Introduction
The Biology BA program features a core curriculum at the 200-level and 300-level, plus one 400-level course in evolution. Additional upper-division lab and lecture courses will help you to 1) gain additional depth of knowledge, 2) have opportunities to integrate and apply that knowledge in various settings including the lab, the field, and discussions with others, and 3) develop skills and abilities that are tailored to particular interests and career paths.
Why Consider a Biology BA?
- Are you fascinated by the natural world, and how life impacts every area of human endeavor?
- Are you considering a career in applied biology?
- Do you have interests in other disciplines you want to combine with the study of biology?
The Biology BA program gives you access to the same strong biology foundation as the Biology BS, followed by 13 elective credits. A diploma granted under this concentration will indicate “Bachelor of Arts: Biology;” official transcripts will indicate Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts and Major: Biology.
Student Resources
Department website: Biology
Contact information: Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly, Biology 315, 360-650-6165, biologyadvising@wwu.edu
Academic advising: Admitted and/or current students must meet with an academic advisor.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers
Educator, Scientific Illustrator, Science Writer, Public Outreach, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Dental Assistant, Pathology Assistant, Biological Photographer, Laboratory Technician, Field Biologist
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Capacity-constrained major
Admission to the Biology Major is based upon an application procedure that considers prior academic performance (specifically GPA in prerequisite courses) and student responses to focused prompts.
Pre-major Declaration
Students who have been formally admitted into Western may declare a biology pre-major at any time by filling out the Student Academic Declaration and Change Form. Pre-majors are assigned to biology faculty advisors in their area of interest and may expect to be notified regularly via email regarding opportunities for general advising, course registration information, application deadlines, and scholarships.
Application to the Major
Students are eligible to apply to the Biology Major when they have completed BIOL 204, BIOL 205, CHEM 161/175, and CHEM 162/176 with grades of C- or higher. Application involves submitting a completed application form, including responding to prompts about the applicant’s experience, motivation, and goals. See the Biology Department’s website for more details, including information about application prompts, application deadlines, review timeline, and reapplication limits. The Biology Department’s website also has information specific to transfer students interested in applying for admission to the Biology Major, such as application eligibility and transfer course equivalencies.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply to the major at the beginning of the quarter in which they are enrolled in BIOL 206 and/or CHEM 163/225 to ensure timely progress towards graduation. Admission to the major following a successful application is contingent on completing both BIOL 206 and CHEM 163/225 with a grade of C- or higher.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major courses, and for supporting courses for majors.
