Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences Major

Give To SPU Biology
A bachelor of arts degree in Life Sciences from SPU is the most flexible of the department's majors. You can tailor the degree to meet your interests, and/or combine with another area of study — such as art, business management, criminal justice, or global development studies.

About the Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences Major

As a Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences major, you have the option of focusing on a specific area of biology (such as physiology, organismal biology, or ecology), or exposing yourself to a broad range of courses.  This flexibility will allow you to complement a second major or diverse career options with a solid foundation in the biological sciences.

Career Opportunities

After graduation, you'll be on your way to serving in a position such as:

  • Attorney
  • Forensic scientist
  • Biological photographer
  • Science writer
  • Project manager
  • Hospital administrator
  • Science product salesperson
  • Natural history museum docent

Courses and Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts in Life Sciences major, you will be required to take at least 73 credits, including at least 23 upper-division credits. Review all the bachelor of arts in Life Sciences courses and requirements, as well as a suggested course sequence. Students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor when choosing courses in this major.

To apply to the BA in Life Sciences major, you must make a formal application through your Degree Status Check page in Banner.

Faculty Contact

Jenny Tenlen

Associate Professor and Co-Chair of Biology
PhD, University of Washington

Email: tenlenj@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2007
Office: Eaton 113
First Generation student

Cara Wall-Scheffler

Professor and Co-Chair of Biology
PhD, University of Cambridge

Email: cwallsch@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2201
Office: Eaton 107

Biology | Why I Teach

Why I Teach at SPU

Charlotte Pratt, Associate Professor of Biology

“SPU is the ideal place for bringing together intellectual curiosity and Christian faith. In exploring questions about how biological systems operate, we can’t help wondering about their Creator. As a biologist, I am privileged to understand a corner of God’s universe, but I am also called to explore my place in it. I derive great satisfaction from seeing students master the principles of biology, while we all — a community of believers — strive to understand God’s redeeming love.”