Bachelor of Science in Biology

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transferable associate degree (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Arts and Science at approved institutions only)

• Students may submit a Letter of Intent to Transfer after completion of 15 transferrable credits, 2.5 or higher GPA, and 90 days prior to graduation from a VCCS institution

• Graduate with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

• Earn a grade of "C" or higher in each community college course applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree program

• Enroll at ODU within one year of completing the transfer-oriented associate degree

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://www.odu.edu/transfer

• Intent to Transfer: Submit a Letter of Intent 90 days prior to graduation from a VCCS institution to ODU. You can review more information about the process at https://www.odu.edu/transfer/guaranteed-admission

• Admission Application: Priority deadline by August 1 for Fall Admission and by October 1 for Spring Admission. The application for admission can be found here: https://www.odu.edu/apply/applications

• Financial Aid: ODU Financial Aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Connect with a pre-transfer advisor if you are considering transferring to ODU. Contact them at transfercenters@odu.edu during your first year at the VCCS.

• 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 Old Dominion University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• This degree has an outstanding pre-health track.

• There is an excellent program in secondary science education.

• A well rounded introduction to major concentrations is provided.

• The program offers a combination of academic and research opportunities.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Lower Division General Education Requirements will be waived for transferable associate degrees. Students completing an AS in General Studies degree recognized by SCHEV are eligible for the waiver as long as they are completing a transfer degree approved by SCHEV at a VCCS.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The GAA at ODU applies to students who have earned an associate degree during high school. Students should apply as a freshman applicant and would be eligible for the benefits of the agreement, such as the lower division general education waiver, if admitted.

• Credit for Prior Learning: ODU accepts credits from prior learning to include AP, IB, CLEP, and Cambridge Advanced A/S.

• Catalog Year: Undergraduate students may choose to graduate under the catalog in effect of their first enrollment at ODU or any subsequent catalog provided that the students graduate within six years from the date of first enrollment.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Old Dominion University's waterfront campus is in the coastal city of Norfolk, VA, home to the world's largest U.S. Navy base. From internship opportunities with some of the world's top companies, to great shopping and dining, to beautiful beaches and historic sites, there's always something to discover.

• ODU's 337-acre campus with 3 higher education centers off campus, is the region's only public urban research university. It has both on-campus and off-campus housing options for almost 24,000 students, and a 16:1 faculty ratio.

• ODU is highly ranked among one of the best public higher education institutions in Virginia for Military Vets.

• Transfer students make up 40% of the undergraduate population.

• 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 ODU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

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

Program Successes & Highlights

• The facilities include the striking new Kaplan Orchid Conservatory, electron microscopes, state of the art DNA facilities, and comprehensive analytical and field instruments.

• Students get to utilize the rich natural resources of South Hampton Roads including diverse ecological communities and major biomedical and research complex, faculty are committed educators.

• The department owns the 320 acre Blackwater Ecological Preserve, part of the Zuni Pine Barrens State Natural Area and our students have access to a rich array of state and federal preserves including the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Barrier Islands, Chesapeake Bay, and Back Bay.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• As of current data from Fall 2024, ODU's acceptance rate for transfer students is approximately 99%

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) traineeship program funds undergraduate juniors and seniors who meet the criteria, to work in research laboratories at ODU. FMI - Program Information | Old Dominion University

• Students may take advantage of several non-classroom experiences ("Unstructured Courses") as Experiential Learning to receive possible elective credit. These include courses such as Cooperative Education, Internship, Practicum and Undergraduate Research.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Completion of the Senior Assessment - which collects actionable and meaningful data that leads to academic improvement for students and faculty.

• Undergraduates with junior or senior standing and a GPA of 3.00 or better are eligible to participate in Honors Research. They will conduct a research project under the approval and guidance of a chosen faculty member. This includes enrolling in BIOL 487 and BIOL 488W.