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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Biology
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Biology Pre-medical, B.S.

Focus not only on foundational concepts, but also on social awareness, ethical decision making and the communication skills necessary to become a well-rounded healthcare professional.
Plan of Study

Pursue your individual goals in an inclusive, flexible curriculum designed for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

Your path to a variety of healthcare careers starts in our flexible Biology: Pre-Medical Program.

As a Biology: Pre-Medical student, you’ll take a unique, comprehensive set of courses that focus not only on foundational concepts, but also on areas that develop social awareness, ethical decision making and the communication skills necessary to be well-rounded and successful. After two years of foundational coursework, you’ll choose an area of emphasis in Human Health or Global Health.

This diverse training prepares you to be a competitive applicant for:

  • Medical, dental and physician assistant school
  • Global health careers following the “one health” concept that focuses on ecosystems
  • Jobs in bioinformatics, genetics, virology and other biological sciences

Areas of Emphasis

  • Global Health
    • Evolution of Infection Disease
    • Cellular and Molecular
    • Organismal Health
    • Ecosystem Health
  • Human Health
    • Cellular and Molecular Foundations
    • Biochemistry
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Infectious Disease/Pathogens
    • Communication Skills

Learn more in the Plan of Study for each area

Global Health Human Health

Opportunities

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

  • Two areas of emphasis (Human Health and Global Health) to customize your degree.
  • Professional development built into classes, in addition to learning biological concepts.
  • Offers comprehensive approach to biology pre-medical sciences to create competitive applicants for professional programs, along with articulate, compassionate and ethical professionals.
  • Our Pre-Health Office is an asset to any student planning to pursue health or health-adjacent fields.
  • WVU has an R1, Trauma 1 hospital and state-wide medical system.
  • WVU iServe helps students earn and track community service hours.
  • SpeakWrite Certified Major automatically fulfills the WVU General Education Foundations (GEF) writing and communication skills requirement.
  • 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:

Internships and Assistantships

Research and Opportunities

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. 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: Associate Professor, Biology Instructor, Biology Professor, Professor

  2. 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: Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist

  3. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

    Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

    Also called: Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist

  4. Epidemiologists

    Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

    Also called: Epidemiologist, Infection Control Practitioner (ICP), Nurse Epidemiologist, Research Epidemiologist

  5. Family Medicine Physicians

    Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

    Also called: Family Physician, Family Practice Physician (FP Physician), Medical Doctor (MD), Physician

  6. Genetic Counselors

    Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

    Also called: Certified Genetic Counselor, Genetic Counselor, Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator

  7. Lawyers

    Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

    Also called: Attorney, Attorney General, Counsel, Lawyer

  8. Microbiologists

    Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

    Also called: Bacteriologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Clinical Lab Scientist), Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist

  9. Pharmacists

    Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

    Also called: Clinical Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Pharm D (Pharmacy Doctor), Pharmacist in Charge (PIC)

  10. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians

    Diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.

    Also called: MD (Medical Doctor), Pain Management Physician, Physiatrist, Physician

  11. Physician Assistants

    Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

    Also called: Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA), Physician's Assistant

  12. 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: Occupational Medicine Physician, Physician, Public Health Officer, Public Health Physician

  13. Sports Medicine Physicians

    Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.

    Also called: Athletic Team Physician, Physician, Sports Medicine Physician, Team Physician

  14. Technical Writers

    Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

    Also called: Documentation Specialist, Information Developer, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer

  15. Career Pathways

    Biology: Pre-Medical graduates are prepared to apply to medical, dental or physician's assistant school, in addition to graduate school in the biological sciences. They can also join the workforce immediately in a variety of areas, including applied and research-based fields.

  16. Further Your Education

    With a degree in Biology: Pre-Medical, you could apply to these graduate and professional programs, as well as others.

    • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
    • MD/PhD
    • Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
    • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
    • Physician Assistant (PA)
    • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
    • Biology MS or PhD
    • Epidemiology MS or PhD
    • Genetic Counseling MS
    • Neuroscience MS or PhD
    • Juris Doctor (JD)