Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Bachelor of Arts

Mary Baldwin 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.

As biology is the foundation of life, it is no surprise that our graduates directly impact the quality of life itself in myriad ways. Some perform surgeries on cancer patients, or tackle health issues overseas. Others work with endangered species conservation, or are forensic examiners, veterinarians, elementary and high school science teachers, and soil conservation technicians. Our faculty and curriculum will prepare you for a career in medicine, the health sciences, environmental biology, or the wildlife sciences.

Program Overview & Guidance

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Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	The Biology major offers students many options in both areas of sub-discipline speciality - cell/molecular and organismal/ecology. Many job options are available with wildlife and ecological organizations. The Biology major also offers students an excellent opportunity to pursue admission to medical school or graduate health science programs, including at our own Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences. The Biology major offers numerous midand upper-level electives within areas that allow students to easily satisfy pre-requisite course requirements for most graduate programs. The Biomedical Science emphasis within the major offers students the option to count courses outside of the Biology department toward the major emphasis. The Biology major does require a year-long field/lab-based research project. This project is designed with a critical literature review and proposal development during the second semester of the junior year in BIOL 381 - Junior Seminar. The research project is then completed during the entirety of the senior year, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense upon completion of BIOL 401/402.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	BIOL 381 is only offered in the spring semester and is taken during the 2nd semester of the junior year (the transfer year for VCCS associate's degree students). BIOL 381 requires that a student complete at least two of the 200-level core requirements for the Biology major with a grade of C or better (BIOL 222, 224, 245, 253/7). The transfer student would benefit greatly from having at least one of these courses completed before transfer (preferably BIOL 222/224 since BIOL 245 is offered every Fall semester). This would allow a transfer student to qualify for BIOL 381 without any delay in their 4-year graduation plan. Also, proper planning for 300-level electives is important at the time of transfer since a complete 2-year rotation of courses is needed to maximize the studen'ts options. VCCS to MBU equivalents: BIO 206 = BIOL 224; BIO = BIOL 222; BIO 270 = BIOL 245 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 Mary Baldwin University* within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	The three biology Electives should total at least 10 semester hours.?Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in the major to graduate.
Doing More With Your Degree	There are opportunities to TA in any of the Biology courses, but students most commonly assist with BIOL 111/112 - Introductory Biology sequence. The Biomedical Science emphasis offers students the opportunity to package courses from Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology (among other disciplines) along with non-science departments to develop a well-rounded curriculum that offers students a broad perspective for success in a career in a medical field. Students have completed internships with local organizations that include the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Augusta Health Cardiology, and local medical practices including obstetrics and gynecology.
Program Successes & Highlights	Biology majors have had great success gaining admission to medical school beating the national average of accepted applicants. MBU applicants are typically much younger than the average matriculant age of 24 years old when they begin medical school.

Program Credit Requirements

Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.

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

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	AA, AA&S, AS, ADN, and AAS in Human Services fulfill all general education requirements. Students that transfer in with a qualifying associate's degree will have all Gen Ed requirements met and can meet some degree requirments/prerequisites with transfer credits.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students that transfer in with a qualifying associate's degree will have all Gen Ed requirements met and can meet some degree requirments/prerequisites with transfer credits.
Credit for Prior Learning	We accept AP, IB, and CLEP results for college credit if the score earned meets college expectations. MBU Online may also evaluate Prior Learning Portfolios for students. Please see https://marybaldwin.edu/admissions/online/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: Mary Baldwin University

College Level Information

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Mary Baldwin's size allows students to gain maximum benefit from work with faculty who teach and mentor them. The average class size is 17 and very few are larger than 30. Campus housing is available for transfer students, and the campus community creates a variety of social, cultural, and cocurricular activities. Students also become involved in the broader Staunton community because civic engagement is a hallmark of a Mary Baldwin education. Student-athletes can participate in 12 different men's and women's varsity sports. Approximately 20% of students take advantage of this opportunity.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Students are governed by the degree requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time they begin their studies at Mary Baldwin University. However, students have the option of declaring themselves under the jurisdiction of a subsequent catalog; students may choose the Catalog in effect at the time they select a major or at the time they file for graduation. The Catalog governing degree requirements must be within 8 (eight) years of a student’s graduation date. Students transferring to Mary Baldwin University from the Virginia Community College System may elect to declare any Catalog in effect within the twenty-four-month period immediately preceding the term they first enroll.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Students are governed by the degree requirements of the Catalog in effect at the time they begin their studies at Mary Baldwin University. However, students have the option of declaring themselves under the jurisdiction of a subsequent catalog; students may choose the Catalog in effect at the time they select a major or at the time they file for graduation. The Catalog governing degree requirements must be within 8 (eight) years of a student’s graduation date. Students transferring to Mary Baldwin University from the Virginia Community College System may elect to declare any Catalog in effect within the twenty-four-month period immediately preceding the term they first enroll.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions

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
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Cellular, Molecular, and Physiological Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Integrative Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Major in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Organismal and Environmental Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Christopher Newport University	Bachelor of Science in Biology, Major in Kinesiology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Arts, Major in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Biology: Pre-medical BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Biology BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Longwood University	Biology: Teacher Preparation in Biology BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science-Life Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science-Clinical Lab Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Arts in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Science in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BS in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences, Major in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Wesleyan University	Bachelor of Arts in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Wesleyan University	Bachelor of Science in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
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

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Service Member?

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Branch

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Disability Discharge

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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 Arts in Biology at Mary Baldwin 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	$33,737	Per Semester	$269,896	$0	$269,896	Cost before aid; Full-time status of 12-18 credit hours; Cost per credit hour over the limit of 20 credit hours is $460.
Fees
Technology Fee	$60	Per Semester	$480	0	$480
Student Organization Fee	$138	Per Semester	$1,104	0	$1,104	Residential/Commuter students
Credentialing Fee	$15	Per Semester	$120	0	$120
Admin/Withdrawal Fee	$105	Per Semester	$840	0	$840	Fee for withdrawing before end of term

*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
- Summer internship tuition fees are half-price of per hour rate ($230) for both residential and online students. Additional fees may include fees for some courses, inlcuding Applied Music; adminstrative fees for payment plans; parking fees and official transcripts.
RN to BSN Program Tuition
- RN to BSN tuition is per $460 credit.

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.