Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Organismal and Environmental Biology

Bachelor of Science

Christopher Newport University

The aims of the curriculum and faculty in the Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology are to acquaint students with the body of knowledge in these disciplines and to teach them to apply this knowledge usefully and responsibly. Coursework includes discussion of historical and philosophical developments of biology and environmental science. The biology program is organized to enable majors to survey the entire field of biology and also to focus in one of a number of areas, including botany, marine science, environmental science, zoology, and preparation for one of the many health professional programs. The department offers two degrees, the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in biology. Within the Bachelor of Science in biology there are three possible majors. Additional information about the department, the degrees offered, and other opportunities can be obtained from the department office or the department website at oenb.cnu.edu.

Program Overview & Guidance

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
Considerations When Selecting Courses	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 Christopher Newport University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Christopher Newport University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Tidewater Community College	GAA	CNU Ready: Guaranteed Admission Agreement Tidewater Community College and Christopher Newport University
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission and Reverse Transfer Agreement Rappahannock Community College and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	VPCC Bridge to CNU: Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Peninsula Community College and Christopher Newport University
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and Christopher Newport University

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) will satisfy the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course. Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) in high school will satisfy of the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement. The Second Language Literacy Requirement may be met in one of the following ways: a) Transfer of 201 or higher level foreign language course or b) Completion of a 200-level or higher foreign language course at CNU. Note that three (3) years of high school language study (in the same language) or a 102-level foreign language course is a prerequisite for a CNU 200-level foreign language course. Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for VCCS/CNU guaranteed admission programs. VCCS students who complete the associate degree while enrolled in high school and have not enrolled in college in a regular semester (fall/spring) post high school graduation, must apply to CNU as first-time freshmen applicants. Completion of a transfer-oriented associate of fine arts degree from a VCCS college will satisfy Christopher Newport lower-level liberal learning requirements with the exception of one mathematics course (CNU's MATH 115 or higher) satisfying the Mathematical Literacy Liberal Learning Foundation requirement and one science lecture satisfying the Investigating the Natural World Area of Inquiry. Christopher Newport also requires completion of a 200-level language course or higher in a second language in order to graduate. If these requirements are not fulfilled during completion of the associate degree, they must be completed at Christopher Newport.
Credit for Prior Learning	https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/credit/
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: Christopher Newport University

College Level Information

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

217

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

85%

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At Christopher Newport University, we have approximately 4,500 students with about 200 transfers enrolling each year. We offer more than 90 areas of study, from electrical engineering to philosophy of law, from music performance to accounting. All programs are grounded in our rigorous liberal arts and sciences core curriculum - cited by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni as the strongest core curriculum of any public college or university in America. With 60 percent of our classes having 19 or fewer students, our small class sizes give you direct access to experts in their fields - teacher-scholars who provide outstanding instruction, conduct groundbreaking research (often with your help!), and publish noteworthy books and articles. We also have more than 200 clubs and student organizations and 24 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division III. We're located in Newport News, Virginia, in the heart of one of the most historic and beautiful areas of the United States. When you venture off campus, you'll find unlimited activities for all interests as well as cultural and historical treasures within a short walk or drive. Our residence halls and apartment complexes win rave reviews from students and parents alike. In fact, The Princeton Review ranked our residence halls among the top in the nation in the group's Best College Dorms category. While transfer students are not required to live on-campus, many do! Housing is offered on a space-available basis.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	By term of entry at CNU.
First Year Student Catalog Year	By term of entry at CNU.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	If you attend a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) school and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher, you may be eligible for the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA). GAA students are those who graduate from a transfer-oriented degree program at a Virginia community college within two years of enrollment at Christopher Newport with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 or higher on a four-point scale and who intends to transfer to CNU. Other GAAs exist for Virginia Peninsula, Rappahannock, and Richard Bland. Please visit our website: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/ You must complete a Letter of Intent to transfer to CNU under the GAA after a minimum of 15 credit hours is completed toward the associate degree and before applying for graduation from the community college. You must maintain continuous enrollment in all non-summer terms from the point of declaration until the associate degree is conferred and must transfer to Christopher Newport in the semester designated under the Letter of Intent.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

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 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
Hollins University	BA in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Hollins University	BS in Biology	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
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
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

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

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

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, Major in Organismal and Environmental Biology at Christopher Newport University 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	$8,414	Per Semester	$67,312	$0	$67,312	Per semester tuition full-time undergraduate 12-17 credit hours
Fees
Student Room Fee	$3,655	Per Semester	$29,240	0	$29,240	9-month contract, double occupancy room
Meal Plan	$2,575	Per Semester	$20,600	0	$20,600
Housing Communications Fee	$180	Per Semester	$1,440	0	$1,440	Per semester

*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:

Additional Fees
- Student Parking Fee: $275 per academic year
- Admission Application Fee: $65 but waivers are available
- Graduation Fee: $100 for all degrees.
Special Purpose Fees
- Applied Music Fee: $350 per credit of music courses
- Laboratory Fee: $75 for arts or science courses
- Luter School of Business Fee: $50 per credit. This is a top-tier, AACSB-accredited school that offers an enhanced student experience. Differential fees provide for instructional costs; software enhancements; innovative technology; and professional development and networking experiences that result in more internship and job placement opportunities.
- Study Abroad Fees: $150 per course taken abroad
- Online Course Fee: $175 per course taken online
Miscellaneous
- $50 Late Payment Fee per incident
- $35 Returned check fee if before due date and $50 if payment is after due date.

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.