Academics

Biology, B.A., B.S.

Whitworth biology students develop knowledge about all levels of the natural world and learn to apply that knowledge in practical ways through faculty and student collaboration in groundbreaking research.

Courses will expose you to the major ideas of biology and their effects on how we view the meaning of life and human nature. Our biology curriculum will challenge you to ask probing questions about what it means to live out your faith or worldview in the context of current society. At the same time, the major will introduce you to the technical skills required for biology professionals and for graduate study in the field or laboratory.

Why major in biology at Whitworth?

Gain valuable experience from plentiful research opportunitiesavailable both on and off campus. You will have the chance to perform research side-by-side with professors and present findings at professional scientific conferences.
Draw inspiration from the state-of-the-art Robinson Science Hall, where you can study live animals in our vivarium, and human cadavers in our anatomy and physiology lab.
Connect your faith or worldview with your studies. Biology at Whitworth resides at the interface between faith and science, and students learn that the two are not at odds with one another, but instead are complementary.
Learn from passionate, intelligent and accessible professors who welcome students into their offices to chat and invite students into their homes.
Apply coursework to everyday life. Lessons from anatomy to ecology are experienced outside of the classroom.
Become who you're meant to be.

Ask our faculty

Ask Grant

gcasady@whitworth.edu

Professor Grant Casady specializes in ecology and environmental science.

Ask Aaron

aputzke@whitworth.edu

Professor Aaron Putzke specializes in molecular biology and genetics.

Ask Mike

msardinia@whitworth.edu

Associate Professor Mike Sardinia's areas of expertise are medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and neuroscience.

Our biology grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Whitworth biology graduates are well prepared for their next steps, including medical or graduate school as well as careers in biology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, environmental science and related research fields. Students interested in furthering their education receive guidance on how to be successful in applying to medical or graduate schools.

Our graduates are working in a variety of positions and fields, including:

Tanner Scholten, fisheries technician, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Shannon Wessel, science teacher, Mt. Spokane High School
Meghan Bristlin, associate dentist, LC Smiles Dentistry
Alex Hoffmann, M.D., internal medicine resident, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston
Linnea Howard, avian field technician, Center for Natural Lands Management, Olympia, Wash.
Forrest Chapin, water quality technician, Sunnyside Valley and Roza Irrigation Districts, Yakima, Wash.
Kristin Dickey, quarantine aquarist, New York Aquarium, New York

Our recent biology grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

Washington State University: School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine
Creighton University School of Medicine
Oregon State University, Department of Food Science
University of Washington: College of the Environment, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy
Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience

Opportunities outside the classroom

Study field biology internationally and in the variety of ecosystems in the Spokane region.
Through internships, gain experience in fields including medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, fisheries, environmental conservation and wildlife science.
Take advantage of summer research opportunities and develop skills in performing research and communicating results to the scientific community.
Get involved in clubs such as pre-med and Kipos: Students Advocating Environmental Justice.

Pack your bags!

You will have the opportunity to study unique ecosystems in Costa Rica or serve on medical missions to Guatemala.

Tracks

You can earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in biology. The department also offers minors in biology and environmental studies. The biology minor is designed to allow students to pursue an interdisciplinary program of study that meets unique or specific career objectives.

What related majors can I explore?

Next steps

Academic Information

What Is It Like?

"I had the opportunity to do summer research with Associate Professor Grant Casady. We worked along with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to investigate the usage of drone imagery in estimating shrub height as well as evaluating shrubsteppe habitat health after wildfires. This was a really unique experience that introduced me to a lot of important connections in the field of ecology as well as taught me a lot about the research process."
Sophie Halma '24

Explore what it's like to major in the areas that interest you through the experiences of Whitworth students.