Life is all around us, but it takes a special person to look more closely. The undergraduate biology program at Winston-Salem State University invites you to learn more about the many aspects of life and the natural world. Majoring in biology, you’ll study relationships between living organisms and help solve challenges that can affect generations to come. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, you also open the door to a broad range of diverse career paths. Opportunities for interdisciplinary undergraduate research at WSSU can make you a more competitive candidate for jobs in health sciences, biotechnology, medicine, business or even law.
Biology degree program options at Winston-Salem State University
While all biology majors build a strong foundation in the life sciences, at WSSU you’ll choose between two concentrations: general biology or pre-health professional. Choose one for an in-depth focus on coursework that aligns with your career goals. Both programs equip you with basic laboratory, critical thinking and research skills.
Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees outside the Department of Biological Sciences may choose our biology minor option.
When you choose a bachelor’s degree in biology at WSSU, you are choosing so much more than a course of study. Alongside supportive and committed faculty, you’ll participate in rewarding research — even as an undergraduate student — at the leading edge of advancement.
Your WSSU academic experience won’t be confined to lab experiments. Here, you can contribute hands-on research and knowledge in the field and in the community. Through grants from the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA and the Glaxo Smith-Kline Foundation among others, WSSU biology majors have the opportunity to participate in research, assistantships and student travel.Whether you’re headed for a career in ecology, laboratory science, biotechnology or public health, majoring in biology provides dynamic learning and research opportunities. Your coursework puts you in the driver’s seat toward real-world impact — in areas from analyzing water quality in streams and understanding bat behavior to searching out preventative measures for cancer.
For example, in 2020, WSSU biology majors in the astrobotany course spent their spring break helping to enable future space travel with research at the NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Food Production Lab.WSSU biology program faculty represent expertise in many research areas, including anatomy and physiology, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, ecology, plant molecular biology and more.
With their guidance, you’ll build on what you learn in your biology major courses through one-on-one meetings and interactive virtual discussions.WSSU students majoring in biology have access to spacious lab and classroom facilities including a high-tech, 100,000-square-foot Sciences Building that anchors our campus science district.
Your experience using state-of-the-art equipment and lab instruments, including the latest in autoclave, microscope, centrifuge and tissue processing technology, gives you an edge over other job and grad school candidates after you graduate.Following your passion as a biology major can set you up for a lifetime of success. The foundational knowledge and focused skills learned in an undergraduate biology degree prepares you for many career possibilities — lab coat optional.
After earning your undergraduate biology degree, you’ll be well-qualified to continue your studies in a Master of Public Health program or medical school. The skills, knowledge and experience you gain in WSSU’s biology degree program will help you begin your career as a:
Employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 8% through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median annual wage for science occupations in 2020 was just under $70,000.Biology majors at Winston-Salem State study the diversity of life through topics such as structure and function, evolution, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology. You’ll gain knowledge across many integrated disciplines of science and develop critical-thinking skills through conducting, analyzing and interpreting experiments.
Core courses build your foundational knowledge in general biology, general chemistry and statistics. Then you’ll broaden that knowledge in a combination of courses in your concentration area that include:
WSSU undergraduate students in the general biology concentration develop a deeper understanding of the life sciences through electives such as biological psychology, health and society, and medical sociology.
Students electing the pre-health professional concentration explore clinical and research electives designed to assist in admission to post-graduate professional health programs, including cancer biology, immunology and virology.
View the full biology program requirements and course catalog.
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As a WSSU student, you’ll be part of a diverse community unified by a shared motivation to serve. Through your studies and beyond, expect to build vibrant connections and strong leadership skills to address complex issues and make a positive impact. As a biology major, you may join WSSU’s Biomedical Research Center in its mission to advance research in improving health in minority and underserved populations. Get involved outside the classroom through student organizations that include the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society, the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students and the Women in Science Program. |
Understanding how you’ll fund the investment of earning your undergraduate biology degree is an important first step. WSSU is committed to connecting you to your best options for an affordable education. In fact, 90% of WSSU students receive some form of financial aid to help pay for college. Learn more about all your options in paying for college at WSSU.
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Undergraduate students working toward a bachelor’s in biology degree at WSSU can expect a creative education in a collaborative learning community led by committed faculty. Engage with innovative WSSU students and faculty in The Ideas Lab @ The College, featuring experimental classes, seminars, meetings, workshops and events. WSSU’s Career Development Services will work with you throughout the bachelor’s in biology degree program to provide resources that help build your professional skills and confidence. Jump-start your career with connections to alumni and employers, including internships and student jobs. Learn more about the Department of Biological Sciences. |
“My major taught me the importance of patience, consistency and preparation. I appreciated working side-by-side with research faculty.”
