microscopic view of green algae

Degree Requirements (Fall 2026 onwards)

Biology Degree Requirements 

The requirements below are for students applying to our major Fall 2026 or later. For students who entered the Biology major before Fall 2026, please see our previous handouts and forms page. 

See admissions for information about application instructions. 

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Bachelor of Science in Biology 

Introductory Series (Required for Admission to the Major) 

BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220 (15 credits)

Chemistry (choose one sequence) 

  1. CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221
  2. CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
  3. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165), CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239 (or CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259)

Mathematics (complete one course from each list) 

  1. Statistics/Quantitative Science (3-5 credits): one of Q SCI 381, BIOST 310, STAT 220, STAT 311, BIOL 359
  2. Calculus (5 credits): one of MATH 124, MATH 134, Q SCI 291

Physics (choose one sequence) 

  1. PHYS 114, PHYS 115
  2. PHYS 121, PHYS 122
  3. PHYS 141, PHYS 142

Genetics 

one of GENOME 361, GENOME 371, FISH 340/BIOL 340.

Biology Core Concept Requirements

  1. Biology Foundations (4 credits): one of BIOL 350, BIOL 354, BIOL 355, BIOL 356
  2. Molecular/Cellular/Developmental Biology (6 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses
  3. Organismal Physiology (6 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses
  4. Ecology/Evolutionary Biology (6 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses
  5. Electives (18 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses

Additional Requirements 

  1. Minimum two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
  2. Minimum 15 credits of 300- or 400-level BIOL courses taken through UW Seattle
  3. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Introductory series (required for admission to the major) 

BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220 (15 credits)

Chemistry (choose one sequence) 

  1. CHEM 120, CHEM 220, and CHEM 221
  2. CHEM 142, CHEM 152 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155), CHEM 223, CHEM 224
  3. CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165), CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239 (or CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259)

Mathematics (complete one course from each list) 

  1. Statistics/Quantitative Science (3-5 credits): one of Q SCI 381, BIOST 310, STAT 220, STAT 311, BIOL 359
  2. Calculus (5 credits): one of MATH 124, MATH 134, Q SCI 291

Genetics

one of GENOME 361, GENOME 371, FISH 340/BIOL 340.

Biology Core Concept Requirements

  1. Biology Foundations (4 credits): one of BIOL 350, BIOL 354, BIOL 355, BIOL 356
  2. Molecular/Cellular/Developmental Biology (6 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses
  3. Organismal Physiology (6 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses
  4. Ecology/Evolutionary Biology (6 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses
  5. Electives (23 credits): see elective lists for list of approved courses

Additional Requirements 

  1. Minimum two 300- or 400-level laboratory courses
  2. Minimum 15 credits of 300- or 400-level BIOL courses taken through UW Seattle
  3. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for all UW courses applied toward major requirements

Minors Associated with Biology: