
Biology
Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ biology students are prepared for careers in the sciences and for graduate and professional programs that lead to careers in the biological sciences. Students thrive under the tutelage of a faculty dedicated to teaching and research, and they benefit from on-campus research facilities such as an herbarium of more than 25,000 specimens. The main campus is located amidst an extraordinary outdoor laboratory that includes Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Students and faculty alike enjoy the unique research and learning opportunities that these incredible environments provide.
What You'll Learn
The Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµBiology Program prepares students to succeed at the next level of their career. The program is designed around four foundational courses: Principles of Biology I and II, Introduction to Genetics, and Introduction to Ecology and Evolution. Students may select from three concentrations: Cell and Molecular Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; Pre-Health Professional Biology. In tandem with an inclusive curriculum, smaller class sizes foster strong relationships and strengthen students’ learning processes. Juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate in faculty-directed independent research projects carrying academic credit, while all majors are encouraged to pursue cooperative education and internships. These popular programs provide job experience, income, and professional opportunities for post-graduation employment.
Where You'll Go
A biology degree from Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµprepares students for immediate employment or further graduate study. Jobs can be focused on biomedical, biotech, ecological and other areas of biology and science in general. Through the years, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµgraduates have gone on to become scientists, researchers, program directors and coordinators, and educators and practitioners. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034. Continued growth in the areas of biotechnology and medical research is expected to increase demand for these roles.
Next Steps
More About Our Biology Program
Interested in studying genetics, physiology, and ecology? Want a career in medicine, molecular biology, or conservation? Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµ's Department of Biology provides the ideal environment to train you for these and other careers in biology.
Teaching and research drive the Department of Biology. Our interactive undergraduate programs, across multiple options of concentrations, and our graduate programs are founded on our faculty’s rich tradition of teaching and will prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career. You may also choose to earn credits toward both a B.S. and M.S. degree through our Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's (ABM) concentrations , or you may even decide to pursue a instead. Shape your degree around your goals.



Learn what areas of research the department is exploring and see the advanced research facilities and equipment available to faculty and students.
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