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.
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
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
Jemma Montgomery BA ’23More about JemmaI love how engaged all of my biology professors are with the material. They are excited about the class and want their students to love it as much as they do.
Arielle Bloom BA ’24More about ArielleKnowing the people in my biology major well has been so nice. I feel more comfortable and supported in upper-level courses because of that.
Jade Valdez BA ’25More about JadeMy favorite class I have taken at Lewis & Clark has been Invertebrate Zoology. This class opened my eyes to the importance of preserving invertebrate biodiversity in the face of climate change.
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
Alex Olsen BA ’20More about AlexThe class and lab work in my biology major was generally geared toward curiosity and conceptual thinking, which has been invaluable as I navigate field work in my career.
Olivia Weaver BA ’22More about OliviaLewis & Clark gave me the solid foundation that I needed to pursue my passions in biology. My focus at L&C had always been ecology, but with the addition of labs, electives, and my math minor, I had the freedom to go wherever I pleased within the field.
William Witmer BA ’20More about WilliamLewis & Clark prepared me by helping me with my critical-thinking skills. All of the jobs I have had post graduation were easier and more enjoyable due to this skill. I have always had an innate sense of curiosity, but L&C really helped me hone it.
Featured News
Biology Alum Awarded the ‘Oscar of Teaching’
Micah Depper BA ’10, a seventh-grade science teacher in Maine, is one of a handful of teachers nationwide selected for a $25,000 Milken Educator Award, part of the nation’s preeminent teacher-recognition program.
