In the biological sciences department, you can choose a major or minor in Biology, Botany, or Zoology. Students who major in Biology may elect to specialize in one of several emphases: Cellular/Molecular Biology, Ecology & Biodiversity, Environmental Biology, General Biology, Marine Biology, Microbiology, or Science Education (Life Science Teacher Preparation). All majors emphasize hands-on learning and personal interaction with faculty members. Many courses take advantage of the outstanding natural environment surrounding Cal Poly Humboldt. Programs are structured to allow latitude for student choice in developing a program suitable to individual needs. There are also many opportunities for independent and faculty-mentored studies.

Humboldt graduates have an excellent record of acceptance into the top graduate schools in the country, as well as directly starting careers in a variety of wide-ranging and growing biological fields. Students interested in health-related professions should refer also to Pre-Professional Health Programs in the catalog.

Features

• Diverse faculty committed to undergraduate education and mentorship.
• Low student-to-faculty ratio.
• Wide-ranging courses and opportunities, including numerous specialized topics.
• Emphasis on hands-on learning.
• Excellent facilities available for undergraduates, including the Telonicher Marine Laboratory; ocean-going research vessel, The Coral Sea; Biotechnology Laboratory; Greenhouses; Vertebrate Museum; Herbarium; Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopes; Natural History Museum; and the Biotechnology Core Facility.
• Outstanding natural environments including ocean and estuarine areas, undeveloped coastal dunes, redwood forests, alpine and subalpine forests, and numerous state and national parks and forests.
• Rigorous coursework designed to prepare students for active careers and graduate study.