Bachelor of Science in Biology (General Biology Track)

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Complete 20 credit hours of math & science courses with grades of "B" or better will be considered to have satisfied our biology major requirement BIOL 173, Concepts in Biology. Above recommended VCCS curriculum will accomplish this requirement.

• Earn a transferable associate degree.

• Earn a minimum of 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA.

• Earn a grade of C or higher in each VCCS course applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree program.

• Apply to transfer to EMU, which serves as their registration of intent to utilize the GAA.

• Upon graduation, submit an official transcript showing completion of associate degree to the EMU Admissions. Please visit the TransferVirginia.org portal or https://emu.edu/academics/degree-programs to find course requirements for different majors.

Important Links & Dates

• University transfer center: https://emu.edu/transfer

• Admission Application (rolling admissions): https://emu.edu/apply

• Financial aid: https://emu.edu/financial-aid/transfer

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov/

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, and complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and EMU in your first year. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• As an EMU biology major, you will gain the knowledge and skills to make meaningful scientific contributions for a better world. Learn marketable skills and have real-world impact through hands-on research projects and career experiences through practicums or internships.

• You will also receive personal advising from professors who will mentor you as you become a sought-after candidate for graduate schools and employers, who know that EMU biology grads are well-prepared critical thinkers with practical experience. Our graduates are prepared for further graduate studies in genetics, cell biology, and field biology as well as health care related professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences and physical therapy. Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of a transfer-appropriate degree will satisfy all general education requirements at EMU with the exception of a three-credit Theology and Religion requirement, a two-credit Senior Seminar, and unless otherwise satisfied, the EMU Intercultural Learning requirement.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Completion of a transfer-appropriate degree will satisfy all general education requirements at EMU with the exception of a three-credit Theology and Religion requirement, a two-credit Senior Seminar, and unless otherwise satisfied, the EMU Intercultural Learning requirement.

• Credit for Prior Learning: EMU accepts AP, CLEP, and military credits.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at EMU.

Is This College Right For Me?

• EMU at a glance: EMU is a smaller private liberal arts university located in Harrisonburg, VA, NCAA Division III.

• Cost and value: EMU averages financial aid based on family income. Learn more at https://emu.edu/financial-aid/prospective/.

• Stellar outcomes: View alumni outcomes and student demographic statistics at https://emu.edu/about/facts/.

• You matter: When you choose to join the EMU story, you become a part of an inclusive and equitable community of learners who are connected, accepted, valued and respected. EMU will prepare you for a career and develop, mentor, support and challenge you to make the world a better place.

• Learn more: www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your associate transfer degree after high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree.

• Exceeding three 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 EMU.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Over the past 10 years, our program grads enjoyed an 80% acceptance rate to medical schools.

• Research with professors who invest time in you. Research by students and faculty has focused on the biology of aging, the impacts of a high salt, high sugar diet on hypertension in rats, the development and use of attractants to manage pests, and the genetics of immune responses to bacterial infections in C. elegans.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• If you apply through general application instead of through the GAA you will be considered for admission with all other transfer applicants.

• EMU evaluates transfer applicants based on satisfactory academic progress criteria - we encourage all students to apply to receive a personalized holistic application review process.

• There is a separate application process for the clinical level of the nursing program.

Do More With Your Degree!

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Aside from the courses listed above, there are no other program requirements.