Biological Sciences is a dynamic, hands-on program that prepares you for a number of health-related professions in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, and physician’s assistant roles, as well as graduate and teacher credential programs, and entry-level careers in government and private organizations.
Through participation in leading-edge research projects, you will gain invaluable experience in research methodology, problem solving and intellectual discovery. The program also provides career-relevant internships that are designed to get you out of the classroom and into a field of interest. Short and long-term study abroad opportunities are also available in this integrated curriculum.
What is unique about this program?
All students enrolled in the Biological Sciences major take seven units of undergraduate research courses during their academic career starting in their first year. This intensive exposure to scientific research is highly valued in graduate and professional school applications.
If you're interested in health-related fields, you will also have the opportunity to participate in our exclusive Kaiser Permanente mentoring program.
What else about this program makes it stand out from other biology programs?
- Classes are taught by professors not teaching assistants.
- Our small class size allows for a close interaction between students and professors.
- Internships are part of the curriculum, allowing you to gain real-life experience in the profession you are interested in while earning academic credit.
- Study-abroad opportunities are integrated into our curriculum as either short-term courses or long-term programs.
Minor
Four minors are offered: Biological Sciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology and Organismal Biology.
Career Paths
Students with a degree in Biological Science are prepared for a wide range of careers, including environmental work, biotechnology, and secondary school teaching. This degree is also important for students pursuing further training in medical, pharmacy and graduate school.
Concentrations
This concentration allows students to select courses from three major disciplines in biological sciences: ecology and environmental sciences, organismal, and molecular cell biology.
Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Integrative Biology.
Designed for students interested in environmental careers, such as a research assistant, technician or teacher, this concentration is also useful for students who want to pursue graduate school.
Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
This concentration is recommended for students interested in working as a laboratory technician or research assistant scientist, as well as students who plan to apply to graduate school or a professional school in the health sector.
Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Molecular Cell Biology.
This concentration is recommended for students interested in jobs requiring fieldwork or research assistant scientist positions, as well as students who plan to apply to graduate school or a professional school in the health sector.
Learn more by reviewing course requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Organismal Biology.
Degrees Offered
BA, BS, Minor
Course Catalog
Office Hours
Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
