Biology, BA

Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Technology

74-76 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Biology?

Biology, as the study of living things, is an academic endeavor with a basic research focus on seeking answers to questions rather than on applying biological knowledge to solve problems. As scientists, biologists have two prime motivations: (1) intellectual curiosity about biological systems, and (2) the philosophy that creating and disseminating reliable knowledge has intrinsic worth.

The B.A. in Biology is designed for students who want to make biology the focus of a liberal arts education and are not directly interested in post-graduate study or professional careers in biology or teaching. The number of required courses in the B.A. Biology degree has been kept low to permit you to add other areas of study and courses suited to your needs and interests.

If you would like to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, you may wish to combine your interest in Biology with a focus of course work in areas such as History or Political Science. Other disciplines such as Art, English, Journalism, Sociology, Economics, Philosophy, Business, Physical Education, Psychology or Speech are also beneficial to you if pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.).

Why Consider a Biology Major? 

Are you interested in Biology but do not want a career in biology? Do you want a liberal arts education with a focus on Biology? Do you want to know all about the life that you see, hear, touch, taste and smell and how this affects us? Do you have interests in other scholastic areas as well? Consider a Bachelors of Arts in Biology!

Contact Information

Department Chair Joann Otto Biology 315 360-650-4044 Joann.Otto@wwu.edu

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

Sample Careers

Lobbyist | Scientific Illustrator | Science Writer | Public Outreach | Nursing | Physician Assistant | Dental Assistant | Regulatory Affairs | Pathology Assistant | Biological Photographer | Laboratory Technician

Major/Career Resources

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

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The Biology Department has a two-step process for admission into our degree programs. Phase I students are students who have declared their intent to major in biology and are in the process of completing the introductory biology (BIOL 204, 205, 206) and general chemistry (CHEM 121, 122, 123) series. Admission to Phase II is based on academic performance in the introductory courses. Students must achieve 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.

Major requirements include 56-58 credits of foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics and math and 18 credits of upper-division depth and elective courses. Biology Phase II status required for admission into 300- and 400-level biology courses for biology majors.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major courses.