Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Technology
93-95 credits
Introduction
A diploma granted under this major will indicate “Bachelor of Science”; official transcripts will indicate Biology and the area of emphasis.
Major requirements include 73-76 credits of foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics and math, and 19-20 upper-division biology depth and elective credits. Biology Phase II status required for admission into 300- and 400-level biology courses for biology majors.
To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete a professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion and teacher certification requirements for Woodring College of Education.
To receive a Biology endorsement with a teaching certification will require taking SCED 481 and 491 after being admitted to Woodring College of Education. Students who elect to complete certification as an undergraduate while completing a Biology Bachelor of Science degree can count these two courses as electives for the BS. To receive a Science endorsement, take GEOL 211 and 212, and ASTR 315 in addition to the courses listed for the Biology endorsement.
Faculty Advisors: Alejandro Acevedo-Gutiérrez, Deborah Donovan
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 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.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major courses. Science courses required for state teaching endorsements must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
