Anthropology/Biology, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Technology.

89 credits 

Introduction/What is the Study of Anthropology/Biology?

Biological or Physical Anthropology is the study of both present and past human variation relative to local ecologies and cultures. Biological Anthropologists specialize in Human or Primate Anatomy, Genetics, Disease Ecology, Growth and Development, Forensic Anthropology and Osteology, Medical Anthropology or Primate Behavior and Primatology.

Why Consider an Anthropology/Biology Major? 

The Biology/Anthropology major is a concentration on Human Biology and Behavioral Science. This major is more flexible than the Biology/Anthropology B.S. but is also excellent preparation for the applied health careers and graduate programs in Biological or Physical Anthropology. Check the course requirements for your postgraduate applied health programs to make sure you take all the appropriate prerequisites.

Contact Information

Anthropology Program Advisor Joan Stevenson Arntzen Hall 316 360-650-4787 Joan.Stevenson@wwu.edu Anthropology Program Advisor MJ Mosher Arntzen Hall 324 360-650-3614 M.J.Mosher@wwu.edu

Biology Program Advisor Roger Anderson Biology 311 360-650-3992 roger.anderson@wwu.edu

Biology Program Coordinator Maren Brinson Biology 315 360-650-6165 Maren.Brinson@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Applied Health Tracks | Physical Anthropology | Graduate Programs

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Declare your Anthropology/Biology major as soon as you discover you are interested. Contact the Anthropology department and Maren Brinson in the Biology Department Office, BI 315 for details. Freshmen, your first quarter is not too soon!

This degree has a two-step process for admission. Phase I students are students who have declared their intent to major in biology, and are in the process of completing the introductory biology and general chemistry series. Admission to Phase II is based on academic performance in the introductory courses. Students must have achieved an average grade of 2.9 or higher in their introductory biology and general chemistry courses before they can advance to Phase II and begin taking upper-division coursework.

Consult Department advisors in Biology and Anthropology as early as possible. Early advisement will ensure appropriateness and proper sequencing of courses. Anthropology/Biology BA majors need to begin the chemistry/biology sequences required prior to declaring the major. This will assist them in shortening considerably the many quarters necessary for the anthropology/biology major.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.