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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Biology: Pre-Medical, BS

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
Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Places and Spaces Frequently Asked Questions Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

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

Foundation Courses
In the first two years, you'll take foundational courses in general biology, chemistry, physiology, cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, and biostatistics. Courses in psychology, sociology, public health and healthcare ethics are also required. You'll also enroll in professional development to help identify and guide your future career path.

Areas of Emphasis (AoE)
Biology: Pre-Medical majors must select an AoE, typically following of the foundational coursework. You can choose from:

  • Human Health: Coursework covers advanced cellular and molecular foundations, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, infectious disease or pathogens, and communications. This area of emphasis is ideal preparation for medical, dental or physician's assistant school.
  • Global Health: Designed under the “one health” concept — which focuses on one ecosystem — this AoE is comprised of coursework in the evolution of infectious disease, advanced cellular and molecular biology, organismal health, ecosystem health and computation skills, such as bioinformatics. The Global Health AoE is well positioned for careers in infectious diseases, computation biology, genomics and more.

Each area allows flexibility and choices of electives. Further, lab coursework provides hands-on experience that is a critical component for both Human Health and Global Health areas of emphasis.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • BIOL 310:
    Advanced Cellular/Molecular Biology

    Advanced study of molecular mechanisms underlying fundamental cellular processes.

  • BIOL 315:
    Communicating Natural Science

    Teaches students to effectively communicate about scientific discoveries and scientific issues in both written and oral forms to professional scientists, the public, the media and politicians. Students will learn to consider the knowledge, biases and goals of their intended audience to communicate thoughtfully and effectively.

  • BIOL 316:
    Developmental Biology

    A molecular genetic analysis of the mechanisms by which multicellular organisms develop from single cells.

  • BIOL 324:
    Molecular Genetics

    Theoretical and practical knowledge in genetics as a field of study and as an approach for investigating biological problems.

  • BIOL 345:
    Human Anatomy

    Study of human morphology, with a focus on anatomical function and medical applications. Lecture integrates integument, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, urogenital, respiratory, and nervous system anatomy. The co-requisite lab parallels these lecture topics. This course is intended for students interested in the human health fields.

  • BIOL 365:
    Conservation Biology

    Review of literature, research, and application of topics including biodiversity, endangered species, population biology, extinction, invasive species, conservation, restoration, and sustainability.

  • BIOL 455:
    Evolution of Infectious Diseases

    The application of phylogenetics, microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology towards understanding the evolution of infectious diseases. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the significance of evolution and ecology in infectious disease emergence and control.

  • PHIL 331:
    Health Care Ethics

    Topics: Clinician- patient relationship, life-sustaining treatment, physician assisted death, physician-nurse conflicts, confidentiality, research, reproductive technology, abortion, maternal/fetal conflicts, genetics, rationing, and access.

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

  • 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

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?

  • 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.
  • 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.

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:

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Biology: Pre-Medical major will give you the following skills:

  • Interpersonal skills, including effective communication with both professional and general audiences in written and oral forms
  • Ability to work in collaborative teams
  • Global perspectives on healthcare and medicine
  • Social awareness and responsibility
  • Ethical and moral reasoning
  • Ability to synthesize and apply knowledge and skills from across the curriculum to social issues and problems
  • Application of science process skills: scientific literacy, experimental design, collecting and analyzing data quantitatively and statistically, and using critical and analytical thinking to address scientific questions

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

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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $85,470

Possible job titles include: Bacteriologist, Microbiological Analyst, Microbiologist, Quality Control Microbiologist (QC Microbiologist).

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Epidemiologists

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

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $81,390

Possible job titles include: Epidemiologist, Infection Control Practitioner (ICP), Nurse Epidemiologist, Research Epidemiologist.

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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 the health of the population. 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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist.

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

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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.

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Technical Writers

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

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $80,050

Possible job titles include: Information Developer, Medical Writer, Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist.

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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.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $136,030

Possible job titles include: Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacist, Pharmacist in Charge (PIC), Staff Pharmacist.

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $130,020

Possible job titles include: Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Clinical Physician Assistant, Family Practice Physician Assistant, General Surgery Physician Assistant, Midlevel Provider, Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant Certified (PAC), Physician Extender, Physician's Assistant, Surgical Physician Assistant.

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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.

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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians

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

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $236,000

Possible job titles include: Attending Physiatrist, Residency Program Director, Attending Physician, Medical Director, Physiatrist.

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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.

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Sports Medicine Physicians

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

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $236,000

Possible job titles include: Director of Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Physician, Sports Medicine Physician.

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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 decision making and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $95,770

Possible job titles include: Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Medical Science Liaison, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator.

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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.

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)

Meet Your Community

The Biology: Pre-Medical family will inspire and support you.

  • "My WVU experience has been great. As a biology major, I'm working to graduate in 3 years total and apply to WVU dental school!

    “WVU supports us with resources so that we can reach our full potential as students and leaders. Because of WVU, I'm able to work hard on my career path towards becoming a dentist as a biology major, while simultaneously leading and building a community on campus.”
    Omar Ibraheem

  • "I’ve had the privilege of learning from fantastic professors who I feel have not only given me the tools I need for graduate school, but who also have included me in a biology community.

    “I am surrounded by professors who believe in me, help me to actualize my potential and create positive environments that help me to foster friendships with other students of similar goals. I owe my WVU experience and resulting personal growth to the people who have helped me along the way.”
    Lafe Potters

  • Sadie Bergeron

    Professional highlights:

    • Associate Professor of Biology
    • Research: Investigates genetic and environmental factors controlling functional development of the brain.
    • Mentors undergraduate and graduate student researchers in her lab.
    • Teaches Neurogenetics and Behavior (BIOL 474) and Developmental Genetics (BIOL 425/L).
    • Participates in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.
    • 2019 Faculty Award for Distinction in Mentoring Undergraduate Research.

  • Eddie Brzostek

    Professional highlights:

    • Associate Professor of Biology
    • Annual outreach events with elementary students in WV have exposed nearly 500 students to the importance of forests to their well-being.
    • Communicates with stakeholders and policy makers on the potential of WV forests to combat climate change in collaboration with WVU's Bridge Initiative.
    • Empowered the success of four post-docs, seven graduate students and over 30 undergraduate students who have performed research in the lab and are on their way or are now professionals in their fields.
    • Research examines how roots and microbes in soils control the ability of managed and natural ecosystems to take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and slow climate change.
    • Research program has led to the publication of over 50 papers and significant grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

  • Dana Huebert Lima

    Professional highlights:

    • Teaching (Associate) Professor, Academic Adviser and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies
    • Award winning academic adviser and teacher.
    • Brought the Inclusive STEM Teaching Project to WVU, and has worked with nearly 30 graduate students and faculty, including 8 faculty and 4 graduate students in the Biology department, to encourage and facilitate inclusive teaching practice in STEM fields.
    • Developed and implemented the Honors EXCEL program, which fosters experiential learning across campus and encourages student-led initiatives.
    • Developing and implementing new curricula for Biology Pre-Medical students.

  • Justin Mathias

    Professional highlights:

    • Assistant Professor of Biology
    • Found evidence that directly links the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 to red spruce forest recovery in the Appalachian Mountains.
    • Used a process-based model to show how forest ranges will change under future climate.
    • Showed forests around the world are taking up more carbon dioxide without similar increases in transpiration, making them more efficient at using the water they do have in response to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
    • Develops open-source code and software packages in the hope to make science more accessible and reproducible.

  • Rita Rio

    Professional highlights:

    • Professor of Biology
    • Research: Examines invertebrate microbiota and their contribution to animal evolution and dietary (blood feeding) ecology.
    • Teaches Evolution of Infectious Diseases (BIOL 455) and Microbial Symbiosis (BIOL 456)
    • Has served on scientific advisory councils for NIH, National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security
    • Fun fact: "Music is constantly playing in our lab space. At least one member of the lab can identify any given song within the first couple musical notes, and there are a high number of instrument players in the research group!"
  • Deionte Harilla-Gray, PA
     BS, Biology, 2021
    “[Biology] has taught me to think outside of the box. It continues to teach me to be creative and to always ask questions, even if they do not seem important. Sometimes what you think are the worst questions are the most important questions to be asked. Biology has helped me become a better studier and organizer as well. It has taught me to the importance of having a plan and executing that plan to the best of my ability even though it may fail. And if nothing else, biology has taught me that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, and when in doubt, the answer is allostery.”
  • Allison Lastinger, MD
     Biology and Philosophy undergraduate degrees (2007) / MD, WVU School of Medicine (2011) / Residency: Infectious Diseases, WVU
    “As a Biology and Philosophy major in the Eberly College, I learned how the biological sciences apply to human disease and in turn how human diseases impact society. The link between human disease, culture and ethics is what drove me to pursue a career in infectious diseases.”

    • FAQs

    Common questions and answers about Biology: Pre-Medical.

    1. Biology: Pre-Medical students are introduced to the different subjects and concepts that will be expanded upon in the professional setting. Additionally, our curriculum highlights and teaches concepts that can be seen on standardized testing, such as the MCAT, DAT or GRE.

      Within the Biology: Pre-Medical major, there are classes, such as Advanced Cellular/Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Microbiology, that will help in preparation for standardized testing associated with entrances into professional schools.

    2. The training you receive, the concepts learned and the flexibility of choosing classes/tracks within the major help to prepare you for several different career pathways. Concepts and skills learned in this major can be applied to a variety of careers.

    3. This choice is made typically after your foundational classes are done and you can register for a set of classes within the track. This usually takes place around your second year, though you can declare earlier if you meet requirements

    Places and Spaces

    Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

    Facilities - Life Sciences Undergrad Teaching and Research Labs

    Undergraduate Teaching and Research Labs

    The undergraduate teaching labs use up-to-date technology that allows students to hone laboratory skills in their foundational courses. Students will use technology, such as PCR to amplify DNA, gel electrophoresis to understand DNA profiles, and NanoDrop technology, to quantify DNA in samples. Student apply everyday lab skills used by professionals to develop their skills.

    Facilities - Herbarium

    WVU Herbarium

    The largest facility of its kind in West Virginia, the WVU Herbarium contains about 185,000 mounted and cataloged vascular plant specimens and approximately 26,000 bryophyte and lichen specimens.

    The Herbarium contains the only record in existence of hundreds of localities of rare and endangered plants. Its collections are the basis of ongoing research by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy and others on the documentation of these species.

    Explore the WVU Herbarium

    Ecotron and Greenhouses

    The Ecotron and greenhouses are a core facility for undergraduate, graduate and faculty researchers in the Department of Biology. They are a controlled environment facility located on the penthouse (6th floor) of the Life Sciences Building. The Ecotron houses 10 plant growth chambers and six greenhouses with a total of over 172 square meters of growing space. Environmental surroundings in the growth chambers and greenhouses, such as atmospheric CO2, humidity, temperature and light, can be controlled to grow plants under many experimental conditions, including expected conditions as the climate changes.

    Explore the Ecotron and Greenhouses

    Genomics Core Facility

    Located in the Life Sciences Building, the Genomics Core Facility is a non-profit, full-service resource open to all. It offers Next Generation Sequencing, Sanger Sequencing, Bioinformatics and more, and supports both educational and industrial research. Equipment is also available for self-service use.

    Explore the Genomics Core Facility
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    Admission Requirements

    To be admitted to WVU's Biology: Pre-Medical 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: Pre-Medical 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.

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    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: Pre-Medical 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

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    Learn how to join the WVU family.

    Request Info

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    Visit

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