Program Details

BS in Biological Sciences

Bachelor of Science

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

The College of Science at Virginia Tech provides students with interdisciplinary training in analytical skills, a comprehensive foundation in the tools of science and the scientific method, and rigorous education in any of a wide variety of scientific fields. The college supports research centers in areas such as biomedical and public health sciences, applied mathematics, macromolecular science, and many other critical technologies and applied sciences that interface with other Colleges at the University.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

Click here for Details

External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

Check Course Schedules

Delivery Mode

Online

Check Course Schedules

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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	Be sure to connect with your assigned Virginia Tech academic advisor during the virtual registration and advising process prior to your first term of enrollment. Details will be emailed to your Virginia Tech account.
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this 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.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
New River Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System

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

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

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Completion of a transfer-oriented associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major. You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Credit for Prior Learning	Prior learning score requirements: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html
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: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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

1116

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

52.3% of transfer applicants were offered admission with a 3.52 average GPA

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment

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
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
Northern Virginia Community College	Education: Elementary Education Major, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
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 Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate in Science Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree	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
Eastern Mennonite University	Bachelor of Science Biology	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
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
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
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	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Bridgewater College	Biology Secondary Education Major - BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Shenandoah University	Bachelor of Arts Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Shenandoah University	Bachelor of Science Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Bluefield University	BS in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Ferrum College	B.S. in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Randolph College	Bachelor of Arts in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph College	Bachelor of Science in Biology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Biology, Bachelor of Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
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
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
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
University of Mary Washington	BS in Biology: Kinesiology	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
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with a STEM Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

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

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

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 Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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	$6,770	Per Semester	$54,160	$0	$54,160	Per semester tuition full-time undergraduate 12 or more hours
Fees
Student Room Fee	$3,319	Per Semester	$26,552	0	$26,552	Per semester multiple occupancy, non-airconditioned room
Meal Plan	$3,368	Per Semester	$26,944	0	$26,944	Per semester premium flex plan
Residential Telecommunications Fee	$197	Per Semester	$1,576	0	$1,576	Per semester

*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
- Living Learning Program Fee: $50 per semester
- Student Resident Parking Fee: $570 per academic year
- Student Commuter Parking Fee: $405 per academic year
- Admission Application Fee: $60 but waiver may be available
- Enrollment Deposit Fee: $400 but reduction or waiver may be available
- Student Activity Fee: $260 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Health Service Fee: $335 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Athletic Fee: $366 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Recreational Sports Fee: $206.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
- Student Services Fee: $267.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
Special Purpose Fees
- Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Fee for Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and all Biochemistry Majors: $375 per semester 7 or more hours
- Architecture and Design Supplemental Fee for Students in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture: $750 per semester 7 or more hours
- Engineering Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate Students in the College of Engineering: $1000 per semester 7 or more hours
- Pamplin College of Business Supplemental Fee: $1275 per semester 7 or more hours
- Immigration Services Fee: $275 per semester degree seeking students with F1 or J1 visa status
- Corps of Cadets Fee: $240 per semester
- Laboratory Fee: varies by lab course
- Study Abroad Faculty-Lead Program Fee: $20
Miscellaneous
- Late Payment Fee: 10% of the past due balance not to exceed $125 per term
- Returned payment fee: $50

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.