Academic Programs
Biology
Overview
Are you passionate about the living world — from microscopic cells to sprawling ecosystems? At Bluefield University, our Biology Bachelor of Science program immerses you in the science of life with a Christ-centered learning approach that strengthens both your intellect and character.
Our Biology program is built with you in mind. Flexibility allows you to tailor the curriculum to best suit your career goals whether you want to be an anatomist or zoologist. Students wishing to pursue careers in healthcare, environmental or research sectors have a variety of courses to choose from. Under the guidance of accomplished faculty and professional mentors, you’ll develop laboratory skills, analyze scientific data, and engage in experiential learning that opens doors to future career paths or advanced study.
Agreements with Appalachian College of Pharmacy and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) give biology majors priority admission to their competitive healthcare programs. Accelerated paths in Anesthesiology Assistant and Pharmacy programs can reduce the time it takes to pursue a career you are passionate about.
Biology Degree Opportunities
Bluefield University’s biology curriculum integrates a Christ-centered worldview that encourages ethical inquiry and responsible stewardship of God’s creation — preparing graduates to lead with integrity across scientific disciplines.
Why Bluefield University for Biology?
At Bluefield University, science education goes beyond memorizing facts — you’ll learn to:
- Ask meaningful questions about life
- Develop solutions to real-world challenges
- Approach biological issues through the lens of faith and ethics
- Interact with supportive faculty and enjoy small class sizes that create an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.
Whether you’re aspiring to become an anatomist or zoologist, this degree prepares you with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for today’s competitive biological sciences professions pathways.
- Targeted Curriculum – Core courses are strategically selected to individualize curriculum that best prepares students for graduate school and professional careers.
- Strong Mentorship & Advising – Dedicated faculty guide you through coursework selection, career planning, research opportunities, and internship experiences.
- Christian-Centered Learning – Our Christ-focused approach supports ethical formation alongside academic rigor, preparing you for community-minded professional leadership.
- Real-World Experience – Biology internships and lab-based learning help you apply theory to practice and build a competitive professional portfolio.
Pathway Priorities – Bluefield biology graduates have access to collaborative opportunities and pathways that strengthen applications to competitive graduate programs in health sciences.
Quick Program Details
Tuition: $420 Per Credit Hour
Next Start On-Campus: January 2027
Time to Complete: 4 years
*Time to complete can be reduced with prior learning and transfer credits
Graduate School and Career Outcomes
In the last 5 years, 70% of our students were accepted into another scholarly post-baccalaureate or graduate program or were employed in a STEM career within 1 year of graduation.
Our Biology graduates have attended post-baccalaureate or graduate programs at a number of universities, including:
- Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Appalachian College of Pharmacy
- Appalachian State University
- Bluefield University
- East Tennessee State University
- Liberty University
- Life University
- Lindsey Wilson College
- Lincoln Memorial University
- Marshall University
- Medical University of South Carolina
- North Carolina State
- Old Dominion University
- Presbyterian College
- Radford University
- Shenandoah University
- University of Florida
- University of Pikeville
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
- West Virginia University
- Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Virginia Tech
Our Biology graduates have pursued a variety of career paths, including:
- Cancer Immunotherapy Researcher
- Health Department Inspector
- Impurities Bioassay Scientist
- Industrial Scientist
- Optometrist
- Pharmaceuticals Specialist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Quality Control Chemist
- Toxicologist
- US Army Biomedical Equipment Specialist
- US Environmental Protection Agency Biologist
- Veterinary Assistant
The broad, research-oriented curriculum positions students well for graduate school or professional programs in conservation, research biology, or biomedical fields.
Courses & Competencies
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Total Credits: 120
For a full breakdown of each course, reference the academic catalog located in Academic Resources.
General Education Requirements (39 Credits)
- Introduction to the Writing Process (3 Credits)
- Fundamentals of Speech (3 Credits)
- Biblical Perspectives (3 Credits)
- Developing the Christian Mind (3 Credits)
- Math/Science* (3 Credits)
- Fine Arts/Humanities* (6 Credits)
- Social/Behavioral Science* (3 Credits)
- Degree Requirements (BA or BS/BSN)* (6 Credits)
- Personal Wellness (2 Credits)
- Activity/Physical Education Course* (1 Credit)
- Career Pathways I (3 Credits)
- Career Pathways II (3 Credits)
*Course or requirement includes multiple options. Online offerings may differ.
Core Requirements (≥ 43 Credits)
- Introductory Biology w/ Lab I* (4 Credits)
- Introductory Biology w/ Lab II* (4 Credits)
- General Chemistry w/ Lab I (4 Credits)
- General Chemistry w/ Lab II (4 Credits)
- Philosophical/Ethical Issues in Science (3 Credits)
- Science Colloquium (1 Credit)
- Internship (3 Credits)
- 2000 level Biology w/ Lab* (4 Credits)
- 3000 Level Biology w/ Lab* (4 Credits)
- 4000 Level Biology w/ Lab* (4 Credits)
- 2000 or 3000 Level Natural Science* (≥ 3 Credits)
- 3000 or 4000 Level Natural Science* (≥ 3 Credits)
- Senior Seminar I (1 Credit)
- Senior Seminar II (1 Credit)
*Requirement includes multiple options
Breadth of Interest Recommendations
Breadth of interest accounts for about ⅓ of the total credits required to graduate. Students get to select courses that will help them prepare for the career and life path they are most interested in pursuing. We have included a couple of examples of Biology core requirements and breadth of interest recommendations for some of our most popular career routes but many more options exist. You may even complete a minor or second major depending on your selections.
Pre-Health Core Electives and Breadth of Interest Advising Recommendations*:
- BIO 2013 A&P I (3 credits)
- BIO 2011 A&P I Lab (1 credit)
- BIO 2023 A&P II (3 credits)
- BIO 2021 A&P II Lab (1 credit)
- CHM 2014 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CHM 2024 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- PHY 2014 Physics I with Lab (4 credits)
- PHY 2024 Physics II with Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 1231 Biomedical Terminology (1 credit)
- HEA 3513 Nutrition (3 credits)
- BIO 3053 (and BIO 3061) Biochemistry (with or without lab) (3-4 credits)
- BIO 3034 Microbiology (4 credits)
- BIO 3003 Immunology (3 credits)
- BIO 4014 Genetics (4 credits)
- PSY XXXX Additional Psychology Course (3 credits)
- ENG 1023 Argumentative and Analytical Writing (3 credits)
*Use these recommendations to help students choose classes to fill Biology Core Requirements and meet additional hours need for “breadth of interest” while completing all admission requirements for graduate level human or veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, anesthesiology or physician assistant programs. Depending on course selections, students may be able to earn a minor in Chemistry.
Pre Physical and Occupational Therapy Biology Core Electives and Breadth of Interest Recommendations*
- BIO 2013 A&P I (3 credits)
- BIO 2011 A&P I Lab (1 credit)
- BIO 2023 A&P II (3 credits)
- BIO 2021 A&P II Lab (1 credit)
- PHY 2014 Physics I with Lab (4 credits)
- PHY 2024 Physics II with Lab (4 credits)
- PSY XXXX Additional Psychology Course (3 credits)
- BIO 3053 (and BIO 3061) Biochemistry (with or without lab) (3-4 credits)
- BIO 1231 Biomedical Terminology (1 credit)
- ESS 3303 Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
- ESS 3301 Exercise Physiology Lab (1 credit)
- ESS 3343 Kinesiology (3 credits)
- ESS 3341 Kinesiology Lab (1 credit)
- ESS XXXX Additional Exercise and Sport Science Classes