Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Catalog Year 2025-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transfer associate degree.

• Earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 for your associate degree.

• Earn grades of "C" or higher in all community college courses.

• Please create an account through the www.TransferVirginia.org portal to indicate your intent to use this guarantee for admission to Virginia Wesleyan University.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: vwu.edu/transfer

• Register Intent to Transfer: Virginia Wesleyan University offers rolling admission. Declare intent to enroll through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: Virginia Wesleyan University offers Rolling Admission. Apply by visiting https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/apply-now.php

• Financial Aid: vwu.edu/financialaid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Apply at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Take courses that satisfy the biology major such as BIO 101, BIO 102, BIO 256, CHM 111 and 112, CHM 241/245

• 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 Virginia Wesleyan University within your first year. College Connect available in your account of www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Do you have a genuine interest in biology and find topics related to living organisms, ecosystems, genetics, and evolution fascinating? If you are naturally curious about the natural world and enjoy studying life sciences, a biology degree may be a good choice.

• A biology degree can lead to various career paths, including research, healthcare, education, conservation, and biotechnology.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: vwu.edu/fairtransfer

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Please visit VWU's catalog for specific policies. https://www.vwu.edu/academics/catalog.php

• Credit for Prior Learning: Please visit VWU's catalog for specific policies. https://www.vwu.edu/academics/catalog.php

Is This College Right For Me?

• Small class sizes

• Location includes access to internships, research, and hands on learning opportunities

• 3-Year Graduation Plans

• Learn more about our college at https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/

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 Virginia Wesleyan University. Call VWU Financial Aid with any questions: 757-455-3345

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Successful completion of the program will enable motivated students to pursue successful careers as: Physicians, Veterinarians, Biologists, Environmental Researchers, Policymakers, Biotechnologists, Genetic Counselor, Pharmacist, Public Health Professionals, Scientific Journalists, and Educators. These are just a few examples, and there are many other career options available to individuals with a biology degree. Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Virginia Wesleyan graduates who earn a degree in biology are making a difference in the world. Their personalized experience has earned many graduates research grants, national recognition, and the ability to work independently in their research endeavors.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Program is open to all accepted students. Learn more about the admission criteria here. Apply at vwu.edu/apply.

Do More With Your Degree!

• Research opportunities

• Graduate study after graduation in ecology, biomedical, healthcare, veterinarian medicine, and many other fields

• Enhance your Biology Degree with a minor in Marine Science, Chemistry, Mathematics, or many, many other options.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Biology majors are required to do either an undergraduate research project or an internship in the field of biology. Both of these experiences are completed within a course.