What We Offer
The Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University encompasses a variety of disciplines that involve the study of living matter in all of its wonderfully diverse forms.
The department strives to provide an environment that fosters excitement and curiosity about the life sciences. Our programs prepare students to function as productive members of the academic, as well as private and public, scientific communities.
Undergraduate Majors
The biology major in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University will train you in the broad spectrum of the life sciences. After completing the required foundation courses, you may choose electives to suit your specific areas of interest. You will have the opportunity to study botany, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, physiology, virology and zoology. Alternatively, as a biomedical student, you will study life processes and anatomy to gain a broad understanding of health and the methods for diagnosing and treating disease. Your coursework will include human and molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, microbiology and physiology.
Academic Minors
The biological sciences minor consists of a minimum of 20 credits of biological sciences courses plus chemistry cognates. Ten of these credits must be from the 2000-level or higher courses.
Accelerated Programs
The Accelerated Graduate Degree Programs allows students to begin accumulating credits towards the completion of a master’s degree while still enrolled as undergraduates. Undergraduate students admitted to an AGDP with senior standing can take up to 12 hours of designated 5000 and/or 6000 level courses for graduate credit which can be used in both the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree. The Course Approval form should be completed when admitted.
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Masters Level Academics
The Master of Arts in biological sciences at Western Michigan University is a non-thesis coursework-based degree, distinct from our research-based Master of Science degree. Coursework covers diverse areas of biology, allowing you to enhance your breadth and depth of knowledge in biological concepts.
Doctoral Level Academics
The Doctor of Philosophy program in the Department of Biological Sciences offers a unique combination of traditional rigorous research experiences, breadth of coursework and training in effective communication and teaching of scientific concepts. This program is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue careers in the biological sciences that require excellence in both teaching and research. Students who earn their PhDs in our program typically go on to postdoctoral research positions and careers in academia or industry. Through in-depth research experiences with a faculty research adviser, and preparation of an independent dissertation and peer-reviewed publications, students gain experiences that prepare them for careers involving experimental design, hypothesis testing, grant writing, team leadership and scientific communication in biological sciences.