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Study Biology

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.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts, Undergraduate Bachelor of Science

Major

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

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Our Biology Major & Minor

Choose between a Bachelor of Arts in Biology or a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Collaborate with faculty on research or explore ideas independently. Our biology program combines lab work and field research to develop the skills you need to succeed. Choose one of the best biology programs in Oregon to turn research into real-world impact.

Why choose Biology at Willamette?

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Alumni Stories

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.

  • Dr. Tyler Starr '12

    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.

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  • Person sitting at a lab workstation with a microscope.

    Dr. Alfredo Zuniga ’12

    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.

Curriculum

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.

  • BIOL 352 Plant Systematics

    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.

  • BIOL 333 Gene Structure and Function

    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.

Program Requirements

Our Bachelor of Arts Biology major requires 57 semester hours. 

Our Bachelor of Science Biology major requires 58 semester hours. 

Students pursuing a Biology minor will need to complete 20 semester hours in Biology. This can be any 20 semester hours in BIOL.

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Admissions Information

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.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

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 $26,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $10,000 annually for first-year students. This program includes mentorship, field trips, tutoring, and more, helping students succeed in their STEM careers.

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FAQs

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Biology