Take advantage of the diverse ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest with our biology major. Dive into research and test out your ideas in the lab and in the field to enhance your studies.
Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts, Undergraduate Bachelor of Science
Major, Minor
124
4 Years
Salem
Willamette University professors Christopher Smith and Robert Bills received a $200,000 grant from the Bureau of Land Management to study how mycorrhizal fungi associated with Joshua trees may enhance their resilience to climate change. The project involves student-led research on fungi’s role in aiding Joshua trees' survival and potential restoration in wildfire-impacted or degraded areas.
Willamette students Ajia Buvit, Bjorn Domst, Sarah Jones, and Carson Meyer contributed to the research by conducting field and lab work to identify the fungi in Joshua tree roots and developing genetic tools to analyze the fungi.
Curious where this major can take you? These are the real internships, graduate opportunities, and careers our Biology students have gone on to.
From aiding vaccine development to earning a PhD, our graduates are making a difference. They've pursued graduate programs and have made a positive impact in their community. Learn more about how our alumni have used their biology degree.
Distinguished Alum of the Year works on SARS-CoV-2
Tyler Starr, a Damon Runyon Research Fellow at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, studies molecular evolutionary arms races between viruses and human immunity, pioneering methods for SARS-CoV-2 evolution modeling and therapeutic development, and will soon join the University of Utah as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry.
On a Constant Path of Discovery in the Field of Neuroscience
Dr. Alfredo Zuniga is a first generation college graduate who started at Willamette Academy, studied Biology at Willamette, and has become a successful neuroscientist. To this day he relies on the foundation set during his undergraduate studies, and the mentorship he received from professors.
Our faculty members have conducted meaningful research. They've published works, made discoveries, and inspired students. They are also experts in a variety of biological sciences. Work one-on-one with them through research projects and small class sizes.
Dr. David P. Craig brings over 30 years of experience as a behavioral ecologist. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on research experiences for students, guiding them in ecological inquiries and fostering intellectual growth.
Dr. Christopher Smith explores ecological processes' role in evolutionary patterns. His teaching philosophy centers on active student engagement, fostering dynamic lectures, extensive discussions, and independent research projects.
Dr. Melissa Marks' research focuses on the genetics, ecology, and evolution of aquatic bacteria populations. In the classroom she emphasizes hands-on learning, communication skills, and ethical awareness in science.
Take coursework that mirrors the rapid changes in biology. Our courses emphasize phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary concepts, and functional qualities of living things. All courses integrate the historical, social, and ethical facets of biology. Learn within the classroom, the lab, and the field by utilizing the latest technologies and equipment.
Dive into hands-on field and lab exercises to explore plant evolution, with a focus on Pacific Northwest flora. Learn to identify unknown plants, understand botanicals, and contribute to long-term phenology research in diverse local habitats.
Study heredity in microbes, plants, and animals through an engaging course in classical and modern molecular genetics. Explore DNA, RNA, proteins, and cutting-edge topics like epigenetics and recombinant DNA technology through lab work.
Our Bachelor of Arts Biology major requires 57 semester hours, with 124 credit hours to complete the degree.
Our Bachelor of Science Biology major requires 58 semester hours, with 124 credit hours to complete the degree.
Students pursuing a Biology minor will need to complete 20 semester hours in Biology. This can be any 20 semester hours in BIOL.
Our Biology program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Willamette University offers generous merit scholarships and financial aid to Biology majors, with no separate application required. All admitted undergraduates are automatically considered for scholarships starting at $28,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $5,000 annually for first-year students. This program includes mentorship, field trips, tutoring, and more, helping students succeed in their STEM careers.
Willamette University