Nov 10, 2024  
General Catalog 2024-2025 
    
General Catalog 2024-2025

Natural Sciences - Biology Option, B.A.


The College of Science and Mathematics  

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

The B.A. in Natural Sciences Biology Option serves to establish subject matter competency through coursework as approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which waives the California Subject Exam for Teachers (CSET), and streamlines the process for students to enter the Single Subject Teaching Credential program in Science. This degree program is primarily designed for students who plan to become middle or high school science teachers; however, the program is also suitable for students who have interest in other science career options. Please contact CSM Advising and Resources Center (ARC) at 559.278.4150 for advising and more information.

Major Requirements (69-71 units)


Core Requirements (36 units)


Other Degree Requirements


In addition to the major program requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate degree requirements such as:

  • American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2 )
  • General Education Requirements (48 units)
  • Multicultural and International (MI)
  • Upper-division Writing
  • Sufficient Elective Units to Meet Required Total Units (varies); it is recommended that units in this area be utilized to complete a second major or minor.

A full description of the University’s graduation requirements can be found in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements .

Total: 120 Units*


*General Education, MI, and Upper-division Writing courses can be double counted with major requirements (see note 1). See advisor for details.

Advising Notes for Biology Option in Natural Sciences


  1. This total assumes that students in this option will maximize 12 units required for the major that also may be applied to fulfill General Education requirements as follows: CHEM 1A /CHEM 1AL  (Area B1), BIOL 1A  (Area B2), EES 168  (Area IB), and MATH 75  (Area B4). Consult your major advisor for details.

In compliance with Federal Requirements for Posting Licensure and Certification Eligibility, please see the CSU Chancellor’s Office calstate.edu website.