Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Science
Randolph-Macon College
Program Details
Biology (BS)
Bachelor of ScienceBiology (BS)
Randolph-Macon College
Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of the entire planet. Students majoring in biology may satisfy their curiosity about the workings of the natural world, define their strengths and interests, and become lifelong learners in one of hundreds of biology-related careers. All students undertaking a study of biology should receive a thorough grounding in biological principles, should understand the interdisciplinary connections between biology and the other sciences, and should realize that our knowledge of biology is built on scientific discovery. Our curriculum seeks to develop in students the values, habits, and practices of a scientist by allowing them to actually do biology beginning in their freshman year, continuing in subsequent upper division courses, and culminating in a capstone experience in the senior year. An innovative course (BIOL 121 Foundations of Experimental Biology), taken during the freshman year, engages students in discovery-based laboratory exercises. Biology majors will also deepen their understanding of molecular biology (BIOL 123 Principles in Molecular Biology), genetics (BIOL 200 Genetics), and evolution (BIOL 205 Evolution) and are subsequently provided with an intensive and balanced learning experience by taking at least one course from each of the three major sub-disciplines of contemporary biology including:
- cell and molecular biology
- organismal biology, and
- ecology.
Each student works closely with an adviser to select upper-level courses for an individualized curriculum to prepare for a field in medicine, allied health science, ecology, environmental science, or graduate studies in biology. Finally, each student will take a capstone course (BIOL 499 Biology Capstone), which reinforces the skills and abilities developed in the major by having students read the primary literature and discuss the work with the scientists who conducted the studies. All biology students are also encouraged to participate in research early in their college career by taking research courses and by participating in summer research through the College's Shapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (SURF).
Many graduate and professional programs require the completion of additional courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and the humanities. Prospective biology majors should meet with a departmental adviser in their career area(s) of interest at or before the beginning of the sophomore year.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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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 | Biology invites students to participate in the scientific study of living organisms in all their fascinating complexity from molecular and cellular processes to the functioning of entire ecosystems. Biology faculty are heavily invested in student success and devote enormous time and attention to advising students, mentoring them in independent research projects, placing them in exciting internships, and creating an inclusive atmosphere with effective active-learning opportunities. Our students engage in modern research techniques such as tissue culture of cancerous cells, gene editing using CRISPR, and population genomics by DNA barcoding. They interact with nature in the greenhouse, the native plant garden, at our off-campus field site, and on field trips. Internships count on the major and we have an excellent track record of setting up students with an experience in their desired career path, with common placements including equine veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and dentistry. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology Nursing Environmental Studies Program Chemistry • Note that transfer credit is rarely accepted for BIOL 121 (Foundations of Experimental Biology), a core Randolph-Macon Biology course that focuses on experimental design, scientific writing, and basic statistics. Transfer students intending to major or minor in Biology should plan to take BIOL 121 during their first semester at RMC.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | • Students enrolled at Randolph-Macon College attend classes primarily Monday-Friday between 8 am and 5 pm, with very few evening courses. The large majority of RMC coursework is offered in-person and on campus. No more than one half of the courses on a major or minor can be transferred. • The BS in Biology and the BA in Biology have identical requirements except that the BS degree requires students to select four additional courses from a list of options that encompasses Behavioral Neuroscience, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math, and Physics. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Biology majors and minors have the opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with faculty members. Research can be done during the academic year or over the summer, and may lead to publication in scientific journals. Students may also choose to travel through field courses that focus on the study of ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to tropical cloud forests. In addition, many students complete internships, which count towards the major while simultaneously providing valuable career-relevant experience. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | Our small class sizes enable an inquiry-driven approach to teaching and meaningful interaction between students and professors. Students also learn to operate a variety of advanced research instruments, and may choose to participate in faculty-mentored individual research projects. As a result, RMC Biology graduates are especially well-prepared for graduate school and/or careers in highly competitive fields. |
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 (BS)
120
Bachelor of Science in Biology
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 75 credits may be applied to this program.
General Education (Curriculum 21)
46
Effective Communication
16
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Effective communication courses provide a foundation in writing and speaking necessary for success in college and beyond. The requirement consists of four courses from three areas.
Written Communication
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Critical Reading and Writing (ENGL 185) is a four credit-hour course providing an intensive introduction to skills essential to good writing: critical reading, framing arguments for different audiences, mechanics, style, and research. All students must successfully complete ENGL 185. The course is taken in the student's first year. A student who does not complete successfully ENGL 185 must repeat ENGL 185 during its next offering.
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Oral Communication
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Communication in Context
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
All students must successfully complete one approved course that explores topics and practices that introduce students to the varieties of inquiry, research, and forms of communication characteristic of a field or discipline.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Communication
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
All students must successfully complete two approved consecutive courses in a foreign language, or complete a foreign language through the intermediate level. The intermediate level is normally defined as completion of the 211 - 212 sequence or through a single accelerated course, 215. A student whose native language is not English may satisfy the collegiate requirement by receiving proficiency in a foreign language in consultation with the Registrar's Office.
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Pillar Courses
18
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
The Pillars provide exposure to broad areas of knowledge that students will encounter throughout their lives. All students must successfully complete one approved course from each of six areas.
Aesthetic Expression
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses explore art forms or texts produced by individuals, groups of people, or cultures; these courses may involve performance and production. Students will learn how formal and thematic qualities create meaning, recognize the interplay of the creative impulse and trained discipline, and attend to the ways aesthetic expression communicates complex human experiences.. From among the courses used to satisfy the Pillar requirements, all students must successfully complete at least one course designated as arts/humanities (HU), social/behavioral science (SS), natural science/mathematics (NS), and writing attentive (WA).
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Rule Notes
Rule Notes:
Student must select a course from the AE list for this Pillar
Civic Life
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses address the social, economic, and political structures that pattern how individuals engage collectively in public life at the community, national, and international levels. Students will learn to identify and analyze structures appropriate to a course's focus and assess patterns of change and development of those structures. Civic Life courses will require students to reflect on their personal engagement in civic life through classroom and/or experiential learning activities.. From among the courses used to satisfy the Pillar requirements, all students must successfully complete at least one course designated as arts/humanities (HU), social/behavioral science (SS), natural science/mathematics (NS), and writing attentive (WA).
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Rule Notes
Rule Notes:
Student must select a course from the CL list for this Pillar
Global Experiences
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses examine the interconnectedness of human communities and diversity of cultural traditions that have shaped the world in the past and present. Students will learn to observe, describe, and analyze human cultures and societies in their variety.. From among the courses used to satisfy the Pillar requirements, all students must successfully complete at least one course designated as arts/humanities (HU), social/behavioral science (SS), natural science/mathematics (NS), and writing attentive (WA).
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Rule Notes
Rule Notes:
Student must select a course from the GE list for this Pillar
The Human Condition
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses explore what it means to be human, delving into topics such as growth, development, human nature, consciousness, mortality, our lives as individuals and in relationships, belief systems, and ways of knowing. Students will reflect on aspects of the human condition through classroom and/ or experiential learning activities.. From among the courses used to satisfy the Pillar requirements, all students must successfully complete at least one course designated as arts/humanities (HU), social/behavioral science (SS), natural science/mathematics (NS), and writing attentive (WA).
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Rule Notes
Rule Notes:
Student must select a course from the HC list for this Pillar
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses focus on solving problems within quantitative or symbolic abstract structures. Students will learn to translate real world problems into the language of these structures, perform and interpret quantitative or symbolic manipulations, employ abstract methods of analysis to develop conclusions, and create and communicate logical arguments based on this analysis.. From among the courses used to satisfy the Pillar requirements, all students must successfully complete at least one course designated as arts/humanities (HU), social/behavioral science (SS), natural science/mathematics (NS), and writing attentive (WA).
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Rule Notes
Rule Notes:
Student must select a course from the QS list for this Pillar
The Scientific Process
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses will examine the role of scientific inquiry, including how the relationships among hypotheses, theories, and predictions provide the context for making observations and drawing conclusions. Students will execute and analyze experiments, including the development of hypotheses, collection and analysis of data, and drawing of conclusions as appropriate to the discipline.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Rule Notes
Rule Notes:
Student must select a course from the SP list for this Pillar
Cross-Area Requirements
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Randolph-Macon's curricular goals emphasize the college's intention to provide students with an education that encourages them to see connections and relationships among various academic disciplines. The Cross-Area requirements reinforce cross-disciplinary connections and the recognition that curricular goals are not unique to a particular discipline or a single pillar. All students must successfully complete at least one course that satisfies each of the following requirements. A single course cannot be used to satisfy more than two cross-area requirements.
Experiential Learning
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses may be a part of a student's major or may be an approved curricular project. Courses that satisfy this requirement include: a semester- or year-long study abroad program, a travel-centered course, a Bassett Internship, an approved field study, an approved directed research project, a student teaching assignment, or an approved service-learning course.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Non-Western Culture
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses will enable students to begin developing a critical understanding of the non-western world. The scope of human endeavor encompasses a wide range of responses to a shared set of universal challenges, and the responses of western civilization exist alongside and in interaction with the traditions and institutions of other cultures.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Diversity and Inclusion
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses address the characteristics of diverse cultures in the United States. Courses focus on the struggles for full inclusion of underrepresented populations and non-dominant cultures and/or the challenges and benefits of diversity in American institutions.
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Capstone Experience
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
These courses must widely integrate knowledge and skills from either the student's overall program or the student's major program
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Wellness
0
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Each student must satisfactorily complete two courses in physical education at the 100 level. These courses do not affect a student's cumulative grade point average (GPA); the courses are taken for 0 hours of credit. A student physically or medically unable to participate in activity courses is encouraged to meet the physical education requirement by enrolling in PHED 104.
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 100
Biology Major Program
51
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
All courses counted towards the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C-, and BIOL 121 Foundations of Experimental Biology and BIOL 123 Principles in Molecular Biology must be passed with at least a C- as a prerequisite for many biology courses numbered 200 and above. Students double-majoring in biology, particularly those with their second major in cognate disciplines, such as math, physics, chemistry, and psychology, must still complete the biology capstone.
Foundations of Experimental Biology
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Principles in Molecular Biology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Genetics
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Evolution
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Chemistry
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select one semester of chemistry at or above the CHEM 215 level
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
AND
Course(s) of level 215
Select six additional courses above the 180-level. At least one course must be taken from each of the following three groups:
21
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
At least three of the six courses must be four hour courses. BIOL 494 Research in Biology or BIOL 498 Senior Project may substitute for one of these 4 hour courses. Electives can also be used to meet this requirement.
Cell and Molecular
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Organismal
4
Earn 4 credits: Complete the following
Earn 4 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Ecology
3
Earn 3 credits: Complete the following
Earn 3 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Biology Electives
30
Infectious Disease & Public Health
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Biostatistics
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
We encourage all students to consider BIOL 350 as one of the three additional electives.
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
BIOL 450 or BIOL 457
1
Internship in Biology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Paid Internship Biology
1
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Independent Study
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Independent Study
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Research in Biology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Research in Biology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Senior Project
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Senior Project
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Mathematical Biology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Must complete four additional courses from the following:
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Note that these four additional courses must be distinct from the six courses about the 180-level listed above.
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Introduction to Statistics
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Calculus I
4
Earn 4 credits: Complete the following
Earn 4 credits: Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Course list:
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
OR
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Organic Chemistry
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Organic Chemistry
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Introductory Physics
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Introductory Physics
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Introduction to Computer Science
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Data Structures
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Behavioral Neuroscience Techniques
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Behavioral and Statistical Modeling
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Biostatistics
4
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Research in Biology
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Senior Project
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Biology Capstone
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Electives
13
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn a degree you must have a total of 120 credits. Consider using these courses to explore something of interest.
Earn 13 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Randolph-Macon 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.
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 | Students admitted under our guaranteed admissions agreement are guaranteed completion of most general education requirements. Students may need to complete additional foreign language coursework to complete the Effective Communication requirements and must complete the college's Cross-Area Requirements, most of which can be fulfilled through major programs and should not significantly increase the time to completion of degree.
|
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
| Credit for Prior Learning | We accept AP (4 or 5 on the exam) and IB (5, 6, or 7 on higher level exams). |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Transfer Center
Transfer Admissions : Randolph-Macon College (rmc.edu)
Visit our transfer site for more information
Number of Transfer Students
120
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
71
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | At Randolph-Macon, we recognize the breadth of knowledge and experience you bring as a transfer student. Our personalized, hands-on approach to learning lets you build on that foundation, honing the skills you'll need to excel. No matter what your future goals, we'll set you on a path to success that’s uniquely yours. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at RMC. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | GAA students must complete the RMC transfer application and submit all required materials by June 1 (for fall term) or December 1 (for spring term). GAA students will submit an Intent to Transfer form through their current community college contact to RMC. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Life Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| 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 |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Science-Clinical Lab Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in 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 |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Science, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Radford University | BS in Biomedical Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Health & Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BS in Exercise Physiology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Exercise Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Exercise Science Clinical Health (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Exercise Science Fitness and Wellness (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Biochemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in BioChemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in BioChemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences, Major in Biochemistry | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Biochemistry-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Biochemistry (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Biochemistry Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Chemistry Major - BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Early Childhood Education, AAS | Associate | Associate in Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in K-8 Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Teacher Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Teacher Education - Secondary Mathematics Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Secondary Teacher Education (English/History) | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Education, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences in Education | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Math Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences - Education Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Secondary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Secondary Education, BSEd | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Education | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Education Secondary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Education Secondary Education Special Ed 6-12 | Bachelor | Bachelor of Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Secondary Education: Agricultural Education Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Secondary Education: English Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Secondary Education: History and Social Sciences Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Biology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Biology, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology - (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional (DNIMAS) Track | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Biology - Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Biology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BS in Biology: Biomed. Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Mary Washington | BS in Biology: Cons. Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Biology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Biology (BS) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Biology Major - BS (General Biology Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Biology Major - BS (Secondary Education Track) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bluefield University | BS in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Science in Biology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Biology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BS in Biology - Biomedical Science Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BS in Biology - Education Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BS in Biology - Integrative Emphasis | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1042.00 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
| 19-1029.01 | Bioinformatics Scientists | Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1029.00 | Biological Scientists, All Other | All biological scientists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1029.04 | Biologists | Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1029.03 | Geneticists | Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1029.02 | Molecular and Cellular Biologists | Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1042.00 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-4021.00 | 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 |
| 19-1022.00 | Microbiologists | Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1021.00 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-1023.00 | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 29-9092.00 | Genetic Counselors | Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-1013.00 | Soil and Plant Scientists | Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-4013.00 | Food Science Technicians | Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 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 |
| 25-1081.00 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach 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 |
| 29-1128.00 | Exercise Physiologists | Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 19-4012.00 | Agricultural Technicians | Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 29-2011.01 | Cytogenetic Technologists | Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 29-2011.02 | Cytotechnologists | Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 19-1041.00 | Epidemiologists | Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-4092.00 | 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 |
| 29-2011.04 | Histotechnologists | Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 19-1099.00 | Life Scientists, All Other | All life scientists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 29-2011.00 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
| 19-4012.01 | Precision Agriculture Technicians | Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete