Bachelor of Science in Biology

Catalog Year 2026-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• Virginia Community College (VCCS) students graduating from transfer-oriented degree programs with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a four-point scale are guaranteed admission.

• Transfer-oriented associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts & Sciences (AA&S), and Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) as university-parallel transfer degrees.

• Students must have upheld standards of student conduct. VCCS students who do not meet these terms may still apply and be considered for admission, although admissions are not guaranteed.

• Students with 2.2-2.5 GPAs are encouraged to apply. We always review individual cases.

• Students need to earn a C or better in each community college course to receive Marymount University credit.

• You will receive an academic advisor from day one.

• See the VCCS Transfer Programs page for more details in our Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Please create an account through the www.TransferVirginia.org portal and click College Connect to indicate your intent to use this guarantee for admission to Marymount University.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://marymount.edu/Admissions/Transfer-Students/

• Register Intent to Transfer: Through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: https://marymount.edu/admissions/transfer-students/admissions-transfer-a...

• Financial Aid: https://marymount.edu/admissions/financial-aid/

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: 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 at www.TransferVirginia.org

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

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Students should work with their academic advisors to determine their best path to completing their desired bachelor's degree.

• Once deposited, students will receive a custom evaluation and pathway recommendations from the registrar's office.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of the transfer-oriented degree program will satisfy the Core Curriculum (lower division/general education) requirements except for a required Inquiry into Theology course. Students must complete all other University, college, and departmental requirements to obtain the baccalaureate degree from MU.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Dual Enrollment students seeking admission to MU with credits from DE will be reviewed for degree pathways by their assigned academic advisor once they have deposited.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credits are reviewed and a decision is granted from the Registrar.

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment at MU unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in the city of Arlington, Marymount University's campus community is well-known for strong faculty/student bonds, vibrant student life, and a commitment to student support.

• Situated in the dynamic hub of Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., is in our backyard! We are six miles from downtown DC and we have a metro stop on our campus.

• The University offers its nearly 4,000 students a wide array of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through its Colleges of Business, Innovation, Leadership, and Technology; Health and Education; and Sciences and Humanities.

• Transfer students have the option of choosing to live on-campus or off-campus within the local area.

• Over 69% of students receive some form of financial aid.

• 22 Division III intercollegiate varsity programs - Men's and Women's teams and 30+ student organizations.

• Learn more about our university 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 Marymount University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

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

Program Successes & Highlights

• Strong faculty commitment to providing undergraduate research opportunities.

• Exciting internship sites available including NIH, Smithsonian, and more.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Of students who apply, usually about 65% of transfer applicants are accepted to Marymount University, and about 80% of the entering transfer class comes from the Virginia Community College System.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Research scientist, Environmental Conservationist, Nurse, Physician, Dentist, Veterinarian roles with further education.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with a faculty advisor. All students also must fulfill Liberal Arts Core and University requirements.