Program Overview

Embark on an enlightening journey into the world of biology at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø (CWI), where your educational ambitions are nurtured and supported. Our Biology program offers a comprehensive exploration of life, covering all areas of biology from molecular to community levels, with an emphasis on evolutionary principles. This program is your gateway to understanding the intricate mechanisms of life and preparing for a successful transition to higher studies.

At CWI, small class sizes and dedicated instructors ensure you receive personalized attention, fostering an environment conducive to learning and exploration. Our curriculum, aligned with the standards developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, includes core concepts and competencies vital for your academic and professional growth. You can choose from emphases in Human Biology; Natural Resources; or Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences, tailoring your education to your specific interests and career aspirations. Whether you aim for advanced studies or diverse careers in biology, starting your journey at CWI places you on a path to success.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Science

Academic Certificate

Cost

$6,654 – 10,555

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

2 years

Looking down on a CWI student in a lab adding liquid to a beaker

Learning Opportunities

  • Wide-Ranging Biological Studies: Engage in studies across various biological fields.
  • Emphasis Areas: Specialize in Human Biology, Natural Resources, or Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences.
  • Practical Laboratory Experience: Develop hands-on skills in modern laboratory settings.
  • Foundation for Further Education: Prepare for advanced degrees in various biological science disciplines.
  • Personalized Academic Path: Choose electives and engage in enrichment opportunities to align with your career goals including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pathways Internship.

Areas of Study

Customize your Biology degree at CWI with an area of emphasis as you prepare to transfer on to a four-year college or university.

Biology General

  • Learn fundamental skills in critical thinking and analysis, data collection and management, and supporting laboratory and field technologies.
  • Tailor classes to your particular interests within the field of biology.

Human Biology

  • Prepare to enter professional programs in medicine, research, and biomedical engineering.
  • Develop your abilities to think and reason like a scientist.
  • Be amazed by you and the incredible processes happening with you.

Microbiological, Molecular, & Biomedical Sciences

  • Get your hands dirty! In the first semester, you will begin designing your own experiments.
  • Develop the ability to think and reason as a scientist.
  • Learn about the scientific method and critical analysis in the class and laboratory.

Natural Resources

  • Learn to think and reason like a scientist.
  • Network with professionals working for state and federal agencies in Idaho.
  • Chase butterflies.
  • Spend time outdoors — our natural environment becomes your classroom.

Degrees & Certificates

Biology – Associate of Science Degree
2 Years

AS

Cost:
$10,555
Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant – Academic Certificate
2 Years

AC

Cost:
$6,654

Let's Get Started

Two pharmasists in a lab and one is looking at the camera

Career Opportunities

1063

Annual Openings*

$
35.10

Hourly Median Wage*

$
73,008

Annual Median Salary

18.28
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

427

Annual Openings*

$
29.52

Hourly Median Wage*

$
61,401

Annual Median Salary

5.34
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

151

Annual Openings*

$
24.94

Hourly Median Wage*

$
51,875

Annual Median Salary

-3.61
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

62

Annual Openings*

$
22.16

Hourly Median Wage*

$
46,092

Annual Median Salary

9.77
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

48

Annual Openings*

$
18.12

Hourly Median Wage*

$
37,689

Annual Median Salary

12.93
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

44

Annual Openings*

$
48.93

Hourly Median Wage*

$
101,774

Annual Median Salary

14.86
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All biological scientists not listed separately.

37

Annual Openings*

$
37.55

Hourly Median Wage*

$
78,104

Annual Median Salary

8.06
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.

35

Annual Openings*

$
37.61

Hourly Median Wage*

$
78,228

Annual Median Salary

24
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

31

Annual Openings*

$
34.70

Hourly Median Wage*

$
72,176

Annual Median Salary

6.28
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

28

Annual Openings*

$
22.39

Hourly Median Wage*

$
46,571

Annual Median Salary

4.76
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber’s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

27

Annual Openings*

$
29.40

Hourly Median Wage*

$
61,152

Annual Median Salary

-2.17
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

18

Annual Openings*

$
19.76

Hourly Median Wage*

$
41,100

Annual Median Salary

7.84
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

13

Annual Openings*

$
28.11

Hourly Median Wage*

$
58,468

Annual Median Salary

12.62
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.

11

Annual Openings*

$
33.75

Hourly Median Wage*

$
70,200

Annual Median Salary

10.62
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.

11

Annual Openings*

$
34.94

Hourly Median Wage*

$
72,675

Annual Median Salary

11.66
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All life scientists not listed separately.

6

Annual Openings*

$
31.35

Hourly Median Wage*

$
65,208

Annual Median Salary

4.93
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

5

Annual Openings*

$
29.18

Hourly Median Wage*

$
60,694

Annual Median Salary

-0.98
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

3

Annual Openings*

$
22.12

Hourly Median Wage*

$
46,009

Annual Median Salary

14.38
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

*Data sourced from Lightcastâ„¢ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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URL: /academics/academic-transfer/biology<br>