College of the Sciences
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Bachelor of Science | Major
Biology, BS—Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Specialization
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Specialization at CWU immerses you in the study of organism interactions, evolutionary processes, and ecosystems through hands-on fieldwork and research.
You'll learn essential ecological and evolutionary principles while gaining real-world experience with guidance from our expert faculty and connections to state or federal agencies like the Department of Fish and Wildlife or the United States Forest Serivce. This specialization prepares you for careers in biology, fish and wildlife, conservation, ecological restoration, or further academic study in the biological sciences.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Biological Sciences
Science Building, Room 338
Dr. Clay Arango
(509) 963-3163
arangoc@cwu.edu
We're here for your future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Biology Department Website
Biology Core
- BIOL 181 - General Biology I
- BIOL 182 - General Biology II
- BIOL 183 - General Biology III
- BIOL 213 - Introductory Biostatistics
- BIOL 321 - Genetics
- BIOL 487 - Biology Capstone
General Chemistry and Laboratory
- CHEM 181 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 181LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory I
- CHEM 182 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 182LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory II
- CHEM 183 - General Chemistry III
- CHEM 183LAB - General Chemistry Laboratory III
Additional Courses
- BIOL 360 - General Ecology
- BIOL 470 - Mechanisms of Evolution
- CHEM 361 - Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 361LAB - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
- MATH 170 - Intuitive Calculus
- MATH 172 - Calculus I
- PHYS 111 - Introductory Physics I with Laboratory
- PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics for Life Sciences I
- PHYS 181 - General Physics I with Laboratory
Select from the following
- 1 course from the Biological Diversity Group
- 1 additional course from the Ecology OR Evolution Group
- 1 additional course from the Molecular/Cell OR Structure/Function Group
Department-Approved Electives
Internship Opportunities
Take advantage of hands-on opportunities like the I-90 project and internships with local environmental groups and the windfarm.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Study biology in our top-tier facilities, including the Greenhouse, Arboretum, Engelhorn Pond, and various labs in the Science Building, where learning is both practical and engaging.
A Wealth of Scholarships in Biology
At Central Washington University, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality education, regardless of their financial background. Go to the Biology Department website for more information!
Winter Biology
Exclusive to CWU, this unique course explores hibernation strategies, winter foraging, and even snow cave construction. Additionally, courses like Plant Taxonomy and Entomology equip you with in-demand skills sought by agencies such as the Forest Service.
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
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Class Sizes
Enjoy personalized mentoring from faculty who know your name and are dedicated to helping you develop your academic interests.
and Fieldwork Experiences
Engage in laboratory and fieldwork experiences that incorporate dissections, data logging, trapping, and tagging.
Areas of Study
Explore 4 key areas of study, including wildlife ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and ecosystem ecology.
Why Study Biology at Central?
- Biologists have a strong job placement rate with opportunities in fields such as fish and wildlife management, ecological restoration, and conservation biology, often starting with salaries around $52K
- Benefit from relationships with government agencies and organizations such as the Department of Fish and Wildlife and USDA, providing you with valuable connections and internship opportunities
- Enjoy a strong job placement rate with numerous opportunities in fields such as fish and wildlife management, ecological restoration, and conservation biology
Alumni Success
Riparian Project Manager – Mid-Columbia Fisheries
Restoration Crew Supervisor - Mid-Columbia Fisheries
Biological Science Technician – US Forest Service