College of Arts & Sciences

Biology

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ABOUT BIOLOGY

Biology is the science of life. The study of biology encompasses molecular, cellular, and physiological processes, evolutionary diversity, ecological relationships and global systems. Biologists study life from prehistoric times to organisms alive today and model how life may change in the future. 

WSU Tri-Cities provides excellent preparation for medical school and other health care fields (such as optometry, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, or physical/occupational therapy) through the pre-health sciences track.

GREAT THINGS HAPPENING IN BIOLOGY

Biology undergraduate students working in lab

Hands-on learning
Through biology labs at WSU Tri-Cities, students have the opportunity to not only read about the foundations of science, but be an active participant in experiments and other hands-on projects.

Professor Tanya Cheeke looking in microscope

Faculty in the field
Biology assistant professor Tanya Cheeke performs research that examines plant-soil-microbe interactions in a variety of ecosystems, ranging from grasslands, to forests, to agricultural systems.

WSU Tri-Cities student researching fungi

Innovative research
A team at WSU Tri-Cities is studying how to transplant fungi to restore native plant populations in the Midwest and Northwest. The results will be used to inform ecological restoration efforts.

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COURSES:

WSU Tri-Cities biology students have the option of two degree pathways:

  • General biology
  • Pre-Health Sciences (Basic Medical Sciences)

You will take courses that cover a wide range of subjects in biology, which could include:

  • Molecular and cell biology
  • Physiology
  • Development of animals and plants
  • Conservation biology
  • Disease biology
  • Genetics and genomics
  • Taxonomy and systematics
  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary biology

UNIQUE BENEFITS OF STUDYING AT WSU TRI-CITIES:

Small class sizes in advanced courses will provide opportunities for one-on-one research with biology faculty, including field and laboratory experiences. 

If you’re interested in the medical field, our graduates have tremendous success getting into medical school, optometry school, pharmacy school and other health and related careers. 

RELATED FIELDS:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics 
  • Physiology
  • Taxonomy
  • Zoology

CAREERS:

Career outcomes in biology
Biology majors develop critical thinking and empirical skills that are translatable to a number of careers. Your options are only limited by your interests. 

WSU Tri-Cities and Pullman alumni from the past 10 years who work in Washington State have the following occupations and estimated salary:

$51,065

Estimated salary of biology alumni

Jobs held by WSU biology graduates:
Physical Therapist | Postsecondary Teacher | Laboratory Technician | Natural Science Manager | Registered Nurse

*Data provided by Lightcast.