Biology

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

Biologists study many aspects of how life operates — from the molecular details of cell function to how entire ecosystems function.

You’ll examine all aspects of the biological world, preparing you for multiple career paths, including the health professions, research, teaching and many others.

The Curriculum
Learn the fundamentals, then expand your scope

Your first courses will give you a solid understanding of biological systems — from the molecular to ecological level. With this foundational knowledge, you’ll be able to explore more advanced subjects, including:

  • Marine biology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Ecology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Physiology
Experiment — a lot!

We emphasize “doing” science and an active approach to learning. Throughout your classes, you’ll gain a lot of research-like experience by working side-by-side with your professors in state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll design experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.

Get involved with research

If you want to further explore the research questions raised during your classes — or even start new experiments — you have the opportunity to participate in:

Join the scientific community

You’ll have the opportunity to present your original, mentored research at the Festival of Scholars or Student Research Symposium. You can even share your findings at national conferences!

We also encourage you to join the TriBeta National Biological Honor Society and pre-health clubs to connect with other students and faculty who share your passions and goals.

Teaching, research, biotech, clinical… so many careers!

A biology degree opens up a lot of career opportunities for you. The health professions, such as medicine, allied health, nursing, dentistry, or veterinary medicine, are popular with biology majors. But you can also pursue a career in research, biotechnology, clinical work, and even teaching! The substantial critical thinking you’ll engage in and the skills you’ll develop as a biology major will serve you well in any career.

We offer two degrees in biology: a bachelor of science if you are considering a career in a health profession or research and a bachelor of arts if your goal is to teach at the K-12 levels or pursue other post-graduate careers.

If you decide to pursue an advanced degree in medicine or allied health, then you’ll have the support of our Pre-Med Advising Program to prepare for the challenges of graduate school.



Programs

Offered as a major (BA or BS) and a minor.


Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

Coming into college, I didn’t know that I would actually be doing research as an undergraduate student. This has been eye-opening into what research really is like, especially working in a lab and within a team.

Alyssa Abano '20

When I was a freshman, one of my high school teachers said, 'She's going to be a researcher—that's just what she wants to do.' This research, to me, could be life changing, and it's also something that I absolutely love.

Asia Moore '20
Your Future

Careers in biology are available in both the private and public sectors. These include positions in research, teaching, and the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries.

The growing areas of genetics and biotechnology also provide many career opportunities. The global biotechnology companies Amgen and Baxalta are located near Cal Lutheran and hire graduates each year.

Many of our biology majors are also accepted into medical, dental, veterinary and other graduate schools.


Our alumni study at:
  • Colorado State University
  • Harvard University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Loma Linda University
  • Marshall University
  • Mayo Medical Clinic
  • Midwestern University
  • Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
  • Tufts University
  • UC, Davis
  • UCLA
  • University of Southern California
  • Western School of Health Sciences
Our alumni work for:
  • Amgen
  • Baxter Bioscience
  • BioSource International
  • CA Institute of Molecular Medicine
  • Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital
  • DAKO, Inc.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Invitrogen
  • Mobile Marine Lab
  • Sea World
  • Thermo-Fisher Scientific
  • Ventura County Crime Lab
Career paths:
  • Biotechnology Associate
  • Community Health Coordinator
  • Lab Technician
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Peace Corps/Community Service
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Physician
  • Research Associate
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Veterinary Science

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



Nicolette Alvandian
The biology program exposed me to a side of education that I previously was unaware of. I learned that lectures are not necessarily always the best form of learning. Instead, I experienced methods of teaching such as reverse classrooms, in-class discussions on research papers, and self-constructed research projects that expanded my knowledge and, even more importantly, got me excited about learning. I use these learning methods to this day in dental school.

Nicolette Alvandian '22
Biology Major
Graduate Student, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

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