Biology
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Biologists study many aspects of how life operates – from the molecular details of cells to how entire ecosystems function.
You’ll examine all aspects of the biological world, preparing you for a successful career in health, research, or teaching.
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
- Evolution
- Ecology
- Biochemistry
- Cancer biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Developmental biology
- Physiology
Take an active approach
We emphasize “doing” science. Throughout your classes, you’ll work side-by-side with your professors in the lab and field to discover key insights about your subjects — gaining invaluable hands-on experience along the way.
Experiment — a lot!
The heart of the biology major is experimentation, and you’ll do lots of it. You’ll design your own experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis, and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.
Expand your research
You’ll be able to further the research from your classes — or even start ambitious new experiments — with opportunities available through our:
- Full-time, 40-hours-per-week summer research fellowships
- Departmental honors program, with additional research-intensive courses
- Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
Share your findings
You’ll present your original research at the Festival of Scholars and the Student Research Symposium. These annual events — in addition to scholarly conferences across the nation — will allow you to directly engage the larger scientific community.
Network with academic peers and working professionals
By joining the TriBeta National Biological Honor Society, you’ll be plugged into a strong community of scientists who share your passions and goals. If you are pursuing a health-related field, there are several active student-run clubs that will connect you with professionals currently working in your future career.
Choose between a B.S. or B.A. degree
If you’re considering a career in health or research, a bachelor of science degree is likely the one you’ll wish to pursue, as it provides additional courses that are essential to these professions.
If your goal is to teach — or if you wish to add a minor or second major — a bachelor of arts degree may serve you better. You can also choose to earn your teaching credential through our Graduate School of Education’s credential program.
To me, research and teaching are variations on the same theme: educating students. I view my research with students as an extension of the classroom. More student research means more opportunity to provide a better educational experience.
Kristopher Karsten
Assistant Professor
It's really exciting that we could have such a big impact on the scientific community just because we're doing something that hasn't been done before.
C.J. O'Brien
Project: The Effects of Ocean Microplastics
Careers in biology are available in both the private and public sector. 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 biology majors are accepted into medical, dental, and graduate schools. As an undergrad, you’ll benefit from resources like our Pre-Med Advising Program, which prepares students for the challenges of medical school and allied health programs.
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
They 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
Melissa Baffa ’95Every class I took at Cal Lutheran, just about, had some kind of hands-on component. I also went above and beyond and took undergraduate research. That was what was so exciting as an undergrad, to have that opportunity to spend one-on-one tie with my advisor, developing the experiment, carrying it out, and then realizing, well, I was incorrect, but that’s okay.
VP of Program and Volunteer Services with Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast
Science Communication Fellow on the E/V Nautilus with Ocean Exploration Trust
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education and Associate Professor of Biology
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science
Associate Professor of Biology
Associate Professor of Biology
Professor and Fletcher Jones Professor of Developmental Biology
Senior Lecturer
Assistant Professor of Biology
Assistant Professor of Biology
Lecturer
Assistant Professor of Biology and Director, Hispanic-Serving Institute Initiatives