Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

Coursework blends laboratory classes, lectures and fieldwork. Lower-division prerequisites include introductory biology, chemistry and pre-calculus. Required biology and supporting courses listed in the catalog include:

• BIOL 111 and BIOL 111L – General Biology: Cells and Physiology (3 + 1 credits)
• CHEM 103 and CHEM 103L – General Chemistry I (3 + 1 credits)
• MATH 140 – Pre-Calculus (4 credits)
• BIOL 121 and BIOL 121L – General Biology: Diversity and Ecology (3 + 1 credits)
• BIOL 231 and BIOL 231L – Anatomy and Physiology I (3 + 1 credits)
• BIOL 312 and BIOL 312L – Ecology (3 + 1 credits)
• BIOL 370 – Bioethics (3 credits)
• BIOL 450 and BIOL 450L – Genetics (3 + 1 credits)
• BIOL 470 – History and Philosophy of Science (3 credits)
• BIOL 485BIO – Senior Seminar (2 credits)
• CHEM 104 and CHEM 104L – General Chemistry II (3 + 1 credits)
• MATH 205 and MATH 206L – Introductory Statistics and Lab (3 + 1 credits)

Emphasis requirements add 16 units: for the General emphasis this includes one chemistry/math/physical science course, at least one upper-division biology course (minimum 5 units), and additional courses to reach the 48-unit major minimum. The Secondary Teaching emphasis specifies BIOL 232 and BIOL 232L (Anatomy and Physiology II), GEOL 151 (Earth Science), PHYS 120 and PHYS 120L (General Physics I and lab), plus other biology or physical science courses to complete the major.

Students can engage in off-campus summer programs, semester abroad options, and field trips across California (for example, ecological work in Kings Canyon National Park or marine observation along the Central Coast). Faculty-guided capstone research projects are available.

Entry requirements

Lower-division major prerequisites identified by the catalog are BIOL 111 and BIOL 111L (General Biology: Cells and Physiology), CHEM 103 and CHEM 103L (General Chemistry I), and MATH 140 (Pre-Calculus). In addition to completing the major courses and emphasis requirements, all students must meet the university’s general education requirements and accumulate at least 120 units to graduate. For students aiming at the Teacher Education Program, catalog guidance recommends seeking advising at least two semesters before degree completion and following the program’s admissions procedures.

Career prospects

The curriculum supports a range of next steps by building laboratory skills, field experience and scientific communication. The Secondary Teaching emphasis prepares students to move into credential programs for biology teaching. Other graduates commonly use the program’s research, ecology and genetics training as a foundation for roles or further study in environmental science, health-related fields, laboratory work or graduate programs; hands-on field and capstone components strengthen preparation for applied and research pathways.

Scholarships & funding angle

The catalog does not list specific scholarships within the program page; prospective students should consult Fresno Pacific University’s financial aid office and institutional scholarship listings. Given the program’s emphasis on off-campus study and research, look for funding opportunities that support fieldwork, summer programs or undergraduate research to reduce the cost of experiential components.