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.
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.
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.
Secondary Teaching Emphasis
The Secondary Teaching Emphasis prepares students for a teaching endorsement in Biology. Must be accompanied by a teacher preparation program.
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.
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.
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.
Biology Minor
A biology minor can offer a solid introductory foundation in the biological sciences by providing training on laboratory equipment and experiences in field- and lab-based research opportunities, while pursuing a major in another scholastic area.
Students may apply to the biology minor 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.
More information on applying to the biology minor may be found, here.