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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Biology
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B.S. in Biology

Students in the Biology major may choose an Area of Emphasis in Cell/Molecular Biology, Ecology/Ecosystems/Global Change, or Integrative Biology.
Plan of Study

Biology majors study living organisms and the processes of life. Our program meets the foundational needs for careers in the broad area of life sciences or health sciences.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

When you explore biology, you begin to understand the extraordinary nature of the world — from genes to ecosystems, molecules and cells, structure and function, organisms and their environments.

Through in-depth instruction at the cutting-edge of our discipline, hands-on research conducted with award-winning faculty and experience with next-generation resources and equipment, Biology majors at WVU learn to question, experiment and innovate. We provide all the opportunities of a large university with a small college feel.

As a Biology major, your career goals may include biological research, medical school, pharmacy, business or education. Students interested in health professions also have access to additional information and advice through the Pre-Health Advising and Professional Development Office.

Areas of Emphasis

  • Cellular and Molecular Biology

    Provides all the preparation necessary for the health professions, pharmacy and pharmacology, and graduate school in cellular or molecular biology, virology, genetics, immunology and a variety of related fields.

  • Ecology, Ecosystems and Global Change

    Prepare students for government and industry careers in natural climate solutions, conservation, and environmental consulting, as well as graduate school in ecology, biogeochemistry, climate change and a variety of related fields.

  • Integrative Biology

    Provides an overview of the sub-fields available to biologists. This area of emphasis will prepare students for careers in health care, government, consulting and industry. It also provides preparation for master's degree programs in biomedical science or ecology and environmental science.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

  • High medical school acceptance rate for recent graduates.
  • Individual and collaborative research activities available.
  • Wide variety of classroom environments, from large lecture sections to small group discussions and intensive laboratory-oriented courses.
  • Provides a foundation that spans the field's diverse subdisciplines.
  • Four areas of emphasis offered to focus your studies.
  • SpeakWrite Certified program (incorporates and develops written, verbal, visual and mediated communication skills).
  • The ASPIRE Office helps students compete for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships and gain admission to graduate or professional school.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Research and Opportunities

  • Laboratory courses include genomics, bioinformatics, comparative anatomy, ecology, ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, molecular genetics, plant systematics and recombinant DNA technology, as well as many other laboratory experiences across the biological disciplines.
  • Through the WVU Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, selected students receive a $3,500 stipend for eight weeks of research with a faculty mentor. An additional $2,000 is available for travel to a professional conference or for supplies.
  • The WVU Cancer Institute offers research fellowships every summer in clinical and basic cancer research. The highly competitive fellowship program provides funding and opportunities for students who want to pursue careers in cancer research or medicine.
  • The WVU Center for Neuroscience offers internships of research-intensive training for qualified students. Research opportunities incorporate molecular- to systems-level analyses of nervous-system function. Projects are offered in sensory, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience; in neural injury and neuro-degeneration; and in neuropsychiatric diseases.
  • WVU's nanotechnology initiative is the focal point for discovery and innovation in nanoscale science, engineering and education (NSEE).
  • West Virginia’s only research journal exclusively for undergraduate authors, Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review (MURR) publishes outstanding student research.
  • Undergraduate research experiences are funded by the National Science Foundation. Over 100 universities across the U.S. offer paid summer research internships in biology. Typically, they pay a stipend, room, board and travel.

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Biologists

    Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

    Also called: Biologist, Environmental Analyst, Research Scientist, Scientist

  2. Biological Technicians

    Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

    Also called: Biological Science Laboratory Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate

  3. 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.

    Also called: Biological Sciences Professor, Biology Instructor, Biology Professor, Professor

  4. Molecular and Cellular Biologists

    Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

    Also called: Molecular Biology Director, Molecular Biology Professor

  5. 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.

    Also called: Bioinformaticist, Bioinformatics Scientist, Research Scientist, Senior Scientist

  6. Geneticists

    Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

    Also called: Clinical Genetics Laboratory Chief, Laboratory Director, Medical Geneticist, Research Scientist

  7. 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.

    Also called: Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist

  8. Family Medicine Physicians

    Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

    Also called: Board Certified Family Physician, Family Medicine Physician, Family Physician, Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD), Family Practice Physician, Family Practitioner, Medical Doctor (MD), Medical Staff Physician, Physician, Primary Care Physician

  9. Preventive Medicine Physicians

    Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.

    Also called: Medical Director, Occupational Medicine Physician, Occupational Physician, Preventive Medicine Physician, Primary Clinician, Public Health Director, Public Health Officer, Public Health Physician, Regional Medical Director, Residency Director

  10. Dentists, General

    Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

    Also called: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist