Biology

Department Chair: Joseph Ortega
Email: ortega_j@fortlewis.edu

Professors: Sherell Byrd, Julie Korb, and Joseph Ortega
Associate Professors: David Blake, John Condie, Cynthia Dott, Steven Fenster, Erin Lehmer, Ross McCauley, and Heidemarie Steltzer
Assistant Professor: Caroline Kulesza
Senior Lecturer: Cathleen Hartney

Both government and industry have considerable demand for people trained in the biological sciences and for which a bachelor’s degree is sufficient. Administrative and professional careers may be found in government service and with a variety of conservation and recreation agencies at state, federal, and municipal levels. Laboratory and technical work is available with industry and with several government agencies. Some sales positions, especially with pharmaceutical houses, require a biology background. There is considerable demand for secondary school teachers with certification in biology. Many positions for biologists require a graduate degree, for which a liberal arts major in biology is an excellent background.

The various biology curricula are designed to meet the different needs of students considering the broad field of biology. Although all of these curricula lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, there are three concentrations available: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ecology, and Organismal Biology. In addition, students can earn a Biology degree without a concentration.

A minor in biology is available for students majoring in other disciplines. All minors must be arranged in consultation with the student’s biology advisor.

The Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration prepares students for graduate study in cellular and molecular biology or to find employment in the biotechnology and health care industries. Students with this concentration are highly sought after in forensics technology, pharmaceutical development, and industries involving bioinformatics and gene discovery. This concentration is ideal for students preparing for post-baccalaureate careers as physicians, physician’s assistants, dentists, in naturopathic medicine, or in other health care vocations.

The Ecology and Organismal Biology concentations provide a broad exposure to the principles and practices of ecology, the biology of particular taxa, environmental conservation, and management of natural resources. Thus, these concentations are particularly valuable for those students who plan to work for the many private firms and state, federal, and municipal agencies involved in natural resource management and environmental impact assessment. These concentrations also prepare students interested in pursuing graduate studies in ecology and organismal biology.

Students can also earn a Biology degree without specializing in a concentration. This type of Biology degree is intended for students wishing to tailor a program to match their interests. It prepares students for professional careers in veterinary medicine or graduate school in a broad area of the biological sciences. It is also recommended for those students who are undecided about specific career goals in biology.

With upcoming changes in the Teacher Education Licensure Program at Fort Lewis College, students interested in becoming Secondary Teachers (grades 7-12) in Biology should first obtain a degree in Biology. Then, students should work closely with the Teacher Education Department at Fort Lewis College, and read the Teacher Education Licensure Program .

Major in Biology

Biology Major

Minor in Biology

Biology Minor