Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (B.S.) — Students may select from the following concentrations: Pre-health Professional; Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; General Biology; and Molecular Biology.
- View B.S. degree requirements
- View undergraduate course descriptions
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree with a Major in Biology (B.S. Ed.) — Students are recommended for North Carolina secondary teacher certification in biology and/or comprehensive science.
- View B.S. Ed. degree requirements
- View undergraduate course descriptions
Special opportunities for biology majors
Undergraduate Research - Juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate in faculty-directed independent research projects carrying academic credit. Organizations affiliated with the university provide opportunities for student research. These include:
- The Mountain Resource Center
- The WCU Honors Program
- The Highlands Biological Station (near campus)
- The U. S. Forest Service Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory (near campus)
- Cooperative Education and Internships These are popular programs which have provided biology majors with job experience, income, and professional opportunities for post-graduation employment.
- Preprofessional Programs in Health Related Areas Students who plan a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy or optometry can develop an academic program at Western Carolina University that is suited to their chosen field and to the professional school they select.
- Cooperative Agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine A special agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine provides qualified students, who have followed a prescribed preparatory curriculum the opportunity to begin the study of podiatry after three years at Western Carolina University. Upon the successful completion of the first year of study at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology will be awarded from WCU.
- Cooperative Programs with North Carolina State University Under a cooperative agreement, students who have completed a prescribed two-year study at WCU may transfer to NCSU and earn a bachelor's degree in an applied life science area, such as crop science, forest resources, agricultural engineering, and wildlife biology.