Biology Undergraduate Degrees and Requirements

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There are four majors offered within the Biology Department at WKU. However, within these majors, 15 concentrations and certificates are available.

 

B.S. Degrees

Majors:

Biology with or without a minor

Biochemistry - Interested students should contact Dr. M. Smith, Department of Biology. For more information, see page 195 of the Undergraduate Catalog for a list of courses.

Medical Laboratory Science - Interested students should contact Dr. K. McDaniel, Department of Biology.  For more information, see page 197 of the Undergraduate Catalog for a list of courses.

NEW!!! Molecular Biotechnology - Interested students should contact Dr. A. Srivastava. There is additional information on the website here and you can contact an advisor directly to request more information by emailing molecular.biotechnology@wku.edu

 

Minors:

Biology
Biochemistry

Certificates:

Secondary Teaching
Middle Grades Science
Food Science

Study Focuses:

Pre-Health Professional; click here for more information about the following programs:

Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician's Assistant
Pre-Podiatric Medicine

 

Other Pre-Professional tracks:

Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Wildlife Biology

 

Environmental Science

Five year BS / MS Plan: Joint Undergraduate-Master's Program (JUMP)

 

 

 

Minor in Biology
Reference Number: 326
Minimum Hours for Minor: 24

The minor in biology requires a minimum of 24 semester hours in biology with 12 hours at the 300 or higher level. The required courses are BIOL 120-121 and BIOL 122-123. Students, with the aid of their advisor, select additional biology courses to complete the minor.  Students may count up to 3 credit hours of a combination of BIOL 369 and 399 and up to 4 credit hours of BIOL 485 toward this minor.

 

Food Science Certificate
Reference Number: 1724
Minimum Hours for Minor: 12

The certificate in Food Science is designed for a student seeking a career in the food industry. The certificate requires 12 semester hours with 6 hours required as BIOL 336 and CHEM 307 and 6 hours of elective courses from the following list of courses: AGEC 360, 468, AGRI 101, 315, 493, AGRO 110, 311, 320, AMS 301, 303, 352, 395, ANSC 140, 141, 340, BIOL 470, HMD 151, 152, 211, 251, or a course approved by an advisor.

 

Secondary Teaching Certification in Biology
Students who wish to be certified to teach high school biology must complete both the major in Biology (reference number 525 or 617) and the major in Science and Mathematics Education (reference number 774), offered in the School of Teacher Education. Interested students should contact the SKyTeach Office via email at skyteach@wku.edu.

 

Middle Grades Science Certification
Students who wish to teach middle school science must complete both the major in Middle School Science Education (reference number 734), offered by Ogden College and SKyTeach, and the major in Science and Mathematics Education (reference number 774), offered in the School of Teacher Education. Interested students should contact the SKyTeach Office via email at skyteach@wku.edu.

 

Other Department Programs
Several other biologically oriented, specialized programs are available such as biophysics and environmental science, as well as several pre-professional programs. Specific details of these programs are listed under Pre-Professional and Interdisciplinary Programs.

 

A Five–Year Plan
For highly motivated students, especially those planning to pursue graduate study, the department offers a five-year program leading to both B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology. Typically, students will also participate in the University Honors Program as undergraduates. Completion of the M.S. portion of the program requires enrollment in summer terms during the fourth and fifth years. A key component of this program is early and sustained involvement in undergraduate research, beginning in the sophomore year. As such, interested students must work closely with their undergraduate advisor early in their freshman year to design their five-year plan and identify a faculty mentor and area of research.

 

Graduate Programs
Students interested in graduate study in biology should consult the The Graduate School’s Catalog at www.wku.edu/graduate for detailed information concerning the various programs available. The department offers: (1) M.S. degree with research thesis for students interested in a career in biology or in preparation for Ph.D. studies; (2) M.S. degree without research thesis (an online option is available); (3) M.A.E. in Biology Education for Teacher Leaders (with a minor is also available) degree in (major or minor in biology) which places less emphasis on specialization and research and more on breadth in biology.