James Madison University B.S. in Biology
James Madison University

James Madison University

B.S. in Biology

Harrisonburg, USA

BSc

4 years

English

Full time

USD 6,434 / per semester **

On-Campus

* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission

** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply

Key Summary

About: The B.S. in Biology at James Madison University emphasizes interdisciplinary study of life—botany, evolution, genetics, medicine and ecology. Students engage in hands-on research using microscopy, genome sequencing, animal and microbiology labs; faculty mentor students. The department requires a four-year B.S. degree programme, 40 credit hours of biology including 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 levels, four core courses, two upper-division labs, organismal diversity coursework, and cognates in chemistry, mathematics, statistics and physics. Seniors may complete program assessment and are encouraged to pursue independent research for credit.

Career Outcomes: Graduates enter research, lab, conservation, environmental, healthcare or graduate-study.

Biology is the interdisciplinary study of life in the world around us.

As a biologist, you can explore botany, evolution, genetics, medicine, and a plethora of other topics. The JMU biology program is designed to engage undergraduates in hands-on research projects. Our students have access to state-of-the-art labs and instrumentation in microscopy, genome sequencing, animal research, microbiology, and more. Our faculty work hard to mentor our students and prepare them for their future. At JMU, our biology majors are more than just students—they are scientists.

The department offers a four-year B.S. degree program in biology. Students may not receive dual credit toward the biology major for 300- and 400-level BIO courses that are applied toward the biotechnology major.

Biology majors must complete 40 credit hours of biology courses including 16 credit hours at the 300 and 400 levels. Specific requirements include four core courses (BIO 140, BIO 150, BIO 240, and BIO 250), at least two upper-division laboratory courses, and one course from a list of courses with an emphasis on organismal diversity. In addition, biology majors must complete a set of cognate courses in chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and physics that are listed below. Students are encouraged to participate in independent research with a faculty mentor. Credits earned doing research will count toward the biology major but some restrictions apply.

When requested, senior biology majors are expected to participate in program assessment test activities as a graduation requirement. Assessment information helps the department modify the curriculum to meet student needs.