Biology Degrees and Areas of Study
Biology Majors
The Biology Department offers a broad-based curriculum with the opportunity for undergraduates to explore specific areas of biology in greater depth through upper-division courses. The department offers both BA and BS degree programs, and students can choose to pursue areas of emphasis in Cell Biology, Ecology, Evolution & Organismal Biology, Secondary Education, or Marine Biology. We also have developed several interdisciplinary majors in conjunction with Anthropology, Biochemistry, Mathematics and Psychology departments.
Find out more information on:
Biology (BA)
The Biology BA is designed for students who want to make biology the focus of a liberal arts education and may not be directly interested in post-graduate study or professional careers in biology or teaching.
General Biology (BS)
The General Biology Emphasis allows students to apply their education to a variety of jobs across careers in biology.
For more information, check out the General Biology Program Sheet.
Molecular and Cell Emphasis
The Molecular and Cell Emphasis focuses on the biochemistry, cell biology, molecular genetics and genomics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic model organisms.
For more information, check out the Biology Molecular and Cell Emphasis Program Sheet.
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEO) Emphasis
The Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology (EEO) Emphasis focuses on the structure, function, ecology and evolution of organisms, with an emphasis on plants and animals.
For more information, check out the EEO Emphasis Program Sheet.
Secondary Teaching Emphasis
The Secondary Teaching Emphasis prepares students for a teaching endorsement in Biology. Must be accompanied by a teacher preparation program.
For more information, check out the Secondary Teaching Emphasis Program Sheet.
Marine Emphasis
The Marine Emphasis major provides a thorough introduction to the basic areas of biology and supporting sciences while allowing specialization in marine biology. Students explore the structure and function of marine organisms and their relationship with the environment.
For more information, check out the Marine Emphasis Program Sheet.
Combined Biology Majors
Biology/Anthropology (BS)
The Biology/Anthropology BS Major includes behavioral science for students who want to pursue post-baccalaureate degrees in research or applied health.
For more information, check out the Biology/Anthropology Program Sheet.
Biology/Anthropology (BA)
The Biology/Anthropology BA is more flexible than the Biology/Anthropology BS and is also excellent preparation for the applied health careers and graduate programs in Biological or Physical Anthropology.
Biology/Mathematics (BS)
The Biology/Mathematics Major brings together a core knowledge of biology with linear algebra, advanced calculus, and methods of computer programming and mathematical modeling.
For more information, check out the Biology/Mathematics Major Program Sheet.
Biology Minor
Current Policy: Students must be eligible for Phase II status before they may declare a minor in biology. Admission to Phase II requires that a student have a minimum gpa of 2.9 in the introductory chemistry and biology courses (CHEM 161, 162, 163 and BIOL 204, 205 and 206).
New Policy: Information on admission to the Biology Minor