
Why study Biology at Washburn?
The biology generalist degree at Washburn gives you a strong foundation as a scientist, no matter your career of interest. Because all Washburn biology students graduate with research experience, you can be confident that your skill, knowledge and ability as a scientist, critical thinker, and communicator of complex information will grow in this program. Graduates have gone on to further their education in graduate school, combined their interest in science with another degree for a specialized field (law school, for example), and gone on to work as field biologists or in laboratories.
What sets Biology at Washburn apart?
- The Biology Department has a strong community. Whether you know exactly what you want to do or you want to explore the field of possibility, you’ll receive mentorship and peer connections that will guide and support you.
- Biology Department Scholarships are available to incoming and returning majors.
- Find your people on campus with one of four biology student clubs.
- Graduate with research experience guided by a faculty mentor, which could lead to a conference presentation or publication.
Admissions scholarships
Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.Biology department scholarships
The biology department offers a variety of scholarships based on academic performance and career pursuits. New and transfer students are eligible. Applications are due early in the spring.- Admissions scholarshipsAdmissions scholarships
- Biology department scholarshipsBiology department scholarships
Tuition and fees
Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate.Financial aid
Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.Tuition waivers
If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.- Tuition and feesTuition and fees
- Financial aidFinancial aid
- Tuition waiversTuition waivers
Degree options:
Bachelor of Science
To earn a B.S. degree in biology, a student must satisfy the following:
- University and general education requirements
- 44 credit hours in biology
- 20 credit hours of biology core requirements, plus
- 24 credit hours of biology electives; 21 of which must be upper division
- 30-hour natural sciences minor (chemistry, physics, mathematics)
- 20 hours must be in courses from one department other than biology
Bachelor of Arts
To earn a B.A. degree in biology, a student must satisfy the following:
- University and general education requirements
- 38 credit hours in biology
- 20 credit hours of biology core requirements, plus
- 18 credit hours of biology electives
- Foreign language competency requirement (see courses required)
Washburn's Biology program offers specialization in:

Environmental biology
- This is right for you if you want to work with plants, animals, or insects as a conservationist, zoologist or field biologist.

Forensic biology
- This is right for you if you want to work as part of a crime scene processing team.

Molecular biology and biotechnology
- This is right for you if you know you want to work in biology at the cellular level, in fields such as virology, immunology, and genetics.

Biology secondary education
- This is right for you if you want to teach biology at the middle or high school level.

Pre-Health Professions
- Tailor your degree to prepare you for dentistry, medical, optometry, pharmacy or veterinary school.
Set for success
Qualities for success
Critical-thinking
Problem-solving
Detail oriented
Communication and collaboration
Student/faculty ratio
16:1
Washburn biology provides
Well-respected program
Strong departmental community
Research experience
Financial and academic support
Program cost
Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate. Students in this program are eligible for scholarships and financial aid.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Biology
Department of Biology
Stoffer Science Hall, Room 202
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Phone: 785-670-2077
biology@washburn.edu
