Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Bachelor of Science
Sweet Briar College

A broad program for students interested in careers in biological and environmental research, teaching and consulting, as well as health and veterinary professions. Students may add secondary teaching licensure in biology to their degree.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree A broad program for students interested in careers in biological and environmental research, teaching and consulting, as well as health and veterinary professions. Prepares students to teach biology at secondary level when coupled with teaching licensure.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

This major requires 39.0 to 43.0 hours of coursework. Required Courses: Intro to Organisms and Cells, Evolution, Genetics, Chemistry. Major Electives: Ecology, Animal Physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Calculus, and Statistics. Additional Electives to be Selected From: Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, or Environmental Science.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Students should expect to take BIOL 111: Introduction to Organisms and BIOL 112: Introduction to Cells, MATH 123: Calculus I or MATH 205: Applied Statistics, and CHEM 131 and 141: General Chemistry and Lab, during their first year.

  • 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
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Sweet Briar College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree The biology major is a natural compliment to the environmental science major and many students pursue both. Students also select a second major or minor in chemistry or mathematics to enrich their knowledge base for graduate work beyond Sweet Briar.
Program Successes & Highlights At 85-100 percent, our students' acceptance rates to veterinary and medical schools are far higher than the national average. In addition, our alumnae have gone on to become wildlife biologists, GIS specialists, nurses, physical therapists, teachers, environmental engineers, public health officials, and research technicians.
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf 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 table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Science in Biology
120
BS in Biology
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 60 credits may be applied to this program.
Core Curriculum
30
CORE 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 120
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 130
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 140
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 150
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 160
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 170
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 180
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 210
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE 300
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Major Requirements
39
Required Courses
18
Earn 18 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Culminating Experience
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Math
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Biology Elective
9
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose three biology electives, 3-4 credits each, at the 200-level or above
Earn 9 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Additional STEM Credits
6
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject list:
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Second Major, minor, electives
51
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student may choose a second major, a minor, or elective credits to reach 120 credits for graduation.
Earn 51 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Exemption from the general education requirement, our Leadership Core.

Completion of an associates degree (AA,AS, or AA&S) replaces Sweet Briar's required leadership core curriculum, the college's version of traditional general education requirements. Eligible students may move directly into coursework that fulfills the requirements of their major of choice.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Completion of an associates degree (AA,AS, or AA&S) replaces Sweet Briar's required leadership core curriculum, the college's version of traditional general education requirements. Eligible students may move directly into coursework that fulfills the requirements of their major of choice.
Credit for Prior Learning We accept AP and IB results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations.
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: Sweet Briar College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
81
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
65%
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Sweet Briar has a total enrollment of about 460 students, of which approximately 80 are transfer students. Our average class size is about 12 and the vast majority of our students live on campus.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by the first semester of attendance. However, students can petition to move back a year to be in the same catalog year as their classmates.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by the first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Same as other transfer students.
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Science BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science AssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in Biological SciencesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in Biological SciencesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBA in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBS in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeScience, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences in Science AssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Integrative BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Biology, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Organismal and Environmental BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology, Major in KinesiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Biology: Pre-medical BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Biology BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Biology: Teacher Preparation in Biology BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of Science-Life ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Richard Bland CollegeAssociate of Science-Clinical Lab ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Biology EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Science in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Arts in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityBiology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversityBiology, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology - (DNIMAS) TrackBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional ConcentrationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional (DNIMAS) TrackBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryBiology - Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityBiology-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBS in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBS in Biology: Biomed. ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of Mary WashingtonBS in Biology: Cons. BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Biology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Biology (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeBiology Major - BS (General Biology Track)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeBiology Major - BS (Secondary Education Track)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Arts BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBS in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Science in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityBiology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeBiology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeBiology (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBS in Biology - Biomedical Science EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBS in Biology - Education EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBS in Biology - Integrative EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
19-4012.00Agricultural TechniciansWork 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
19-1029.01Bioinformatics ScientistsConduct 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
25-1042.00Biological Science Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
19-1029.00Biological Scientists, All OtherAll biological scientists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4021.00Biological TechniciansAssist 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
19-1029.04BiologistsResearch or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.01Clinical Research CoordinatorsPlan, 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
19-4013.00Food Science TechniciansWork 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
19-4092.00Forensic Science TechniciansCollect, 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
19-1029.03GeneticistsResearch 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
19-1099.00Life Scientists, All OtherAll life scientists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1029.02Molecular and Cellular BiologistsResearch and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.00Natural Sciences ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
19-4012.01Precision Agriculture TechniciansApply 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
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Science in Biology at Sweet Briar College
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $11,865 Per Semester $94,920 $0 $94,920 Per semester tuition for a full time status of 12 - 19 credit hours. $990 per credit hour for part-time students or for credits taken over 19
Fees
Technology Fee $380 Per Semester $3,040 0 $3,040
Student Life Fee $600 Per Semester $4,800 0 $4,800 Reduced to 100 for non-residential students
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • New Student Reservation Fee
    • $250 non-refundable fee credited on the first-term fees.
  • Course Supply Fee
    • $100 - Only for applicable courses (such as science labs and arts)
  • Additional Fees
    • Additional fees may include Health Fee ($400), Parking Fee ($170), Post Office box ($72), Graduation ($150) and riding fees (vary) per year.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.