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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Biology
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Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate Degree Programs in Biology

Through in-depth instruction, hands-on research and independent projects conducted with award winning faculty, biology students learn to question, experiment, and innovate. 

The Department of Biology is housed in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree with two majors: the  Bachelor of Science in Biology and the  Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-medical.

These two programs are structured to meet the foundational needs of all students who are interested in a career in the broad area of the life sciences or health sciences.  In the Biology major, these requirements are complemented by additional coursework in communication and statistics; in the Biology Pre-medical major, these requirements are complemented by chemistry, physics, and social foundations of health.

Our department also offers a  Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience in partnership with the  Department of Psychology in the  Eberly College of Arts and Science, and a  Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry through a partnership with  Davis College of Agriculture.

SpeakWrite™  Certified Programs

The Biology B.S. and the Biology Pre-Medical B.S. are SpeakWrite™ Certified Programs that incorporate and develop students’ written, verbal, visual and mediated communication skills across the curriculum. Students completing majors in certified programs automatically fulfill the WVU General Education Foundations (GEF) writing and communication skills requirement. 

How will I focus my studies?

If you wish to focus your biological curriculum, you may choose from one of our areas of emphasis:

Biology Areas of Emphasis:

  • Cell/Molecular Biology
  • Ecology, Ecosystems, and Global Change
  • Integrative Biology

Pre-Medical Areas of Emphasis:

  • Global Health
  • Human Health

Other majors:

  • Nueroscience, B.S.
  • Biochemistry, B.S.

Choose Your Course of Study

Modern biology is a vast and eclectic field, composed of many branches and subdisciplines. Our department gives students the opportunity to learn the skills that will lead to tomorrow’s discoveries while charting a path to their own future goals.

Biology, B.S.

The Biology major foundation in life sciences is complemented by additional coursework in communication and statistics.

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Biology Pre-medical, B.S.

The Biology Pre-Medical major requirements are complemented by additional coursework in chemistry, physics, and social foundations of health.

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Neuroscience, B.S.

Offered in partnership with the Department of Psychology, a BS in Neuroscience provides you with a foundation across a broad range of research.

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Biochemistry, B.S.

An interdisciplinary science, the Biochemistry B.S. is offered jointly with a collaboration between the Ebelry College of Arts and Sciences and Davis College.

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We also offer a Minor in Biology

A biology minor complements various majors by providing a strong foundation in life sciences, enhancing career opportunities in healthcare, research, and environmental fields. Learn more about how a Biology minor will complement your future goals.

SpeakWrite™  Certified Programs

The  Biology B.S. and the  Biology Pre-Medical B.S. are  SpeakWrite™ Certified Programs that incorporate and develop students’ written, verbal, visual and mediated communication skills across the curriculum. Students completing majors in certified programs automatically fulfill the WVU General Education Foundations (GEF) writing and communication skills requirement. 

Resources and Opportunities

Students will find many opportunities available to them as an undergraduate student in our department. Our faculty and staff encourage questions and we are all committed to their success.

Research and Internships

Choose from a wide array of undergraduate research opportunities, including on-site state-of-the-art laboratories and off-site research experiences.

Advising for Biology Students

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our programs and advising. Our advisors are well-equipped to assist students in progressing through our program.

Student Organizations

We support several student organizations to help you make the most out of your education and to connect with your fellow students.

Career Resources

Browse this listing of professional organizations that have a career page. These are organized by sub-disciplines in the biology curriculum.

The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science degree with two majors: the Bachelor of Science in Biology and the Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-medical.

These two programs are structured to meet the foundational needs of all students who are interested in a career in the broad area of the life sciences or health sciences.  In the Biology major, these requirements are complemented by additional coursework in communication and statistics; in the Biology Pre-medical major, these requirements are complemented by chemistry, physics, and social foundations of health.

Our department also offers a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience in partnership with the Department of Psychology in the Eberly College of Arts and Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry through a partnership with Davis College of Agriculture.

SpeakWrite™  Certified Programs

The Biology B.S. and the Biology Pre-Medical B.S. are SpeakWrite™ Certified Programs. Students completing majors in certified programs automatically fulfill the WVU General Education Foundations (GEF) writing and communication skills requirement. SpeakWrite Certified programs incorporate and develop students’ written, verbal, visual and mediated communication skills across the curriculum.