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Biology (BA)

About

Students who choose to major in biology will examine the characteristics of life at all levels, from the workings of a single cell to the dynamics of an ecosystem. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology is designed to prepare students for careers in biology or for studies at the graduate level. This is the most flexible program in the department and is designed for students who want to focus on disciplines not addressed by other degree concentrations. Students with international career goals may choose this degree because of its foreign language requirement.

Because this degree does not have a specific concentration, you’ll gain a broad view of biology. It helps students take advantage of the diverse range of expertise held by faculty in the department and gain a diverse understanding of the field. All biology students may apply to the biology honors program which includes two research courses and an honors thesis.

After Graduation

Employment:  Students start careers in a variety of biology-related positions.

Graduate school: University of Georgia

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Zack Murrell
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Zack Murrell

    The southeastern U.S. is botanically rich, and Dr. Zack Murrell leads a $2.5 million multi-state project to create a digitized database of more than 3 million plant specimens in the region.

    Meet more faculty

  • Alumna Profile: Caroline Cochrane ’09
    Alumna Profile: Caroline Cochrane ’09

    Alumna Caroline Cochrane is now a fourth-year medical student at UNC-Chapel Hill working toward a career in OB-GYN.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Biology (BS) - Cellular/Molecular Biology
  • Biology (BS) - Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology
  • Biology (BS) - Secondary Education

Minors

A minor is required. Popular minors include:

  • Chemistry
  • Geography
  • Anthropology

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society - TriBeta was established to recognize academic achievement and promote research in the biological sciences. Membership is by invitation.
  • Highlands Biology Club - a student club that works to advance knowledge, inspire the community, as well as open doors of opportunity for members through events involving Biology while having fun.
  • Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors - a day held at Appalachian where students showcase their research projects and present their results in either a performance, platform talk or poster.
  • Department Seminars - hosted by the Department of Biology for all biology students every Wednesday. Seminar topics range from research to animal biology and ecology to bioengineering.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Department of Biology faculty members have led short-term study abroad programs to Zambia, South Africa, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Students are taught by faculty with diverse research interests and expertise.
  • The Department of Biology has 23 specialized research facilities including the William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility, the Scientific Computing and Visualization Laboratory, the I.W. Carpenter Herbarium, a vivarium, a greenhouse, a campus nature preserve, the Robert Gilley Field Station and the Elicia Caroon Johnston Biological Reserve.
  • Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in graduate-level research projects with department faculty.
  • The Department of Biology offers scholarships.
  • The department offers a Master of Science in Biology.

Research Facilities

Research facilities include:

  • William and Ruth Dewel Microscopy Facility
  • Vivarium (animal facility)
  • I.W. Carpenter Herbarium
  • Department of Biology Greenhouse

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

  • Animal Scientist
  • Aquarium & Museum Worker
  • Botanist
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Environmental Lobbyist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Land Use Planner
  • Marine Biologist
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Nature Conservationist
  • Research Assistant
  • State Parks & Recreation Worker
  • Zoologist

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Biology

Dr. Ava Udvadia
Department Chair
udvadiaaj@appstate.edu
828-262-6511

  • Department of Biology

    The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations – from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
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    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

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