Western Carolina University is ideal for both field biologists and molecular and cellular scientists.

The university is near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Highlands Biological Station, Joyce Kilmer National Forest and is nestled between Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest.

The region around campus is famous for its natural beauty and high plant and animal diversity. We have an extended spring and a colorful, mild autumn. You can enjoy year-round research and recreation in nearby cove and mixed hardwood forests, mountain balds, streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Some of the best backpacking, white water canoeing, and trout fishing areas in eastern North America are close to campus.

Recent initiatives in the department have centered on improving student access to modern tools of biology in the classroom and in research projects within labs of the faculty. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, phylogenetic comparisons, and protein analyses are a few of the techniques in which faculty have expertise. In addition, field biology based courses and research include studies of the flora of the Southern Appalachians, stream ecology, insect social behavior, population ecology, conservation biology, plant community ecology, ornithology and microbial ecology.

Students are encouraged to interact with faculty not only in regular classes but also in research projects through Senior Thesis and Independent Study for undergraduates and Masters' Thesis for graduate students.