A student wearing laboratory gloves holding a clear research enclosure at WSU Vancouver
WSU Vancouver

Biological Sciences

Study Living Systems in a Dynamic Learning Environment

Explore life from molecules to ecosystems through hands-on research, expert mentorship, and diverse career pathways.

The biology program at WSU Vancouver provides exceptional academic training, foundational scientific literacy, and practical research opportunities for undergraduate students. Whether your goals point toward environmental science, advanced healthcare fields, or secondary education, our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and rigorous scientific inquiry. Students regularly collaborate directly with world-class faculty on breakthrough scientific research, building the skills necessary to analyze data, formulate hypotheses, and solve complex biological problems.

Our 351-acre campus functions as a dynamic living laboratory, providing direct access to streams, meadows, forests, and wetlands for fieldwork and environmental studies. Through dedicated academic advising, specialized program emphases, and a focus on effective communication, the university prepares graduates to excel in competitive professional schools and high-demand STEM careers.

More information

Prospective Students

Find your personal admission counselor
Email Address van.admissions@wsu.edu
Phone (360) 546-9788

Current Students

Email Address van.casadvising@wsu.edu
LocationCollege of Arts and Sciences
Phone (360) 546-9620

Degree Programs

WSU Vancouver offers robust academic pathways designed to meet the demands of a complex, evolving world. Whether you are starting your journey with a foundational major or seeking to specialize through advanced research, our anthropology programs provide the critical insights, technical expertise and professional standards necessary for success across diverse career fields.

A woman studying a large exotic Corpse Flower plant blooming in a greenhouse

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biology

Advance your research career with a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biology at WSU Vancouver. Benefit from well-funded research labs, multiyear stipends, tuition waivers and collaborative botanical partnerships across the Pacific Northwest.
More Info
Two female students collaborating on a MacBook laptop in a modern study lounge

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Advance your research career with a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology at WSU Vancouver. Benefit from well-funded research labs, multiyear stipends, tuition waivers and collaborative biological partnerships across the Pacific Northwest.
More Info
Two researchers examining young plant specimens inside a greenhouse facility

Masters of Science in Plant Biology

Advance your scientific career with a Master of Science in Plant Biology at WSU Vancouver. Benefit from well-funded research labs, multiyear stipends, tuition waivers and collaborative botanical partnerships across the Pacific Northwest.
More Info
A student using a pipette to transfer liquid samples in a chemistry lab

Masters of Science in Biology

Advance your scientific career with a Master of Science in Biology at WSU Vancouver. Benefit from well-funded research labs, multiyear stipends, tuition waivers and collaborative biological partnerships across the Pacific Northwest.
More Info

Academic Pathways

The undergraduate biology program serves a wide range of career and professional goals. Students can tailor their academic journey through specialized areas of study.

Environmental Science

Take advantage of the unique natural environment at WSU Vancouver. Students gain direct field experience studying local ecology, conservation, and resource management within the forests and wetlands of the campus.

Pre-Health Emphasis

Prepare for admission into professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary science.
  • The university offers a comprehensive pre-health program and targeted advising to help you become a highly competitive candidate.
  • Most pre-medical or pre-health professional students choose to major in Biology or Neuroscience, but you can select any major provided you complete the foundational science course prerequisites.
  • Faculty advisors assist you in building essential professional traits, including clinical empathy, strong communication skills, and cross-cultural appreciation.

Teaching Emphasis

If you plan to teach secondary biology or general science, a science program advisor will help coordinate your course schedules to satisfy state endorsement criteria.
  • Graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a state endorsement in biology or general science.
  • Earn a teaching certification or a master’s degree in education.

Review specific admission requirements for the Teacher Education program through the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences.

Admissions Test Preparation

Most professional healthcare programs require standard entrance examinations. The core science curriculum is strategically structured to prepare you for these exam topics.
The university provides holistic support at every step, including academic advising, entry requirement insights, and formal mock interviews.