Dec 09, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Major, BA


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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 Department of Biology as soon as possible to develop a course of study and to determine which degree program to pursue. General education biology courses and biology courses designed for majors outside of the department may not be used to fulfill Biology BS, Biology BA, or minor requirements. Please read course descriptions for details. Courses used as electives are approved by department advisement.

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.

Biology Graduation Requirements


  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 in their major to graduate.
  • Application for the bachelor’s degree must be filed by the second Friday of the quarter preceding the quarter in which the degree is to be received. Complete instructions and deadlines are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Biology Program Learner Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate broad and detailed knowledge of biology concepts, processes, and principles;
  • develop scientific and technical skills to investigate the natural world; 
  • use critical thinking to solve biological problems; 
  • develop mindsets of curiosity, reliance on evidence, integrity, equity, and professionalism; and
  • effectively communicate biology across varied audiences.  

Select from the following for 17-26 credits:


  • 1 course from the Biological Diversity Group Credits: (4-5)
  • 1 course from the Ecology Group Credits: (3-5)*
  • 1 course from the Evolution Group Credits: (4-6)*
  • 1 course from the Molecular/Cell Group Credits: (3-5)*
  • 1 course from the Structure/Function Group Credits: (3-6)


(*NOTE: Courses can only be counted once.)

Total Credits: 62-71


Biological Diversity Group


Evolution Group


Molecular and Cell Group


College and Department Information


Biological Sciences Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
BIOLBA, BIOLBAP

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