Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Science
Bridgewater College
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.
Program Details
Biology Major - BS (General Biology Track)
Bachelor of ScienceBiology Major - BS (General Biology Track)
Bridgewater College
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 of Biology and Environmental Science at Bridgewater College offer a major and minor in biology and environmental science, as well as minors in Wildlife Biology and Biomedical Sciences. A biology degree equips individuals with a deep understanding of life sciences. This knowledge enables graduates to contribute meaningfully to research, conservation, and health initiatives, addressing local and global challenges. Our biology program develops a deep curiosity about the natural world and empowers students to make substantial contributions to society while enjoying a fulfilling and dynamic career path. Professionally, a biology degree opens doors to a wide array of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and education, among others. With the increasing importance of biotechnology, genetics, and environmental sustainability, the demand for skilled biologists continues to grow, offering job security and competitive salaries. Finally, a biology degree fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, which are applicable across various industries. Graduates can adapt to scientific advancements and to contribute innovative solutions to complex problems.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | A biology major includes studies in math and chemistry. The classes cover fundamental principles of life sciences including cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology to understand how living organisms function and interact. The electives are your way to tailor the program to your particular interests, like in anatomy, wildlife biology, microbiology and more. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | All courses must be completed with a C of better. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | A biology major opens up numerous career paths in fields such as healthcare, research, education, biotechnology, conservation, wildlife biology – to name a few! This versatility allows majors to explore various careers and industries. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Students who graduate with a biology major go to programs in healthcare for physician, nursing, clinical laboratory, physician assistant and dental degrees. Biology majors also go to graduate school for master’s and PhD programs for biomedical laboratory, public health and field sciences training. Alumni also start their careers directly after graduation as teachers, quality assurance managers, lab assistants, field biologists and more. |
Program Credit Requirements
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 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.
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
Biology Major - BS (General Biology Track)
120
Biology (General Biology Track)
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.
Foundations in Liberal Arts (FILA) Program
54
Master Core Skills
13
FILA 150
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
COMM 100
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MATH 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ES Activity
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Engagement in a Global Society
12
World Culture Through Language
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are required to take one course in a world language at the 102 level or above based on placement. Students placing above the 202 level place out of the language requirement after confirming with an oral interview.
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
World Cultures
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Global Dynamics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Engagement of Ideas Across the Disciplines
19
Social Sciences
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Literature
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
History
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Natural & Physical Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Philosophy or Religon
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Fine Arts and Music
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
The Integration of Skills and Ideas
10
Writing Intensive
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Requires a prerequisite of FILA 150 or FILA 350EW and ENG 110
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Ethical Reasoning
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Requires a prerequisite of FILA 150 or FILA 350EW and ENG 110
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Experiential Learning
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
FILA 450
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Biology Major Requirements (General Biology Track)
43
Core Courses
26
Core Courses
23
Earn 23 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MATH 130 or MATH 133
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Cell Biology/Physiology
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Ecology
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Organismal Biology
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Biology Electives
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Only 3 credits may be chosen from BIOL 460, BIOL 461, BIOL 462, BIOL 490, BIOL 491 or BIOL 499, while Internship (BIOL 480X) cannot be used to meet this requirement.
Earn 6 credits: Complete the following
Earn 6 credits: 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
Free Electives
23
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student may choose a minor or take electives to reach 120 credits.
Earn 23 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Bridgewater College 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater College | GAA | TRANSFER AGREEMENT WITH GUARANTEED ADMISSION BETWEEN BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE AND THE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM |
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 | Completing an AA, AS, or AA&S degree will waive all but 4 credits of our Foundations in Liberal Arts Program. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (4 credit hours). These are our FILA 350EW course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and FILA 450 our senior capstone experience course. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The completion of an Associate Degree concurrent with high school results in course work towards your degree and most general education courses satisfied. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (4 credit hours). These are our FILA 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for new students, and FILA 450 our senior capstone experience course. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Bridgewater College may award credit for Advanced Placement and military experience. See the linked pages for credit evaluation policies. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
51
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
57%
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | You'll be part of a vibrant community where people truly know and care for one another. Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,500 full-time students (undergraduate and graduate), 80% of whom live on campus. With an average class size of 19, you'll make lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You won't lack for opportunities to get involved with more than 50 student clubs and organizations to choose from. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | BRCC Students need to declare an intent to transfer to Bridgewater after completing a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer-oriented associate degree. BRCC Students should complete all Bridgewater transfer application requirements, and apply for graduation from BRCC. |
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 |
| 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 |
| 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