BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology Major

BS Cellular

When you choose to earn a bachelor of science in Cellular and Molecular Biology at SPU, you will delve into an interdisciplinary field that bridges the fields of chemistry and biology to understand life and cellular processes at the molecular level. This degree prepares you for graduate studies or a professional career in biology.

About the Cellular and Molecular Biology Major

As a Cellular and Molecular Biology major at SPU, you can expect to study molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms. In this major, you will find out more about God's creation through the complexities of cellular and molecular biology.

Career Opportunities

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

  • Molecular biologist
  • Physician
  • Lab manager
  • Emergency medical technician
  • Genetic counselor
  • Research technician
  • Pharmacist
  • Neuroscientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Dentist

Courses and Requirements

As a Cellular and Molecular Biology major, you will take a minimum 107 credits, including at least 26 upper-division biology credits. Review all of the BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology courses and requirements, as well as a suggested course sequence.

Discuss your elective courses with your biology faculty advisor, and if you are interested in graduate school, consult with your advisor as to whether coursework beyond degree requirements (e.g., physics, MAT 1235) is appropriate.

Special emphasis is placed on undergraduate research in this major, and an Undergraduate Research Project is required for graduation. For your research project, you will collaborate with a faculty member on an investigation that requires a formal proposal (BIO 4978 "Biological Research Proposal"), and original research and presentation of results (BIO 4979).

No more than six credits of courses numbered from BIO 4900 through 4999 may be applied to this major.

To apply to the BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology 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

Learn how Ashton Yang ‘18 took advantage of employment resources available for SPU students - and how she landed a full-time job as a research scientist after graduation.

Biology | Why I Teach

Why I Teach at SPU

Jenny Tenlen, Associate Professor of Biology

“I teach at SPU because both teaching and research are valued, and my students’ enthusiasm for my research has rekindled my own passion for research. I am part of a strong and nurturing department that cares deeply about our students. I particularly appreciate that I can really get to know my students and colleagues, and have been inspired by their goals, dreams, and accomplishments.”