The BA degree program is designed for students preparing to incorporate biology into broader careers such as teaching, certain health sciences (e.g., physician assistant, nursing, physical therapist), business, or law. It is also the appropriate major for students seeking endorsement in teaching high school biology.
A BS is recommended for students who anticipate pursuing a graduate degree in biology, health programs (MD, DO, DVM, DDS, Pharm D.) or biology careers that might require training in a greater depth of biological sub-disciplines. See a faculty advisor in the Biology Department as soon as possible to develop a course of study and to determine which degree program to pursue.
Teaching Endorsement:
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in Biology (5-12), qualifying students to teach biology at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete the Biology BA and STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the biology teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Exhibit basic mastery of biological content.
- Reason analytically.
- Critically analyze the primary literature.
- Employ appropriate experimental design and methodology.
- Effectively communicate underlying principles of biology.
- Demonstrate basic scientific skills.