About the Biology Department
Biology majors at Seattle Pacific University graduate with a broad understanding of living organisms. Through immersion in scientific inquiry and problem solving, you’ll develop fundamental skills and knowledge for entering a wide range of careers, including those in medicine, environmental science, research, and teaching.
The primary goals of the department include:
- Cultivating students who understand and apply the scientific method to the study of life.
- Preparing students to think critically and to effectively communicate biological principles.
- Producing graduates who make informed decisions based on reliable evidence and guided by their Christian worldview.
- Emboldening graduates to lead lives of grace-filled wholeness, and personal and professional integrity.
Find out more about this program’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes on the Department of Biology's website.
Programs offered
Learn more about these interdisciplinary biology programs.
- Biological Anthropology (minor)
- Bioethics and Humanities (minor)
- Ecotheology (minor)
Please consult with your faculty advisor to select the best major for your interests. Be sure to discuss coursework modifications that may be required to meet your specific career goals.
Undergraduate research
Many biology majors will require you to complete an undergraduate research project for graduation. You will collaborate with a faculty member on an investigation that requires a formal proposal (BIO 4978), and participation in original research and public presentation of your results (BIO 4979).
No more than 6 credits of courses numbered from BIO 4900 through 4999 may be applied to any major.
Please visit the Biology Department website for more information on research opportunities.
Related programs
Pre-Professional Health Programs
SPU offers specialized faculty advising in the Pre-Professional Health Sciences (PPHS) to help prepare you for acceptance into graduate-level professional health programs including medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physicians assistant, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Future teachers
Elementary Teacher Certification
If you plan to obtain elementary Residency Teacher Certification and are interested in teaching science, you must select the Integrated Studies major with a concentration in the natural sciences.
- This concentration includes courses in biology, physics, and chemistry. mathematics, physical education, and natural sciences courses.
- Questions may be directed to the faculty advisor for the natural sciences concentration, Dr. Kara Gray (greyk5@spu.edu).
Secondary Teacher Certification
Students planning to seek Secondary Teacher Certification should pursue one of the Biology majors. Please meet with your advisor to select the most appropriate option.