Programs
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Stacey Ferris
509-963-2731
Stacey.Ferris@cwu.edu
You might say you take your life in your hands when you study biology. That’s because it is literally the study of life—all life—from one-celled organisms to multi-species habitats. And when you study the biosphere at CWU, you will receive hands-on learning from award winning professors.
Studying biology is a chance to explore all the aspects of life ranging from insects to mammals. Having an understanding of biology can lead to a rewarding career in a number of fields including agronomy, biochemistry, conservation, forestry, marine biology, or zoology. CWU offers a BA and a BS in biology with specializations in biomedical science, ecology and evolutionary biology, and molecular and cell biology.
At CWU, students gain an understanding of biological concepts relevant to the individual and to society and gain an appreciation of scientific inquiry. Studying biology helps us decipher many social and economic issues and is at the forefront of environmental issues.
Rachel George
509-963-2660
Rachel.George@cwu.edu
Interested in becoming a teacher? Good news...science teachers are in high demand in Washington State and across the country. Our graduates enjoy fulfilling careers, with many employment options. Science teachers get to share their love of science and make a difference in their community.
In Washington K-12 schools, about one teacher in five is a CWU graduate. CWU’s reputation as the top choice for educator preparation comes from a history of producing the state’s best educators, leading education change, and providing diverse opportunities for certification and field experience.
When quality and affordability are both taken into account, CWU’s School of Education offers a best value to its students. That’s the assessment of the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), which recently released its ‘Best Value’ ratings of colleges of education across the United States. It is the first time that a national education policy organization has conducted a comprehensive review of quality paired with affordability.
Stacey Ferris
509-963-2731
Stacey.Ferris@cwu.edu
Biology is the study of life—all life—from one-celled organisms to multi-species habitats. The Biomedical Science Specialization allows you to pursue careers in human health (medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy) and veterinary medicine.
There are unlimited opportunities for students pursuing a professional degree in the health professions. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for the entrance exams (MCAT, et al.) and give you the best advantage when seeking admission to professional schools.
You’ll have numerous opportunities to become a competitive candidate for professional schools. You’ll work closely with dedicated professors to perform meaningful research, publish papers, and present posters at national conventions.
Stacey Ferris
509-963-2731
biology@cwu.edu
The Ecology and Evolution Specialization is designed for students broadly interested in basic and applied biology, natural resource management, agriculture, ecological restoration, conservation biology, disease dynamics, animal behavior, and biological research.
You’ll have numerous opportunities to work closely with professors on meaningful research. In biology, the great outdoors is your classroom, and our students study in wildlife preserves, national forests, and nature reserves.
You’ll have the opportunity to take field study courses in other countries, and work with scientists all over the world. Other resources include the CWU greenhouse and the Englehorn Pond nature preserve, as well as advanced laboratory technology.
Stacey Ferris
509-963-2731
biology@cwu.edu
Molecular and Cell Biology is the study of fundamental processes that form the basis of biological life and the techniques used to study these processes. This specialization prepares you for entry into graduate degree programs, professional programs in the biomedical fields, or jobs in biomedical/agricultural research labs in government and industry.
There are many and varied opportunities for students pursuing a degree with the Molecular and Cell Biology specialization. You’ll find a wide spectrum of careers that demand the technical skills you learn with this program, from biotechnology research to the health professions.
You’ll have numerous opportunities to work closely with professors on meaningful research. In addition to studying genetics, physiology, microbiology and developmental biology, you’ll also gain the technical skills to work with advanced scientific technology. Our advisors will work closely with you to prepare a curriculum that will best meet your needs.
Why CWU Biology?
A diversity of habitats and organisms can be found within a short distance of Ellensburg and CWU. These include prime examples of shrub-steppe, forest, and alpine terrestrial systems as well as the Yakima River, Columbia River and numerous other aquatic habitats.
Students work in advanced laboratories to understand genetic sequencing.
Students explore all the aspects of life ranging from insects to mammals.
The great outdoors is your lab. You’ll be hiking through deserts, forests, or wetlands to collect specimens and record data.
CWU Biology Career Opportunities
Hands-on Learning
Experience Biology at CWU
Points of Pride
Your classroom may be a mountain stream or a desert basin, because your hands-on experience will teach you more than any book or lecture alone. Our students work closely with dedicated professors and perform meaningful research, publish papers, and present posters at national conventions.
The CWU greenhouse facility is composed of four separate rooms or "houses." Each room has a different environment. Our greenhouse is utilized for faculty and student projects, classroom visits and tour groups. Plants in the greenhouse are from all over the world - from the southwestern desert to tropical rain forests.
Engelhorn Pond is a nature preserve that furthers research and conservation of wildlife habitat including many different species of birds, turtles, amphibians, zooplankton, amphipods (scuds), aquatic invertebrates, snails, leeches and many protozoans. The pond is used for biology classes, tour groups, and individual research projects.