Program Details

Bachelor of Arts Biology

Bachelor of Arts

Shenandoah University

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology provides a strong education in the biological sciences, requiring the same number of Biology courses as the B.S., but fewer courses in Chemistry and none in Mathematics. This course of study is ideal for those who wish to pursue additional coursework in the social sciences or humanities, complete two minors, double major or complete their degree requirements in three years. The Biology majors (B.A. and B.S.) offer a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop both fundamental and in-depth knowledge within the disciplines of the biological sciences. Students will participate in comprehensive hands-on laboratory-based activities that will promote the development of technical skills used in biological science investigations. The Biology majors (B.A. and B.S.) allow students to pursue specialized interests in secondary Biology education, microbiology and clinical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology, and the health-related professions including medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, pharmacy, physical therapy and other fields at the graduate level.

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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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	Biology offers a wide array of career options with a B.S. or B.A., such as pharmaceutical sales rep, health educator or communicator, and lab technician/manager. That array becomes even wider with limited additional training, such as emergency medical technician, medical laboratory technician, or biology teacher.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	The General Biology courses serve as the prerequisites for most of our other courses. As long as you take Bio courses in sequence (100, 200....) then you would be on track. I'd say the biggest thing to consider is which introductory level Bio you take. You need a two-semester series designed for majors with labs. We do have statistics and precalculus requirements for our major, but they are not specific prerequisites for any of our 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 Shenandoah University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	Biology doesn't have any additional requirements.
Doing More With Your Degree	Biology provides a strong foundation for a variety of graduate programs, including medical/dental/veterinary, physical therapy, physicians assistant, pharmacy, research programs, etc. We offer research opportunities. Also, many of our students opt to double-major. Doubling in a major such as Psychology or Public Health even further expands possible career paths.
Program Successes & Highlights	We are very fortunate to have students who choose to remain in contact with us after graduation. One reason for this is that we take a sincere interest in our students, and provide top-notch academic advising. Our students are very successful in their endeavors after college, whether it is application to and completion of graduate programs or finding jobs right out of college.

Program Credit Requirements

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Shenandoah University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Blue Ridge Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Central Virginia Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Danville Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Mountain Gateway Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Eastern Shore Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Germanna Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Brightpoint Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Laurel Ridge Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Mountain Empire Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
New River Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Northern Virginia Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Paul D. Camp Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Patrick & Henry Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Piedmont Virginia Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Rappahannock Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Southside Virginia Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Southwest Virginia Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Tidewater Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Virginia Highlands Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Virginia Western Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University
Wytheville Community College	Guaranteed Admissions Agreement	Guaranteed Admission Agreement, Virginia Community College System and Shenandoah University

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

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

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Completion of an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts and Science will guarantee completion of general education requirements.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Completion of an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts and Science prior to high school graduation will guarantee completion of general education requirements with the exception that the First Year Seminar (3 credits) must be completed upon enrollment to SU.
Credit for Prior Learning
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: Shenandoah University

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

450

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

Shenandoah's average acceptance rate over the last four years is 84%.

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Shenandoah offers an 11:1 student to faculty ratio, experiential learning opportunities, and integrative technology to prepare graduates for a successful career.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Complete an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate or Arts and Science with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

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
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
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

Delivery Mode

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GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

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 Biology at Shenandoah 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	$17,730	Per Semester	$141,840	$0	$141,840	Per semester tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
Fees
Student Services Fee	$195	Per Semester	$1,560	0	$1,560	Full-time students only
IM Learning Fee	$345	Per Semester	$2,760	0	$2,760
Technology Fee	$205	Per Semester	$1,640	0	$1,640

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.