Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Biology

Bachelor of Science

The University of Virginia's College at Wise

In additional to required courses in cell biology, laboratory methods, evolutionary processes, cellular communications, molecular genetics, and a seminar series, the biology major allows students to choose from a variety of courses investigating plants, animals, and molecular biology. The major is excellent preparation for a variety of careers in the natural sciences as well as graduate study at prestigious universities.

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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Transfer Degree

Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	The biology degree offeres three tracks of study and emphasizes preparatory work in math, physics, biology, and chemistry. Students in the BS program are offered three areas from which to choose: general track, cell and molectular, and ecology, evolution and organismal.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Pre-calculus I and II are recommended to prepare you for biology and chemistry. 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 The University of Virginia's College at Wise within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	Students interested in the sciences are encouraged to pursue the pre-calculus/calculus track to prepare for courses biology and chemistry.
Doing More With Your Degree	Students have the option of partipating in undergraduate research or taking classes with experiential learning in the field. All courses emphasize critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and experiential learning environments. Additionally department minors include chemistry, earth science, public health, and physics.
Program Successes & Highlights	Undergraduate research and publication. Greater opportunities for graduate study and pre-professional prepartion for dentistry, forestry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and veterinary medicine. Community-based learning in appalachian environment. Our flagship Fellowship In Natural Sciences (FINS) program provides students with a stipend and fiscal support for summer research projects that may be presented or published.

Program Credit Requirements

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between The University of Virginia's College at Wise 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 Richard Bland College and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement Virginia Community College System and The University of Virginia's College at Wise

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 an Associates of Arts or Associate if Science degree will fullfill all general education requirements at Wise with the exception of foreign language and four cultural activity credits. Depending on the major of choice, some general education courses may fulfil major requirements. As long as program prerequisite courses are met in math, you can begin working on your major as soon as you are admitted to Wise!
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	As long as program prerequisite courses are met in math, you can begin working on your major as soon as you are admitted to Wise!
Credit for Prior Learning	UVA Wise accepts CLEP, AP, IB and Cambridge credits for students who meet specified scores.
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: The University of Virginia's College at Wise

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

150

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

92% of Transfer students who applied were accepted. The average GPA of transfer studenst accepted was 2.98

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Yes! We have a place for you at Wise! https://college-life.uvawise.edu/
Transfer Student Catalog Year	You can choose your first year of attendance at Wise or two years earlier.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Your catalog year would be your first year at Wise or when you officially declare your major.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Interested students submit an online request form found here: https://www.uvawise.edu/registrar/transferring-courses

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
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
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	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
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science-Life Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Radford University	BS in Biomedical Sciences	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
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
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
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 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-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
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
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
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
19-1042.00	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.	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
19-1029.00	Biological Scientists, All Other	All biological scientists not listed separately.	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
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
19-1029.02	Molecular and Cellular Biologists	Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
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
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
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
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
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
29-2011.01	Cytogenetic Technologists	Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2011.02	Cytotechnologists	Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
19-1041.00	Epidemiologists	Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.	Life, Physical, and Social Science 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
25-1071.00	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-2011.04	Histotechnologists	Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
19-1099.00	Life Scientists, All Other	All life scientists not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
29-2011.00	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists	Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 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

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 124 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 Natural Sciences, Major in Biology at The University of Virginia's College at Wise 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		$5,890	Per Semester	$47,120	$0	$47,120	Per semester tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours

*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 Fees
- New Student Fees of $2750 apply to every student and includes Student Information System, Student Activity, and Technology fees.
Part Time Students
- Students that take less than 12 credits hour per semester are charged $250 per credit hour as well student fees.
- Students that take more than 18 hour per semester are charged $250 per credit hour but no additional fees apply.

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.