Biology encompasses a remarkably diverse range of disciplines and offers some of the most rapidly expanding career opportunities within science. Most careers in biology require a graduate degree. The biology program at LLU offers both master’s and doctoral degrees, both of which involve original research and a written thesis. Our low student-teacher ratio affords students excellent access to instructors and research mentors.

Our program emphasizes field-based studies that generally address questions of ecological relevance. However, we often rely on an integrative approach, as many such questions can be answered using the traditional tools of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, morphology, behavior, and/or systematics. Students whose interests are more narrowly focused within health or other basic sciences may be better served by other excellent programs at LLU.

Currently, many of our students work on international projects involving biodiversity and conservation. Others choose to take on projects closer to home, as Southern California is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot with varied habitats and organisms to study. Whether in the classroom or in the field, students are encouraged to develop an open-minded, investigative approach to science in the context of global service.