Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Submit the letter of intent after at least 15 credit hours are earned at the VCCS, prior to graduation from the VCCS, and prior to applying for admission to CNU

• Graduate with a transfer-oriented degree from the VCCS with a 3.2 cumulative GPA

• Have at least one semester (fall/spring) with full-time enrollment (min. 12 credits)

• Maintain continuous enrollment in all non-summer terms from the point of registering their intent to transfer until the associate degree has been conferred

• Formally apply for admission to CNU in the semester designated on the letter of intent and follow all admission processes, requirements and established deadlines

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: transfer.cnu.edu

• Register Intent to Transfer: Once at least 15 credit hours are earned at the VCCS, prior to graduation from the VCCS, and prior to applying for admission at CNU by completing this form https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/_pdf/cnu-vccs_gaa_letter_of_intent.pdf

• Admission Application for Fall: Priority date is March 1, application closes mid-July

• Admission Application for Spring: Priority date is October 1, application closes mid-December

• Financial Aid: cnu.edu/financialaid/types/

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: March 1 for fall semester at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and CNU within your first year. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• All biology majors complete three principles of biology courses. These three courses introduce students to the science of life beginning at the molecular level and progressing to organisms and ecosystems, while the accompanying labs provide hands-on experiences that reinforce this learning. After finishing the foundation courses, students take upper-level courses that further develop critical-thinking skills and field techniques.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of a transfer-oriented associate degree (including completion of an associate degree in high school) will satisfy all lower-level liberal learning core requirements, excluding second language literacy, graduation requirements, upper-level requirements, and concentration/minor/major requirements. Courses, with a grade of 'C' or better, that have a Christopher Newport equivalent will transfer for 60-66 hours of college-level credit.

• Credit for Prior Learning: CNU accepts AP, IB, Cambridge, CLEP and military credits

• Catalog Year: https://cnu.edu/public/undergradcatalog/

Is This College Right For Me?

• We think 5,000 students is just the right size. We're large enough to offer a wide variety of opportunities, but we're small enough that you won't feel like you are just a number

• 90% of our faculty have the highest degree in their field but more important is their passion for engaging and advising students inside and outside the classroom

• More than half of our classes have 19 or fewer students and less than 5% have 50 students or more! Professors know our students by name and expect them to be engaged each class

• We enjoy a wonderful sense of community here, and our Honor Code is taken very seriously. We have a speaking tradition and you'll find that students and faculty here will hold the door for you and look you in the eye as you walk by

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower-division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at CNU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• The Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, which is overseen by the Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, requires a minimum of 34 credit hours in biology.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• If you apply through general application instead of through the Guaranteed Admission Agreement, you will be considered for admission with all other transfer applicants.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Students are encouraged to participate in an internship while pursuing their degree

• Students are encouraged to study abroad while pursuing their degree