Program Details
BA in Biology
Bachelor of ArtsHollins University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Biology seeks to develop in its students a sense of independent inquiry into the processes of life. Core courses in the major provide all students with a solid foundation in the biological sciences (from cells to ecosystems), while upper-level courses, laboratories, and seminars, as well as research opportunities, give students the chance to focus on specific areas of interest in biology. Allied courses in introductory chemistry and mathematics provide breadth to the degree. In addition to exploring biological concepts, classes in the biology department promote the development of oral and written communication skills, as well as critical thinking. Graduating seniors will have knowledge in biology at the introductory and advanced levels, as well as the skills to critique the primary biological literature, utilize biological instrumentation in the laboratory and in the field, and design and carry out biological research.
Outcomes
SLO 1: Students will be able to evaluate information from the primary biological scientific literature. SLO 2: Students will be able to communicate effectively about their own research outcomes as well as facts, ideas and theories in biology. SLO 3: Students will acquire knowledge in the core areas of biology as identified by our core curriculum (ecology, human physiology, and cell and molecular biology) as well as be able to collect and analyze data utilizing the appropriate instrumentation and methodologies.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Biology students at Hollins develop a broad understanding of life – both plant and animal. You’ll explore the organization and processes of each, from cells through organ systems to species and evolution to populations and ecosystems. Complete a bachelor of arts in biology and you can pursue a variety of careers in the biological sciences. You can become a research assistant, environmental consultant, or a teacher at the elementary or secondary level. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Hollins biology majors excel in graduate school, professional schools, and in the workforce. Recent careers paths include veterinarian, immunologist, microbiologist and pharmacist. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Hollins students have opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors to conduct meaningful research. Whether it’s a several week summer research project in Hollins’ Summer Fellows research program or a yearlong senior honors thesis, students at all stages and of all interests are able to gain valuable research experience right here at Hollins. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a qualifying VCCS associate degree program will guarantee completion of the general education component of the Hollins undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs and must complete general education courses. All courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP and IB results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. Transfer credits will be considered for CLEP (College Level Examination Program) on an individual basis for examinations if Hollins offers a comparable course. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Fewer than 1,000 students. Average class size of 12. All women at the undergraduate level. On-campus housing guaranteed. Scholarship of at least $20,000 guaranteed for transfer students. Scholarship of $2,000 available for PTK members. Top majors for transfer students include business, psychology and biology. 5-year MAT program. Renowned English and creative writing program. Small community with big outcomes for students; more than 90% of recent graduates are employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at Hollins |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Virginia Community College System (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. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Sweet Briar College | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Integrative Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Major in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Organismal and Environmental Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Kinesiology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Biology: Pre-medical BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Biology BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Biology: Teacher Preparation in Biology BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Life Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Clinical Lab Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences, Major in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
George Mason University | Biology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Biology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Biology - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | Biology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Biology: Biomed. Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BS in Biology: Cons. Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Biology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
Marymount University | Biology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Biology Major - BS (General Biology Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Biology Major - BS (Secondary Education Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bluefield University | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Biology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Biology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Randolph-Macon College | Biology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Biology - Biomedical Science Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Biology - Education Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BS in Biology - Integrative Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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19-4012.00 | Agricultural Technicians | Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1029.01 | Bioinformatics Scientists | Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1042.00 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-1029.00 | Biological Scientists, All Other | All biological scientists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4021.00 | Biological Technicians | Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1029.04 | Biologists | Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
19-4013.00 | Food Science Technicians | Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4092.00 | Forensic Science Technicians | Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1029.03 | Geneticists | Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1099.00 | Life Scientists, All Other | All life scientists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-1029.02 | Molecular and Cellular Biologists | Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
19-4012.01 | Precision Agriculture Technicians | Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
