for further study in food science or related fields.

Jeremy Edison, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Division Chair and Director, Mathematics
Email: edisonj@mtmary.edu
Phone: (414) 930-3463

Christine Hoffmann, DC, MHA 
Assistant Professor of Sciences 
Phone: (414) 930-3361 
Email: hoffmanc@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Anatomy, Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Neurobiology 

Victoria Fisher-Keough
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry 
Phone: (414) 930-3550 
Email: fisherv@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Biochemistry, Chemical Education, Environmental Science, Criminalistics 

Rachel Jones Lipinski, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry 
Phone: (414) 930-3353 
Email: joneslr@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Biochemistry, Glycochemistry, Chemical Biology, Organic Chemistry 

Louise C. Kessler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Phone: (414) 930-3301
Email: kesslerl@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Microbiology, Prokaryotic Gene Regulation, Cell Biology, Molecular Techniques

Rita M. Quinones de Magalhaes, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Biology 
Phone: (414) 930-3365 
Email: magalhar@mtmary.edu 
Expertise: Fire Ecology, Plant Ecology, Intro Bio, Metacognition, Inclusive Practices  

Anne E. Vravick, Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor of Food Science 
Phone: (414) 930-3497 
Email: vravicka@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology 

The median annual wage for Biology majors is $71,000 per year, according to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An undergraduate Biology degree lets you can pursue entry-level positions. With advanced study, you could become a chiropractor, dentist, doctor or veterinarian.