Bachelor of Science in Biology

Catalog Year 2026-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for BIOLOGY

NOTE: It is recommended that students NOT take Anatomy & Physiology courses until they reach their four-year institution.

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transfer associate degree based on the Biology curriculum.

• Earn a minimum of 2.0 GPA for the associate degree.

• A maximum of 63 credits will transfer and apply toward a bachelor degree requirements.

• Submit your transfer application for Fall admission by March 1 and for Spring admission by December 1, including an unofficial transcript.

• Request an official transcript to be sent upon completing the associate degree.

• Transfer within four years of first enrolling at the community college and within one year of completing the appropriate associate degree.

• Please create an account through the www.TransferVirginia.org portal to indicate your intent to use this guarantee for admission to NSU.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: Transfer Admissions & Services https://www.nsu.edu/transfer

• Register Intent to Transfer: By the end of your first semester at the Community College through College Connect at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Admission Application: By May 1 at https://www.nsu.edu/Admissions-Aid/Apply-Online

• Financial Aid: https://www.nsu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: By October 1 at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• A grade of C or higher is required for all Biology, Chemistry, Math, and English courses. Core prerequisites General Biology I, General Biology II, Botany and Zoology are prerequisites for higher level biology courses. Students may choose from three curriculum tracks.

• 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 Norfolk State University within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• This program requires students to complete two semesters of General Chemistry and two semesters of Organic Chemistry.

• Students on the Biology Pre-Professional track are required to complete 10 credits of math that includes Algebra, Algebra and Trigonometry, and Calculus.

• Students have an opportunity to participate in research by working with faculty on undergraduate research projects and through Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of a transfer-level associate degree satisfies all lower division general education requirements.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The agreement of guaranteed admission into the college applies to students earning an associate degree concurrent with high school who have completed a transfer-approved degree with a minimum of 45 credits completed through a Virginia Community College, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher and that meets all requirements outlined in the transfer guide.

• Credit for Prior Learning: All course credits that were awarded by the two-year institution for equivalent prior learning experiences (IB, AP, CLEP, Military, etc.) will transfer based on the transfer equivalence for the course award.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at the community college post high school graduation. For students maintaining continuous enrollment, this entitlement will be in effect for a minimum of four years from the time of the students first enrolment at the two-year institution. Students must enroll at the four-year institution within one year of completing their associate degree.

Is This College Right For Me?

• NSU has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Top 20 HBCUs in the nation.

• It is close to downtown Norfolk and within driving distance to Virginia Beach.

• On-campus housing is available.

• Weekend/evening/summer courses are available and online degree options are available for several programs.

• NSU is a military-friendly institution.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

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 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 Norfolk State University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• The Bachelor of Biology degree program prepares students for a diverse array of careers in biology. Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• The biology degree program offers students an opportunity to participate in undergraduate research via Course Based Undergraduate Research Experience.

• The biology degree program offers one on one career planning for students interested in health science careers.

• The biology program offers an active learning environment that promotes experiential learning experiences.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• NSU accepts 90 percent of students who complete an application.

• The average GPA of students admitted to NSU is 2.9.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• A degree in Biology prepares you to pursue a career in health-related fields, research, teaching, government, private industry, and much more. The department provides support through its career pathway program to help students prepare for their careers.

• The B.S. in Biology (Track 1) enables majors to pursue graduate degrees with an option for employment at the bachelor level.

• The B.S. in Biology (Track 2) enables students to follow Option 1, then seek specific endorsement. (e.g., teachers licensure)

• The B.S. in Biology Pre-professional (Track 3) provides a background for students seeking post-graduate training in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, pharmacy, osteopathy, podiatry and advanced graduate research fields.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• There are no other program requirements, but students are encouraged to take advantage of campus and departmental organizations and resources that support student development and career planning.