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Biology, BS

Explore our Biology major, develop critical thinking skills and make a difference in diverse careers with a biology degree from Seattle University.

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About this Program

Embrace Scientific Curiosity About the Living World and Prepare for a Meaningful Career

You will have the opportunity to embrace your scientific curiosity and passion as you discover more about the living world as a biology major with Seattle University.

Through intellectually challenging courses, we empower students to explore the wide diversity of life — from the molecular to the ecological.

Our biology program helps you develop the skills in critical thinking, quantitative problem-solving and scientific research that provides the foundation for success in future biological-related careers. With the help of your faculty adviser, you can tailor your coursework to meet your educational and post-graduation goals.

Choose Biological Breadth or a Concentration in Biomedical Sciences or Data Science

Our Bachelor of Science in Biology enables you to choose courses that will give you a broad education in biology, which will support your pursuit of many careers. Or alternatively, with this degree, you also can direct your education towards certain careers by selecting courses related to Biomedical Sciences or Data Science.

Biology BS at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Biology will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The BS degree in Biology from Seattle University gives you a solid scientific foundation in biology. The major is designed for students who want to emphasize the breadth of scientific training across biological disciplines.

Compared to the more specialized BS degrees, the BS in Biology provides a broad biological base yet allows for greater flexibility within the sciences that support the biology curriculum. This flexibility and breadth enable you to pursue a wider range of biology-related paths toward future career goals.

Curriculum Summaries

Sample Course Plans

The Biomedical Science Concentration focuses on coursework required for typical health profession programs.   

Curriculum Summary

Sample Course Plans: 

The Data Science Concentration provides students with data-oriented and programming options to prepare for a future in biological data analysis, modeling, and related computational careers. 

Curriculum Summary

Sample Course Plans: 

Engage in a biology minor and explore the web of life to complement your major. Encounter the wonders of cellular processes, ecological systems, and the diversity of living organisms. This minor requires 30 credits in biology. 

Upon completing their degree programs in Biology, students will:

  • Have a broad and solid foundation of biological knowledge.
  • Communicate scientific information effectively through writing and speaking.
  • Use analytical thinking to solve problems.
  • Be able to design experiments and interpret observations.
  • Be able to read, understand, and critique scientific publications.
  • Be able to conduct independent studies in biology.
  • Translate experiential learning into professional formation.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

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Top 25% in Science & Engineering

Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

45%

Women

Our average of women STEM students nearly doubles the national average of only 23%.

36

Students in Intro Biology Courses

To build your foundation of success, we offer small class size from day one.

Hands-On, Research-Focused Learning

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Senior Synthesis and Research Projects

In your senior year, you will complete a senior synthesis project that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the field on a topic of your choice. Some students base their senior synthesis projects on SU research experiences.

A group of people in a lab looking at a microscope.

Hands-On Lab Experiences

Starting with your first course in our department, our curriculum provides a wide variety of biology experiences in the field and lab. Over 90% of SU Biology courses have a lab component that is led by a faculty member.

Facilities and Labs
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Research Internships, Fellowships and Field Opportunities

Biology faculty collaborate with students on research projects ranging from songbird behavior to protein structure and function. Located in the bustling research hub that is Seattle, our program gives you many internship and field opportunities to learn science and make discoveries.

Explore Internships

Prepare For In Demand Careers

With a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on work and research experience, you will be prepared for careers in:

  • Biotechnology
  • Medicine
  • Marine Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Neurobiology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Hear From Our Alumni

Tsehay Abebe, BS in Cell and Molecular Biology '13, MD

"I chose biology because I am interested in how the body works...from my undergraduate experience at SU and working at Pacific Northwest Research Institute, I have fallen in love with two aspects of scientific research: solving the mystery and applying it in a clinical setting."

Washington University School of Medicine – St. Louis, Missouri

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

Discover More Programs to Explore

Program Directory

  • Biochemistry, BS

    Major

    As a biochemistry major, you’ll learn the scientific and professional skills for graduate or professional programs that lead to a range of meaningful careers—from medicine to environmental chemistry.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Biology, BA

    Major, Minor

    With this major, you’ll have the flexibility to be able to combine biology interests with other disciplines through a program that emphasizes hands-on work and diverse course options.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Cell & Molecular Biology, BS

    Major

    With a major in cellular and molecular biology, you’ll explore recent scientific advances in fields that range from genetics to immunology. Develop the tools to succeed in rapidly growing fields.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Environmental Science, BS

    Major, Minor

    In the environmental science major, you’ll take a range of applied science courses that support environmental management careers for a more sustainable world.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Environmental Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As an environmental studies major, you’ll learn data analysis tools, critical thinking and communication skills to move our communities toward a more sustainable future.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Marine & Conservation Biology, BS

    Major

    With a major in marine and conservation biology, you’ll explore biodiversity, changing ecosystems and relevant local and global environmental issues.

    • Bachelor of Science

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about Biology degrees at Seattle University, contact:

Carolyn Stenbak, PhD

Professor and Department Chair