Biology is one of the largest majors at Fort Lewis College and, with the completion of the College’s new, state-of-the-art biology wing, all students have access to the newest and most up-to-date laboratory facilities.

Many students studying biology do so in order to pursue a career in environmental or biomedical science. The Biology Department at Fort Lewis College can prepare you for many exciting careers in Biology or Biology related fields, such as Environmental Studies, Nursing or Medicine. We offer four Bachelor of Science degree options in biology: General Biology, Environmental Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Biology for Secondary Education.

Both government and industry have considerable demand for people trained in the biological sciences. Administrative and professional careers may be found in government services and within a variety of conservation and recreation agencies at both the state and federal levels. Laboratory and technical work is available within industries and with several government agencies. Some sales positions, especially with pharmaceutical companies, require a biology background. There is a considerable demand for secondary school teachers with certification in biology. Many positions for biologists require a graduate degree for which a liberal arts biology major is an excellent background.

Fort Lewis College also offers a newly accredited Public Health degree. The new public health degree will give these students, and other students looking to take advantage of a growing healthcare industry, a program more focused on preparing tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators and more.

If you are an alumnus, please check out our Biology alumni website, where we keep you updated on all the happenings in our department.

If you are a student, you will find links to successful undergraduate research projects completed by Fort Lewis College biology majors under Student Research.

Employment opportunities for undergraduates and graduates in the biological sciences can be found under Biology Careers.

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Biology is to instill in our students a profound appreciation for the study of life, to enhance scientific literacy, to promote a desire for continued acquisition of scientific knowledge, and to provide the skills necessary to pursue professional positions, independent learning, and research.

Our students should be proficient in written and oral communication, and they should have a sound background in a variety of modern biological techniques that will make them adaptable to a myriad of professional positions. Our students should be able to independently develop and conduct research and to disseminate information through a wide array of sources. Our faculty members are active scholars who are current in their respective fields of specialty. We will continually strive to update our academic program as required to reflect the changing needs of society, the scientific community, and professional positions currently available. Furthermore, we will continually assess our academic program to ensure that it is fulfilling the needs of our students and the community.

Department of Biology Learning Outcomes

1. Biology graduates will be able to explain key principles, assumptions, and criticisms of evolutionary theory and natural selection.

2. Biology graduates will be able to explain the relationship between form, function, and organization across biological systems.

3. Biology graduates will be able to effectively use laboratory and field techniques relevant to their area of specialization.

4. Biology graduates will be able to manage, explore, and analyze biological data.

5. Biology graduates will be able to read and interpret primary literature in the biological sciences in their area of specialization.

6. Biology graduates will be able to design, implement, and communicate an original research project in the biological sciences under the supervision of a faculty member.