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Bachelor's Degree in Biology

A biology Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, sometimes referred to as a life science degree, introduces you to the natural science of studying living organisms. There are a number of jobs available to graduates with a biology bachelor’s degree, and it is also often a prerequisite for advanced medical or scientific degree programs.

 

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Bachelor's in Biology Degree Program at University of the Cumberlands is to foster in our biology majors the knowledge and the skills that will make them successful in various fields of service in the biological sciences. The biology department provides courses that support the general education requirements of undergraduate students, as well as major and minor programs in the field of biology.

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Is Biology a Good Major?

As a biology major, you’ll learn from skilled faculty members, all of whom hold doctorate degrees from outstanding institutions. You’ll benefit from their interest in and knowledge of biology, as well as their dedication to teaching.  You’ll get to meet and learn from people of diverse educational backgrounds and professional specializations as you pursue your Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biology.

Join other biological science degree majors to learn from the best in state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, each equipped with the latest media, audio, and data transmission technology. Study areas and a computer lab also provide an outstanding learning environment. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience by assisting in labs and faculty research.  Possibly the most fun networking opportunities you’ll have will involve Beta Beta Beta, the biology honor society that sponsors guest speakers, field trips, and service projects.

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What can you do with a Biology Degree?

The mission of the Bachelor's in Biology Degree Program at University of the Cumberlands is to foster in our biology majors the knowledge and the skills that will make them successful in various fields of service in the biological sciences. The biology department provides courses that support the general education requirements of undergraduate students, as well as major and minor programs in the field of biology.

Once you’ve completed your biology degree program, you’ll be qualified for entry-level jobs in whatever biological science-related field you’ve chosen. Careers in biology that you can consider after graduation include:

NATURAL SCIENCES MANAGER1

With a biology degree from University of the Cumberlands, you’ll have the solid scientific foundation you need to work in, and even manage, laboratories and scientific studies. The average median wage for Natural Sciences Managers is $137,900 per year with an expected growth rate of 6 percent by 2030.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER2

With the right certification, you could teach high school biology. There is a growing need for qualified high school teachers, especially in scientific fields. High school teachers average a median salary of $61,820 a year, with a growth rate of 8 percent projected over most of the next decade.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR3

You could also use your degree to teach at a college level, passing along what you’ve learned. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of post secondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next several years.

CAREERS

  • Secondary School Biology Teacher (with appropriate certification)
  • Natural Sciences Manager
  • Life Scientist
  • Biological Scientist
  • Lab Assistant/Technician
  • Research Assistant
  • Physician
  • Physician assistant
  • Physical therapist
  • Dentist
  • Chiropractor
  • Osteopathic doctor
  • Veterinarian

"$137,900" Median Annual Pay for Natural Sciences Managers1

1Natural Sciences Managers
2High School Teachers
3Postsecondary Teachers

Go Beyond Your Biology Bachelor's Degree

After finishing your biology bachelor’s degree, you can continue your education in graduate and doctoral programs.  This would prepare you for a career in a number of fields, including medicine, environmental studies, or biotechnology as a*:

*A Bachelor of Science or Arts is considered a minimum degree needed for most positions. Many require the M.S., or M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

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Biology Bachelor of Science or Arts?

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology
As the name suggests, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology is more science-oriented, with practical lab work and a focus on science and math courses. Researchers and doctors frequently have a Bachelor of Science degree.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Biology
A Bachelor of Arts in Biology still includes lots of science and math – but also includes more generalized courses typical of liberal arts like foreign languages, humanities, and more.

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Degree Requirements for Biology Degree

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN BIOLOGY- 55 semester hours as follows: 

Required Biology Courses: (19 hours) 

Required Allied Math and Science Courses: (18 hours) 

Remaining 7 hours selected from the following: 

 Elective Courses (must total 18 hours at the 300 and 400 level)

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology - Pre-professional Health Emphasis

Pre-Professional Health (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Physical Therapy) 18 hours of upper level credit from the following: 

*Students interested in applying to medical, dental, or veterinary school are strongly encouraged to complete these courses. It is important to review the admissions requirements for each program to which you will apply because the prerequisites for admission may be slightly different among professional schools.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology - Education Dynamics 

Biology - Education Emphasis - 18 hours of upper level credit from the following: 

Core Courses:

Electives:

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology - Cellular & Molecular Biology Emphasis 

Cellular and Molecular Biology Emphasis 

18 hours of upper level credit from the following: 

Recommended electives to meet 18 hours total: 

Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in this field are strongly encouraged to pursue a minor in Chemistry and take the following: Calculus I and II and Physics I and II and BIOL 498, Senior Thesis. Students interested in entering the workforce upon graduation are encouraged to complete an internship during the summer before their junior and/or senior years. 

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology - Biodiversity Studies Emphasis 

Biodiversity Studies Emphasis 

18 hours of upper level credit from the following: 

Students interested in graduate studies in this or related fields are strongly encouraged to take the following: Organic I and II, Physics I and II, Calculus, and Probability and Statistics. Students interested in entering the workforce upon graduation are encouraged to complete an internship during the summer before their junior and/or senior years.

Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology - Pre-Physician Assistant Emphasis 

Pre-Physician Assistant Curriculum 

Undergraduate students interested in applying for early admission to the University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program must complete the following coursework in total at the University of the Cumberlands as Pre-PA Biology majors. Additionally, students must complete all requirements of the General Education curriculum for undergraduates as outlined in the University of the Cumberlands Undergraduate catalog. Admission is made during the third year of undergraduate study. Students must complete all PA admissions requirements by time of application. Completion of the Pre-PA curriculum does not ensure acceptance into the MSPAS program.

Students who complete the Pre-Professional PA curriculum but do not continue on to the Professional phase of the PA program will need a total of 35 hours of biology courses (those listed below, plus BIOL 495 or BIOL 498, and either 6 or 10 additional hours of biology electives), 7 hours of allied science courses, and elective classes to complete the 120 hours needed to attain a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology. Alternatively, students can complete a Biology of Science degree in Independent Directions with a focus on applied health sciences. A third alternative is to complete a Bachelor of General Studies degree. Information on these alternatives may be found elsewhere in this catalog.

Students who successfully complete the pre-physician assistant curriculum and are accepted into the MSPAS program are awarded a Bachelor of Health Science degree by the University after the successful completion of the first year of didactic coursework in the MSPAS program. Students are then awarded the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree after the successful completion of the second year of coursework.

The following courses are required prior to application for Pre-professional students: 

Additional 6 or 10 credits of 300 or 400 level Biology courses, Upper-level Psychology courses, Statistics *preferred for the Williamsburg Campus program but not required for the Northern Kentucky Campus program.

Minor in Biology 

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN BIOLOGY—23 hours. Courses must include BIOL 133, 113, 134, 114, and 246. The remaining hours must be selected from Biology courses numbered above 300. 

Bachelor of Arts in Biology 

Completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree plus a world language through the intermediate level.

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More Information on Biology Degree

Tuition

The costs for a bachelor's degree in biology at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

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Be prepared for success in biology with a degree from UC. Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more! Fill out the form on this page for more information!

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Career Path

A University of the Cumberlands degree prepares you for the rigors of the professional world.  Click the button to learn more about the exciting career opportunities you can pursue with this program.