Biology

The biological sciences are undergoing a quiet revolution of discovery that is having a profound influence on the way we live and think. Whether discovery is molecular or ecological in scope, the transcendent qualities to be cultivated in all biology students are logical thought, clarity of expression, precision of statement, employment of analytical skills, and common sense. The Biology program captures these qualities by focusing on three curricular patterns.

First, the department offers contemporary course work that mirrors the rapid changes in biology and defines the mechanistic forces operating at the cellular and molecular levels of organization. Second, courses are offered that emphasize phylogenetic relationships, evolutionary concepts and functional qualities of living things. Third, the historical, social and ethical dimensions of biology are interwoven in the fabric of all courses to provide a sense of perspective and to impart the impact biological discovery has had on our understanding of what it is to be human in a complex world of differing views and expectations.

• International applicants must submit a photocopy of the name/photo page of their passport showing their image and the correct spelling of their name.
• An international applicant must demonstrate their English language proficiency to satisfy immigration policies. Proficiency may be demonstrated through any one of the following methods.
  • International Applicants Whose Native Language is English Applicants who are fluent in English because it is their first language, need not take any further action to demonstrate proficiency. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants who are from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand or who coupled a bachelor’s or advanced degree in a country where the primary and dominant language is English and English was the language of instruction of the school.
  • Official TOEFL of 88 or IELTS of 6.5. The TOEFL code for Willamette is 4954.
• Financial Requirements Applicants must be able to show they have sufficient resources to fund educational and living expenses for one year of the program and provide the following:
  • A completed Statement of Financial Responsibility form
  • Official bank verification of funds (written in English), showing that you and/or your sponsor have sufficient resources to cover educational and living expenses for one year of the program, or
  • A financial guarantee letter from any government scholarship you have been awarded.

If your native language is not English, Willamette University requires you to submit scores from one of the following tests. Scores can be sent directly from the testing agency to the university. These tests can be waived if the primary language of instruction at your high school has been English.

Step 1: Begin the undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate application.

Step 2: Upload your high school and/or university transcripts or final examination results.

Step 3: Indicate how you meet PNCA’s English language proficiency requirements.

Step 5: Submit your application

Step 6: If you are accepted and you decide to enroll, order a transcript evaluation.