Biology (BS) Program Overview

“New discoveries are made in the field of biology daily,” observes Dr. Emily Lambert, Dean of Sciences. “It’s gratifying to teach students about these discoveries and inspire them to contribute to the discipline with the unique talents God has gifted them.”

When you earn a biology degree at Bluefield University, you’ll choose either biological studies or pre-health professions as a major track. Both concentrations help you prepare for a rewarding science career. Faculty mentors will guide you through the challenging curriculum. Internships offer hands-on experiences and valuable real-world perspectives. If your goal is to teach science classes, you can choose the biology education program as your major.

Biology Studies + Christian Learning

As a biology major, you’ll learn to critically evaluate scientific questions while addressing social issues through the lens of our Christ-centered learning approach. We prepare students for success in scientific fields ranging from public health to genetics. Agreements with Appalachian College of Pharmacy and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) give biology majors priority admission to their competitive healthcare programs.

Discover the possibilities of a biology degree from Bluefield University by scheduling a campus visit today.

Available Concentrations


Biological Studies

Pre-Health Professions


The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

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Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BS)
General Education (39 Credits)

Some General Education requirements may be fulfilled within major core requirements.


  • Bluefield Core (9 Credits)
  • Composition (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (3*- 6** Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • History (6 Credits)
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • Math (3*- 6** Credits)
  • Science (4 Credits)
  • Social Science (3 Credits)
  • Speech (3 Credits)

 

* On-Campus   ** Online

Major Requirements (35 Credits)

  • Mathematics (MAT 1233 or higher – 8 Credits)
  • Additional Mathematics
    • (Choose 6 Credits)
      • College Algebra I
      • College Algebra II
      • Precalculus
      • Introduction to Statistics
    • (Choose 3-5 Credits)
      • Calculus I
      • Calculus II
  • General Chemistry & Lab I
  • General Chemistry & Lab II
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Information Technology
Concentrations (37 Credits)

Choose your Concentration (2 Available)


  • Concentration – Biological Studies (37 Credits)
    • Fundamentals of Biology
    • Fundamentals of Biology Lab
    • Philosophical & Ethical Issues in Science
    • Science Colloquium
    • Senior Seminar
    • Biology Electives (27 Credits)
  • Concentration – Pre-Health Professions (37 Credits)
    • Fundamentals of Biology
    • Fundamentals of Biology Lab
    • Biomedical Terminology
    • Philosophical & Ethical Issues in Science
    • Anatomy & Physiology & Lab I
    • Anatomy & Physiology & Lab II
    • Science Colloquium
    • Senior Seminar
    • BIO Internship
    • (Choose 1)
      • Zoology
      • Botany
      • Ecology
    • (Choose 1)
      • Genetics
      • Molecular Cell Biology
      • Biochemistry
Electives (9 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Biologist
Pharmaceutical Sales
Zoologist
Biological Technician
Environmental Scientist

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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