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Biology, the study of life, is a wide-ranging and rapidly growing discipline. Understanding biology requires a working knowledge of all the sciences, especially chemistry and mathematics. The biology program at Fairmont State strives to provide students with a broad-based education in all fields of biology as well as a fundamental knowledge of chemistry and mathematics. Students are required to complete basic courses in biology designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of living organisms. Electives allow students the flexibility to gain additional knowledge in an area of interest. No minor is required for biology majors.

A four-year B.S. degree in biology will prepare students to compete for entry level jobs such as lab technician, wildlife biologist, research scientist or naturalist, among others. While a bachelor’s degree in biology will help students get a job, many careers require additional education beyond the B.S. degree. Many of our best students compete successfully for admission to graduate study at institutions across the country. A biology degree will also provide preprofessional training required by fields such as dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.

Students who major in biology select one of the following degree programs:

1. the B.S. in Biology degree as preparation for employment, professional school or graduate study
2. the B.S. in Biology degree with an emphasis in biotechnology as preparation for employment, professional school, or graduate study
3. the B.A. in Education degree with a specialization in biology, as preparation for teaching biology in grades 9-Adult. All courses must be completed prior to admission to Secondary Student Teaching/Clinical III.

In addition to meeting the graduation requirements listed for the B.S. in Biology or B.A. in Education degree, students must also:

1. obtain a grade of “C” or better in BIOL 1105 , BIOL 1106 , BIOL 2202 , and BIOL 2203  
2. successfully complete an assessment exam during their final year (This exam is given every spring semester.)