Overview
Biology Major
The biology major is built around core courses in biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and genetics. We offer five options for biology majors that allow students to pick among different programs of interest.
- The general option provides students with the greatest latitude to shape their own programs of study.
- The plant biology, entomology, and ecology and evolution options of the biology major direct students select appropriate courses to develop a strong background in these disciplines.
- The education option prepares students to enter a teaching career in secondary education in biology and related areas.
Agreement for Completion BIOL 491, 495, 496, 499, 600, or 702
Human Biology Major
Beginning fall 2020
Responding to the global need for more skilled professionals in health, social and environmental sciences, and public policy, the Department of Anthropology and the School of Biological Sciences offer a new, interdisciplinary bachelor of arts degree in human biology, designed for rigorous study in the natural and social sciences.
Graduates will be prepared for a wide variety of career options in areas of medical and health sciences, social work and support, development and analysis of public policy, and more.
The four-year human biology program, offered on the WSU Pullman and Vancouver campuses, melds approaches and content from social and biological sciences to provide students with a vibrant, synthetic understanding of the roles of culture, the dynamics of natural and social systems, and the biological attributes responsible for shaping the human being.
Find out more and apply today!
Interested students should contact a degree advisor:
- in Pullman, Dena Spencer-Curtis at dlspencer@wsu.edu
- in Vancouver, Nicole Hess at nicolehess@wsu.edu
Human Biology (WSU degree catalog)
Zoology Major
The zoology major aims to provide students with knowledge and experience in the biology of animals. The major is built around core courses in ecology, evolution, and genetics. Students are expected also to select from courses in anatomy, physiology, and invertebrate biology. Opportunities for elective courses allow students to specialize in different areas of zoology.
For students interested in health science professions, we offer degree options to provide coursework and experiences essential to enter professional schools.
Agreement for Completion BIOL 491, 495, 496, 499, 600, or 702
Certifying as a Biology, Human Biology, or Zoology Major
Students may certify in biology, human biology, or zoology after the completion of 24 semester hours of credit and with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Majors in biology and zoology will be assigned an advisor in the School of Biological Sciences. Majors in human biology will be assigned an advisor in the Department of Anthropology.
Students can choose biology, human biology, or zoology as a second major. To declare a second major, students must have completed 60 semester hours of credit and have a GPA of 2.0 or above.
To certify in a biology or zoology major, please contact SBS in 301 Abelson Hall.
To certify in the human biology major, please contact
- in Pullman, Dena Spencer-Curtis at dlspencer@wsu.edu
- in Vancouver, Nicole Hess at nicolehess@wsu.edu.
If you have questions about the biology or zoology majors, please feel free to contact us. You are welcome to come by the office of the School of Biological Sciences in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus or contact one of the following individuals by email:
| Name | Title | Contact |
|---|---|---|
 Pat Carter | Director, School of Biological Sciences | pacarter@wsu.edu |
 R. Dave Evans | Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies | rdevans@wsu.edu |
 Dawn Pollard | Academic Coordinator/Advisor | dawn.pollard@wsu.edu |
 Susan Schroeder | Academic Coordinator/Advisor | schroedersa@wsu.edu |
School of Biological Sciences Learning Goals
- Mastery of fundamental biological concepts and an ability to integrate this conceptual knowledge across different field within the discipline
- Use critical thinking and scientific skills to analyze and solve problems.
- Formulate logical hypotheses and test them by designing and running appropriate experiments or observational studies and analyses.
- Effectively communicate biological problems and solutions to both the scientific community and the public at large in writing and in discussion.
- Identify the central body of knowledge in biology or zoology (genetics, evolution, ecology and organismal biology, molecular biology).
- Use scientific literacy and knowledge of biology or zoology to analyze contemporary social, cultural, and environmental issues and contribute to informed opinion.