REQUIREMENTS FOR A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE WITH A MAJOR IN BIOLOGY SECONDARY EDUCATION:
Liberal Arts Core - Credits: 32-34
Every Fort Lewis College student must complete both the Liberal Arts Core (LAC) and the requirements of a major.
Classes marked [LAC] count towards the Liberal Arts Core. Some of these classes can also count towards the requirements of a major. Taking these classes can satisfy both the LAC and major requirements and increase the number of free electives you get. Talk with your advisor to learn more.
See a full list of Liberal Arts Core courses here.
| First-Year Launch Course | 1 course | FLC 100 (Credits: 1) |
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| Communication | 2 courses | COMP 150 AND one CO2 course (Credits: 6) |
| | | OR |
| | | One CO2 course AND One CO3 course (Credits: 6) |
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| Mathematics | 1 course | One MA1 course (Credits: 3-4) |
| | | |
| Arts & Humanities | 2 courses | Two AH courses (Credits: 6) |
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| History | 1 course | One HI course (Credits: 3) |
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| Social & Behavioral Sciences | 1 course | One SS course (Credits: 3) |
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| Additional AH/HI/SS | 1 course | One additional AH or HI or SS course (Credits: 3) |
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| Natural & Physical Sciences | 2 courses | Two SC courses - one MUST include a lab (Credits: 7-8) |
Major Requirements - Credits: 102-108
Required Courses (80 credits):
Math requirement (3-6 credits):
Complete either: MATH 113 or MATH 101 and MATH 112 or MATH 108 and MATH 109
Earth & Space Science - Complete 1 course (4 credits):
Physiology - Complete 1 course (4 credits):
Upper Division Biology - Complete 3 courses (11-14 credits):
Note: 2 courses must have labs.
Any 300- or 400-level course with the BIO prefix counts towards this requirement, except for BIO 480 and BIO 499.
Free Electives - Credits: Variable
Chosen in conjunction with your academic advisor to assure that the total graduation credit requirement for this program is met. Many students choose to use free electives to complete the requirements for a certificate, minor, or teacher licensure.
Note: Students who complete the Liberal Arts Core in fewer than 32–34 credits or meet a prerequisite or course requirement through transfer, examination, or prior learning will have additional free electives. Taking classes in the major requirements that have the [LAC] tag can grant additional free electives. Talk with your advisor to learn more.
Upper Division Requirement - Credits: 36
Among the total required courses, at least 36 credits must be upper division (300- and 400-level) courses. This major may require additional courses to meet the upper division requirement.
Course Information
Before registering for a course, make sure you are eligible. Ensure you meet all the prerequisite courses, minimum prerequisite grades, and the minimum class standing, if applicable. If you are not eligible for a course, you may be able to enroll with an override from the instructor. Contact your advisor or the instructor of the course if you would like assistance requesting an override.
Additional Program Notes
e BIO 496 - Priority for admission to Senior Seminar is given to students who have met all prerequisites. Students should plan their prerequisite courses accordingly.
g The following courses require a grade of C- or better for continued progression through the degree program: BIO 106 , BIO 113 , BIO 245 , and BIO 260 . The following courses require a grade of B- or better for continued progression through the licensure program: ED 222 , ED 341 , and ED 342 .
h Students double majoring in Biochemistry and Biology with an area concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology may take either the senior seminar sequence in Chemistry ((CHEM 411 or CHEM 460 or CHEM 465 ) and CHEM 497 ) or Biology (BIO 496 and BIO 497 ).
Note: Undergraduate students must adhere to the Undergraduate Teacher Licensure Requirements and meet the academic standards for undergraduate classification.
Note: Post-baccalaureate students must adhere to Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Requirements and meet the academic standards for Post-Baccalaureate classification.
Note: Students must be admitted to the Teacher Licensure program to enroll in 400-level ED prefix courses. Students must subsequently be admitted to Student Teaching.
TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION - CREDITS: 126
All curricular requirements for the Liberal Arts Core and at least one major must be met. Many students choose to use free electives to complete the requirements for a certificate, minor or teacher licensure.
A minimum of 15 credits of coursework must be completed in the combined areas of AH/HI/SS.
Students must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and a minimum grade point average of 2.00 for those courses accepted to meet the requirements for the major, a certificate or minor.
A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at Fort Lewis College. College-sponsored off-campus academic experiences are considered “in residence.”