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.
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:
- Full-time, 40-hours-per-week summer research fellowships through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
- Departmental honors program, with additional research-intensive courses
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.
Want to learn more?
Let us know and we'll send you information about our academics, campus life, admission process, and more!
I’ve worked in a doctor’s office near campus for a little less than two years. I’ve had plenty of patient interaction and seen the day-to-day life of many practitioners at work. It has always helped to reaffirm that I have a passion for medicine. I also had the opportunity to do research in the developmental genetics research lab on campus which has helped me see that there might be a way to combine medicine into my future in more ways than one.
Kari Orr '24
Majoring in biology, there are endless routes that you can go with it, and it made me feel more at ease not being boxed into a certain career based on my major. I also knew that majoring in biology at a smaller school could optimize my opportunities to build my resume and become a more competitive applicant for graduate school.
Allison McAdoo '23
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
Dr. David Marcey prepared me for pharmacogenetics. My experiences in his research lab gave me a set of skills to be a TA (teaching assistant) in my pharmaceutics class and help students better understand 3D molecular modeling.
Yasi Mojab '19
Chemistry and Biology Major
Doctor of Pharmacy Student , University of Southern California
Assistant Professor of Biology, Biochemistry Coordinator
Professor of Biology
Lecturer in the Biology Department
Assistant Professor of Biology
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Professor of Biology
Professor and Fletcher Jones Professor of Developmental Biology
Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Biology
Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology
Associate Professor of Biology
Want to learn more?
Let us know and we'll send you information about our academics, campus life, admission process, and more!