Biology—Bachelor of Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Website: Department of Biology
College/School: School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering
Application: Apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Biology program
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology offers a broad range of courses from biochemistry and molecular biology that focus on subject areas ranging from the fundamentals of genetics, development, and metabolism, to ecology, which explores interactions of organisms with their environment. Biology faculty members engage students in biomedical, environmental, and science education research. The Bachelor of Arts in Biology prepares students for careers in teaching, environmental sciences, and other professions requiring a strong science degree.
Admission Requirements
Biology Programs Admission Process
The purpose of the Admission to the Major is to ensure that students are taking the appropriate courses to progress toward graduation with a degree in Biology. Upon acceptance to the University, a student may declare a major in Biology; however, every Biology major must be officially admitted to the major after completing 25 hours. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the major. New transfer students may be eligible to apply upon admission to UIW. Applications are completed one semester in advance of being admitted to the Biology major.
Application criteria
After completing or registering for a total of 25 hours, a student may formally apply to the Biology major. To be eligible, a student must meet the following criteria:
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2.00 minimum overall grade point average
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Complete the required courses with a grade of C or better
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Complete MATH 1304 or be exempted from MATH 1304 (see MATH department chair for requirements to meet MATH 1304 requirement)
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Complete ENGL 1311 and ENGL 1312
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Complete BIOL 1402 and BIOL 1403
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Complete CHEM 1301/CHEM 1101 and CHEM 1302/CHEM 1102
Application process
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Student makes an appointment at the Biology Advising Office to begin the admission to the major process.
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The Biology advisor reviews students' transcripts and determines eligibility.
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Student submits the application upon completion or registration for all required courses to the Biology advisor. Application is here.
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Biology advisor forwards the application to the Chair of Biology for review and approval.
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The student will be notified of the decision within thirty days of application.
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Upon acceptance, the Biology advisor assigns a faculty advisor.
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Student meets with their faculty advisor to review the Biology degree plan.
If a student is not accepted, the biology advisor will work with the student on re-application or selection of another major.
Bachelor of Arts in Biology Degree Plan
The Bachelor of Arts in Biology requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
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43 total core credit hours |
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| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Bachelor of Arts in Biology Core Coursework
Supporting Coursework—Chemistry and Mathematics
Supporting Coursework—Other Departments
Eight hours of coursework can be a combination of any additional courses in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Meteorology, or Physics.
Biology Electives
Students select 15 semester hours from these lists; at least 12 hours must be upper division.
Organismal Biology Elective Options
Additional Courses in Biology to Satisfy Electives
Any Biology course that is not specified as a requirement in this degree plan may serve as an elective. Any organismal biology course from the list above taken in addition to those used to meet the organismal biology elective component may count towards this requirement.