Lyon College biology major named one of the top programs in Arkansas

Recently, Zippia ranked Lyon College’s biology major as number two out of seven programs in the state. According to Zippia, the rank was determined by career results and school performance. This rank follows Zippia’s study showing that Lyon College produces the highest earning graduates in Arkansas.

When asked about what makes the biology program at Lyon unique, biology faculty emphasized the College’s health coaching program and faculty mentoring.

“Our health coaching program provides our pre-professional students with intensive preparation and experience working directly with chronically ill patients,” said Assistant Professor of Biology Allyn Dodd, ‘07. “However, the characteristic that makes our biology program so special is the individualized attention we give our students.  We work diligently and collaboratively with one another to support each

[student]

on his or her unique path.”

“Our best asset is our faculty,” said W.D. Bryan Professor of Biology David Thomas. “Nothing can make up for quality teaching and mentoring.”

Another benefit Lyon’s biology program offers student is hands-on experience, from research opportunities to specialized projects.

“Our faculty members seize every opportunity to offer students research and laboratory experience that provides transferable skills that our students can utilize after Lyon, regardless of whether they pursue professional school, graduate school, or directly enter the workforce,” said Dodd.

“From basic lab methods in Principles of Biology to field work in Speleology to individual projects in Microbiology, my students learn real-world applications from the very start,” added Thomas.

As for career results, institutional research recently found that Lyon had an 87% medical school acceptance rate, which is more than double the national average for colleges. Also, 98% of Lyon graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. 

For the full list of the seven schools in Arkansas that made the ranks, visit Zippia.com.