Biology
We want our students to do biology, not just read about it. Hands-on study is the best possible training for a career in biology and the best way to become a scientifically literate citizen. You will learn tangible skills that apply across disciplines, all while benefiting from our proximity to Oregon Health & Science University and the diverse natural environments of the Pacific Northwest.
Why Choose a Degree in Biology?
Our innovative and comprehensive program emphasizes original research and critical thinking. You will generate hypotheses, design studies, collect data in the lab and the field, analyze and interpret the results, and communicate your findings through talks, posters, and papers. Our classrooms and labs rely on cutting-edge tools in microscopy, physiology, computational biology, and molecular biology. We also offer robust opportunities for experiential learning through fieldwork, internships, and paid student-faculty research. Our students graduate with a degree in biology and excellent career preparation skills, knowing how to write grants, read scientific literature critically, reason quantitatively, and work in teams.
What You’ll Study
Our curriculum embraces all of biology, from molecules to ecosystems, and draws on other fields, like chemistry, mathematics, and psychology. We believe in working closely with our students both in the classroom and our laboratories, providing opportunities rarely available to undergraduates.
Many of our students—unlike students at other schools—earn course credit toward their biology degree while on an overseas program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are programs designed and led by biology faculty to Australia, East Africa, and New Zealand.
Outside the classroom, many biology students get involved in research, by either collaborating with one of their professors or pursuing their own investigations off-campus. We provide extensive guidance to help students find and secure these opportunities. Each fall, students present their work to the campus community at a poster conference. We have a seminar series that regularly brings biologists to campus to speak about new areas of research. Our natural history collection—curated by students—includes specimens of plants, fungi, insects, birds, and mammals from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our biology majors are environmental studies, health studies, and neuroscience.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Hannah Machiorlete BA ’20More about HannahMy meaningful experience would not have been possible without the support of the L&C community.
Liv Nicks-Turnley BA ’23More about LivI’m amazed by the breadth of science within our department, and the opportunities for students to find what aspect of biology interests them the most. It’s evident that our faculty cares deeply about each one of us, and that we have their unending support through that discovery.
Ben Sherer BA ’21More about BenStudying abroad in a place as unique as Tanzania provided me with memories for a lifetime. Can you say that you saw a wild rhino on foot? Or that there was a lion prowling around your campsite at 6 in the morning? I not only experienced this, but also a radically different point of view of the world.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Biology?
Our alumni use their BA in biology in a wide variety of careers, including research, medicine, public health, natural resource management, teaching, and law. They work in academia, in industry, with nonprofits, and for local, state, and federal governments. Many of them apply the skills they have acquired in problem solving, critical thinking, writing, and speaking to fields other than biology.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Biology faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers in the lab, providing an opportunity that’s rarely available to undergraduates at other schools. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate in four years with their bachelor of arts degree that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
The Kent Swanson Jr. Biology Scholarship benefits junior and senior students majoring in biology who have demonstrated financial need and interest in the outdoors, environmental conservation, and the arts.
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their biology major, like Math Club, Physics Club, and Pre-Health Club. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Erin Khong BA ’21, MA ’23More about ErinLewis & Clark prepared me to be a better communicator and writer, and to be able to critically engage in the work I am doing and reading. I am able to sit at a table with my colleagues, have conversations about what is important to me, and set a plan of action to achieve those goals as a team.
Bijou Macdonald BA ’21More about BijouIn all of the positions I have held post-graduation, I have used and depended on the problem solving and critical thinking skills I was able to hone at L&C.
John Carr BA ’21More about JohnThe biology and art programs gave me both real world and conceptual practice experience. My majors were extremely thorough and provided me with a great foundation.
