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
Lilah Shapiro BA ’25More about LilahI have always loved everything about science and have enjoyed delving deeper into biology. I especially enjoy marine biology and behavioral ecology, and love having hands-on labs outside of the classroom.
Cody Bowen-Crosby BA ’22More about CodyDon’t pick your school based on a figure from some website; pick your school off of where you think you’ll be happiest and where you want to plant the seeds to start a professional career.
Deenie Bulyalert BA ’27More about DeenieI chose both of my majors (psychology and biology) because I believe that everything is so connected. I wanted to learn how the human mind works and how the surrounding world that cares for us works; how I can take care of other people and other things; and how absolutely every piece of our lives intersect with one another.
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.
Sharon Torigoe More about SharonStudents are the life force of my research lab, and I want them to become independent scientists through being fully engaged in all aspects of the scientific process.
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
Kelsey Parker BA ’22More about KelseyThe two most valued traits I gained at L&C are an open mind and being prepared for rigorous academia. The coursework absolutely challenged me and tested my limits but in return I learned how to overcome that.
RuthMabel Boytz BA ’20More about RuthMabelL&C taught me how to critically assess and synthesize information from diverse sources and to apply my understanding to new situations. This initiated my development as a scientist and prepared me for my PhD.
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.
Featured News
Spinning Spider Research Into a Notable Award
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has recognized Greta Binford, professor of biology, with the 2025 Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award. The honor celebrates her nationally recognized research on spider biodiversity and venom evolution—much of it conducted alongside undergraduate researchers.
