B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Biology
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology designed to provide students with a robust understanding of living systems, from the cellular and molecular level to entire ecosystems. The program is structured around the overarching theme of evolution and emphasizes a hands-on, experiential learning approach.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology program at Whittier College is a STEM-designated degree. This designation is highly advantageous, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of valuable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Biology curriculum at Whittier College is organized around the hierarchical structure of living organisms, with evolution as a central theme. Students are required to complete three foundational courses: BIOL 151 Cell and Molecular Biology, BIOL 152 The Biology of Organisms, and BIOL 251 Ecology and Evolution of Organisms. Beyond these introductory courses, students select advanced coursework from categories such as cellular and molecular biology (e.g., Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Oncology), organismal biology (e.g., Human Physiology and Anatomy, Invertebrate Zoology, Plant Biology, Animal Physiology), and population biology (e.g., Principles of Ecology, Epidemiology, Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics). The major also mandates research-intensive courses and a senior seminar, ensuring significant hands-on laboratory and research experience throughout the program.
Research Focus: Whittier College strongly emphasizes undergraduate research within its Biology program. The Department of Biology is committed to fostering a culture of discovery, research, and the creation of new knowledge. Students are encouraged to "do science" rather than just learn about it, with virtually all courses featuring a mandatory laboratory component. Opportunities for research include designated Research Intensive (RI) courses, advanced field studies, and dedicated undergraduate research courses (BIOL 496). The college also hosts an annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference where students present their original work, often as the culmination of their senior projects. Fellowships, such as the NASA MOSAICS Summer Research, further support student engagement in scientific inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's Center for Career and Professional Development plays a vital role in preparing Biology graduates for successful careers. The "Whittier Works" initiative actively connects academic learning with practical application through individualized coaching, career exploration, job readiness training, and graduate school preparation. The Career Center fosters partnerships with employers to provide valuable internships and experiential learning opportunities. These include direct connections to industries in Southern California, ranging from bioengineering to other scientific and business sectors.
Global Perspective: Whittier College strongly promotes a global perspective, with significant study abroad opportunities available to Biology students. The Office of International Programs, a national leader in diversity abroad, sponsors study abroad experiences across five continents (or at sea) for semesters, years, summers, or during JanTerm and MayTerm. Biology students can specifically study biology abroad, with options to complete international internships, conduct professional research, and fulfill major, minor, and liberal education requirements.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Biology from Whittier College provides a comprehensive and hands-on education in the life sciences, emphasizing the central role of evolution across all levels of biological organization.
Research Technician/Associate: Works in academic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or government laboratories, assisting scientists with experiments, data collection, and analysis. This is a common entry-level role for those seeking hands-on lab experience.
Environmental Scientist/Consultant: Focuses on analyzing and addressing environmental problems. This could involve fieldwork, data analysis, and developing solutions for issues like conservation, pollution control, or natural resource management for government agencies, non-profits, or private consulting firms.
Science Educator (K-12 or informal settings): Teaches biology or general science in middle or high schools (requiring additional certification), or works in museums, zoos, aquariums, or nature centers, developing educational programs and engaging the public with scientific concepts.
Healthcare Professions (requiring further study): A B.A. in Biology is a strong foundation for various professional health programs, including Medical Doctor (MD), Dentist (DDS/DMD), Physician Assistant (PA), Physical Therapist (DPT), Veterinarian (DVM), or Pharmacist (PharmD).
Biotechnologist: Works in the biotechnology industry, focusing on applying biological processes to develop new products or technologies, often in areas like genetic engineering, drug discovery, or industrial applications.
Wildlife Biologist/Ecologist: Studies wildlife populations and their habitats, conducting fieldwork, monitoring species, and contributing to conservation efforts for government agencies (e.g., Fish and Wildlife Service), environmental organizations, or research institutions.
Public Health Specialist/Health Educator: Works in public health agencies or community organizations to promote health, prevent disease, and educate the public on health-related issues, leveraging their understanding of biological systems and epidemiology.
Forensic Scientist (Entry-Level): Applies biological and chemical principles to analyze evidence found at crime scenes, working in crime labs to support criminal investigations.
Science Writer/Communicator: Translates complex scientific information into accessible language for various audiences, working in journalism, technical writing, public relations, or for scientific publications and websites.
Laboratory Manager/Coordinator: Manages the day-to-day operations of a laboratory, including equipment maintenance, inventory, safety protocols, and staff coordination, often after gaining some initial lab experience.
