Bachelor of Science in Biology

Catalog Year 2024-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA): Longwood University and VCCS

By meeting the following criteria, students are eligible for completion of all Foundation-level courses as well as the Integrating World Languages Perspectives-level course associated with LU's Civitae general education experience.

• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a four-point scale, computed as shown on the two-year institution transcript.

• Earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or higher in each community college course.

• Disciplinary records are reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis and could affect the student's eligibility.

• Students must complete an AA, AS, or AA&S degree through the VCCS with at least 60 credits.

• Submit to the LU Admissions Office an official transcript showing completion of the applicable associate's degree. Until LU receives the official transcript showing degree conferred, the terms of the GAA will not be applied.

Please visit the Transfer Virginia portal (www.TransferVirginia.org) to find course requirements for different majors (Transfer Tools) and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors (Resource Center).

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: http://www.longwood.edu/admissions/transfer-students/

• Register Intent to Transfer: After the first 15 credits completed at TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: By December 1 for spring admission and by March 1 for fall admission, although we continue to review applications after the March 1 date. Apply at http://www.longwood.edu/apply/.

• Financial Aid: http://www.longwood.edu/financialaid/.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA priority filing deadline is March 1. We recommend filing early to ensure you receive the maximum amount of aid at www.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, and complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center (www.TransferVirginia.org).

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Longwood University within your first year. Use the College Connect feature in the portal (www.TransferVirginia.org).

• Students interested in a minor should plan to take preliminary coursework as available.

• To complete all Longwood requirements in four semesters, careful planning will be necessary. Timely completion will be facilitated by an understanding of the concentrations available in Longwood's BS in Biology and appropriate course selections while at the community college.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of all Foundation-level courses as well as the Integrating World Languages Perspectives-level course associated with LU's Civitae general education experience.

• Credit for Prior Learning: LU accepts credit for CLEP, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, military training/experience, or other forms of advanced standing, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students under this GAA who have credit for prior learning receive the overarching benefits of the GAA but must present documentation from the original agency or experience as part of a course-by-course credit evaluation to determine applicability to specific coursework or major requirements.

• Catalog Year: In accord with state policy, students may choose the catalog in effect at the time they enroll at Longwood or the one that applies to continuous full-time students at their class level.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: High school students who have earned an applicable associate's degree concurrent with high school graduation are not eligible for guaranteed admission under the terms of this agreement. Such students are considered freshman applicants with transfer credit. If admitted, no distinction will be made by LU regarding college courses applicable to the transferable associate's degree that are completed through dual enrollment. Those students completing applicable associate's degrees, upon receipt of the final official transcript demonstrating completion of the GAA requirements, will be awarded a waiver for Foundation-level courses as well as the Integrating World Languages Perspectives-level course. However, the following will be required of these students to support their transition to Longwood: a. They must attend freshman orientation. b. They must live in on-campus housing unless qualified for a release. On-campus housing is guaranteed for these students. c. They must enroll and pass ENGL 265, The Writing and Rhetoric of Citizenship.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Longwood is a mid-sized university where students enjoy the highest percentage of classes taught by full-time professors in Virginia and a residential academic community that offers students the full university experience.

• Our Civitae Core Curriculum classes are capped at 25 students, and class sizes throughout our majors, minors, and concentrations encourage faculty-student collaboration.

• Opportunities for student involvement are a hallmark of the Longwood experience. From service organizations, Greek life, club sports, and a long list of clubs based on interests and activities, there is something for everyone. Each semester, an involvement fair helps students find organizations that are the right fit for them to make their time at Longwood even more meaningful.

• With seven on-campus residence halls and two university-managed apartment complexes, students live, learn, and grow together in a true community.

• Learn more at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That...

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

• Exceeding three 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 Longwood University?

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Typically, Longwood admits 85% of transfer applicants who seek admission outside of the GAA. The average GPA for admitted transfer students tends to be 3.2-3.5.

• Learn more at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Our Biology degree offers concentrations in General Biology, Clinical Lab Sciences, Pre-Medicine, and Secondary Teaching. Please see the Secondary Education guide if interested in teaching Biology in middle or high school.

• Students take a senior seminar course to help prepare for post-graduate success.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

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

Program Successes & Highlights

• Biology faculty members offer specialized advising for general biology, pre-medical, and teacher preparation concentrations, while small class sizes promote active engagement in learning and a focus on skill-building.

• All students gain hands-on experience during an internship or in faculty research labs.

• Our graduates find employment in the healthcare sector, public management and development, wildlife conservation, research and clinical laboratories, secondary education, and a wide variety of other careers.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Students in the Biology program choose a concentration in one of four areas.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Continue at Longwood and complete an MBA through our innovative program with fully online options.