Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology

Bachelor of Science
James Madison 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 department offers a four-year B.S. degree program for a major in biology and for a major in biology qualifying for the Secondary Collegiate Professional License. Requirements for the B.A. degree can be met by adding the completion of an intermediate level foreign language and three credit hours in philosophy. Students may not receive dual credit toward the biology major for 300- and 400-level BIO courses that are applied toward the biotechnology major.

Biology majors must complete 40 credit hours of biology courses including 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 level. Specific requirements include four core courses (BIO 140, BIO 150, BIO 240 and BIO 250), at least two upper-division laboratory courses and one course from a list of courses with an emphasis on organismal diversity. In addition, biology majors must complete a set of cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics that are listed below. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with a faculty mentor. Credits earned doing research will count toward the biology major but some restrictions apply.

When requested, senior biology majors are expected to participate in program assessment test activities as a graduation requirement. Assessment information helps the department modify the curriculum to meet student needs.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree

Biology is a 69 - 71 cr. major, including BIO (40 cr.), MATH (7-9 cr.), CHEM (14 cr.) and PHYS (8 cr.). The Biology major focuses on core grounding in biology, chemistry, math (calculus and/or statistics), and physics. The major covers everything from molecules to ecosystems in its four introductory BIO courses, and this broad exposure allows students to determine the area of biology of most interest to them for their upper-level BIO electives. The Biology major is suited for any student interested in science, lab or field work, hands-on exploratory investigations, and future careers that look for a strong foundation in biology and other sciences.

Considerations When Selecting Courses

Complete courses with a C or higher that are equivalent to JMU’s BIO 140+140L and BIO 150+150L, Foundations of Biology I and II. These foundational classes are required for advancement to additional BIO 200 level required courses in the major, and also serve as prerequisites for some BIO 300 and 400 level classes. If you have the opportunity and are interested before matriculation at JMU, you may also take Biology classes with direct transfer equivalency to JMU classes, such as BIO 240+240L or BIO 245+245L. These two courses also apply towards biology major requirements. Importantly, also consider completing both CHEM 131+131L and CHEM 132+132L equivalents, and a 200 level math course in calculus or statistics. Prioritize CHEM and MATH over additional BIO courses beyond BIO 140/L and BIO 150/L equivalents. Connect with an advisor at your community college and James Madison University Transfer Advisor in your first year at community college.

  • 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 James Madison University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree

The Department of Biology offers majors in Biology and in Biotechnology, as well as a minor in Biology and an accelerated dual degree program (B.S. + M.S.) in Forest Biology. Within the Biology major, students may choose a concentration, if desired, in Ecology and Environmental Biology, Microbiology, or Neuroscience. The program comprises a four-semester core and the opportunity to tailor your upper division curriculum based on interest area, particularly within the 24 cr. of BIO 300-400 level electives within the major.

Program Successes & Highlights

The JMU biology department has gained national recognition for their success at delivering course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) to a large number of students every semester through the 1st year curriculum. Undergraduate Biology majors also gain inquiry-based research experience through faculty mentored research experiences. Biology students present their research at professional symposia and research conferences, and they are co-authors on peer reviewed research articles. In 2021, the Department was awarded an NSF funded Research Experiences for Undergraduate Students (REU) Site grant, specifically targeted to students at community colleges. The Department has maintained its excellent rate of completion for Biology majors with an average 4-yr completion rate of 79.3%.

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, Major in Biology
120
Biology - BS
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 90 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education
40
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:

Completion of an approved transfer associate degree from a Virginia Community College (Transferable Associate Degrees - JMU) will guarantee complete fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements.

Completion of a Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) or Passport program from a Virginia Community College will guarantee partial fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. Visit our website for specific requirements that are fulfilled (Credit From a Virginia Community College - JMU).

Students who will not be earning an approved transferable associate degree will be responsible for completion of JMU's general education program. For guidance about courses that can be used to complete core community college requirements and will assist with the satisfaction of general education requirements at JMU visit (VCCS and RBC Course Equivalents for JMU's General Education Program - JMU).

Madison Foundations
9
Writing - C1W
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Critical Thinking - C1CT
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Human Communication - C1HC
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Arts and Humanities
9
HumanQuestions&Context - C2HQC
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Visual & Perform Arts - C2VPA
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Literature - C2L
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
The Natural World
9
Quantitative Reasoning - C3QR
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physical Principles - C3PP
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Natural Systems - C3NS
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Lab Experience - C3L
1
Independent Labs - C3L
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physical Principles / Natural Systems Lab Courses
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
American and Global Perspectives
6
The American Experience - C4AE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
The Global Experience - C4GE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural and Wellness Area
6
Wellness Domain - C5W
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Sociocultural Domain - C5SD
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Degree Requirements
9
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
9
Quantitative Competency
6
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject list:
OR
Complete courses from the following Course list:
Scientific Literacy
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject list:
OR
Complete courses from the following Course list:
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Major Requirements
40
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
BIO Chemistry Sequence
14
Chemistry Cognate Core
11
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Chemistry Cognate Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO Math Sequence
7
A. CALC
4
A. Calc with Functions I & II
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
B. Calculus I
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
C. Modeling Approach to Calc
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
B. Statistics/Data Analysis
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO Physics Sequence
8
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Limit 1 PHYS 140/240, Limit 1 PHYS 140L/240L, Limit 1 PHYS 150/250, Limit 1 PHYS 150L/250L
Physics - 140/240
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Take either 140 Seq. or 240 Seq.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physics - 150/250
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Take either 150 Seq. or 250 seq.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
BIO Core and Electives
56
Core Requirements
16
Earn 16 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Elective Requirements
24
Earn 24 credits: Complete the following
Earn 24 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
OR
Complete courses from the following Course list:
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Upper Level Requirements
16
Earn 16 credits: Complete the following
Earn 16 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Course(s) of level 300
OR
Course(s) of level 400
AND
Complete courses from the following Course list:
BIO Organismal Diversity and Laboratory
9
Organismal Diversity Reqrmnt
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Laboratory Requirement
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Choose one of the following concentrations
26
Ecology and Environmental Biology Concentration
26
Ecology and Environmental Biology Upper Level Requirement
20
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are encouraged to participate in independent research and teaching courses with a faculty mentor, though a maximum of eight credits of BIO 492,BIO 494,BIO 495, BIO 496, BIO 497, BIO 499A, BIO 499B, BIO 499C and ISC 450 can be counted toward the biology major.
Earn 20 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Ecology and Environmental Biology Cognate Courses
6
MATH 321 or 322 or BIO 454
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
GEOG 215 or BIO 457
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Microbiology Concentration
18
Required Courses
11
Earn 11 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Microbiology: Laboratory
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Microbiology: Select 6 credits
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Up to two credit hours may be earned from courses with a laboratory (L) designation. No course may be used to fulfill both this requirement and the concentration's laboratory requirement.
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Neuroscience Concentration
15
Neuroscience: 301 / 385
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Neuroscience: 415 / 445
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Neuroscience Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Additional Electives
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between James Madison 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
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - James Madison University and Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison University
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement - Virginia Community College System and James Madison 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?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of an approved transfer associate degree will guarantee fulfillment of JMU's General Education requirements. https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/VCCStransfer/ASDegrees.shtml

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School
Credit for Prior Learning JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB, CIE and CLEP for all students with eligible scores, which may be different than at your prior institution. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to the JMU student record. Credit for prior learning (CLEP) is awarded on a per case basis for Adult Degree (Individualized Studies Majors) and RN-BSN students only and in consultation with the department of expertise, with the exception of military service credit. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise.
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: James Madison University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
2481
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
55% (2023-2024)
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 89% of classes have less than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Transfer applicants applying through the Guaranteed Admissions Agreement must submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying to JMU. Requirements and forms are available at: https://www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml
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
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Science in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
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
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, Major in Biology at James Madison 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 $4,075 Per Semester $32,600 $0 $32,600
Fees
Comprehensive Fee $2,908 Per Semester $23,264 0 $23,264
*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.
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.