Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Biology Major - BS (Secondary Education Track)

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.

If you desire to teach biology or environmental science in grades 6-12, the Teacher Education Program at Bridgewater College is here to provide a hands-on approach to education. With cross-disciplinary mastery, clinical experiences, and innovation, we transform classrooms into thriving communities.A degree in Biology with the Secondary Education endorsement (Virginia) offers a distinctive educational experience, equipping students with a diverse skill set and a strong foundation for rewarding careers in both science and teaching. In the realm of biology, students delve into the fascinating world of living organisms, from cellular processes to ecosystems. They gain comprehensive knowledge in genetics, ecology, physiology, and more, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills crucial for understanding the natural world. Simultaneously, students develop pedagogical skills and classroom management techniques through coursework in education. They learn about curriculum design, assessment strategies, and educational psychology, preparing them to effectively communicate complex biological concepts to diverse student populations. Science teachers are in high demand across Virginia, so graduates can pursue careers as biology teachers in middle and high schools. Their dual expertise opens doors to educational leadership roles, curriculum development, and even opportunities in science outreach and advocacy, where they can share their passion for biology with a broader audience.


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
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Bridgewater College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses All courses must be completed with a C of better.
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
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
Biology Major - BS (Secondary Education Track)
120
Biology (Secondary Education 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 (Secondary Education Track)
46
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:
Organic Chemistry
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Earth Science
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Physics
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Free Electives
20
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student may choose a minor or take electives to reach 120 credits.
Earn 20 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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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.

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 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...
  • 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: Bridgewater College
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
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
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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
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences in Science AssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer ScienceAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Biology EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBS in Biology EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Bluefield UniversityBS in Biology EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityBiology Teacher Preparation (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityB.Ed. in Secondary Science, BiologyBachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
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
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
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - ScienceAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
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
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in BiologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-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 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
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
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
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
25-1081.00Education Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2022.00Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
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
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
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 Biology Major - BS (Secondary Education Track) at Bridgewater College
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 $7,500 Per Semester $60,000 $0 $60,000 Per year in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
Fees
Student Services Fee $280 Per Semester $2,240 0 $2,240 Per year in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.
Technology Fee $265 Per Semester $2,120 0 $2,120 Per year in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.
*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
    • Ask about additional costs for housing, meals, books, parking, and other services.
  • Fall 2024 Scholarships for Transfer Students
    • Guaranteed transfer merit scholarships:
      These scholarships are based on a student's cumulative college grade point average (GPA), and the merit level is established at the time an admission decision is made. Test scores submitted will be considered in the application review and will not typically affect merit scholarship consideration.

      CUMULATIVE COLLEG GPAAMOUNTBC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
      3.4 minimum$3,500Transfer Leadership Scholarship
      2.7-3.39$2,500Transfer Excellence Scholarship
      2.69 and under$1,500Transfer Eagle Scholarship

      Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant
      A $1,000 grant is available to transfers who earned an associate degree from a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and who have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of $12,000 or less. A complete description of eligibility and application requirements is available from this 2023-24 Two Year College Transfer Grant Application (schev.edu) from State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

      Please see this link for additional information: https://www.bridgewater.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/

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.