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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Biology, BS

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.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Professor and students review samples in petri dishes.

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.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • 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.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • 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.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • 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.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

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

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $166,300

Possible job titles include: Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist.

Explore Career

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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $70,600

Possible job titles include: Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist.

Explore Career

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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Bioinformaticist, Bioinformatics Scientist, Research Scientist, Senior Scientist.

Explore Career

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

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

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Molecular Biology Director, Molecular Biology Professor.

Explore Career

Geneticists

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

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Clinical Genetics Laboratory Chief, Laboratory Director, Medical Geneticist, Research Scientist.

Explore Career

Biologists

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

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Biologist, Environmental Analyst, Research Scientist, Scientist.

Explore Career

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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $51,430

Possible job titles include: Biological Science Laboratory Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate.

Explore Career

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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $83,920

Possible job titles include: Biological Sciences Professor, Biology Instructor, Biology Professor, Professor.

Explore Career

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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $224,640

Possible job titles include: 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.

Explore Career

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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $236,000

Possible job titles include: 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.

Explore Career

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Biology major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does Biology at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Biology major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

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