Imagine Your Future in Biology
Explore. Teach. Research. Discover. Pursue your Bachelor of Science in Biology. When you study biology, you study life itself.
Bachelor of Science in Biology
You’ll appreciate all the opportunities in our Biology Department, one of the largest departments at Norfolk State University. While professors at other universities may focus on teaching or research, our dedicated NSU faculty is passionate about teaching Biology majors like you in the classroom and helping you develop strong research skills in the lab.
As you pursue your degree in biology, your professors at NSU will mentor you and encourage you to explore a wide variety of biology disciplines. In addition to studying biology, you’ll also learn important leadership skills that will help as you enter the job market.
Our Biology majors work with faculty to research subjects of interest. When you study biology at NSU, you may find yourself:
The possibilities are endless. What will you research as a Biology major?
B.S. in Biology Degree at a Glance
- Average Class Size: 45
- Formats Offered: In Person and Online
- Total Credit Hours: 120
View Biology plans of study | Request more information | Apply now
Why Major in Biology at NSU?
Norfolk State University is one of the most affordable universities in Virginia. With its location close to downtown Norfolk and Virginia Beach, you’ll always have something exciting to do — both inside and outside the classroom. When you major in biology, you’ll receive career counseling from our departmental mentors as well as through the Spartan Success Center.
Prepare for your future in biology
We understand that every student studying biology is a developing scientist. The Biology Department at Norfolk State University offers several student organizations that are active in professional development and community outreach.
As part of your major in biology, you can join NSU’s science-related organizations and clubs, such as the Biology Society, Genetics Society, the Minority Association for Pre-Health Students (MAPS) and/or the SEEDS Environmental Sustainability program.
Learn from a diverse and dedicated Biology Department
Our 14 full-time faculty members are committed to student-centered learning and research. We have a wide variety of research interests that can help you answer, “what can you do with a biology degree?” Our faculty research cancer, nanotechnology, plant biology and the environment. When you major in biology, you’ll develop as a young scholar who can evaluate and communicate knowledge, make ethical decisions and play an active and productive role in your community, now and in the future.
Discover your research passion in biology
At Norfolk State University, we cultivate your learning with authentic research experiences.
Studying biology teaches you a new way of looking at the world. As a Biology major, you will learn how to formulate a hypothesis, design an experiment and implement a research plan. You will also conduct real hands-on experiments, collect and analyze data and present your findings at meetings and symposia.
The biology department offers Biology majors like you the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research via Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). CUREs provide students an opportunity to learn science by actually doing science.
What Courses Will I Take as a Bachelor of Science in Biology Student?
During your first two years studying biology, you’ll complete core biology classes as well as courses in math, English, computer literacy and general chemistry. You may also choose to pursue a B.S. Teacher Licensure track if you wish to teach, or a B.S. Biology Pre-Professional track if you’re interested in a health career.
A few of the upper-level courses you’ll take for your bachelor’s degree in biology include:
- Zoology
- Botany
- Genetics
- Microbiology
What Can You Do With a Biology Degree?
When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology, you open up a diverse array of career options. With this foundational science degree, you can find employment or pursue graduate studies or professional training.
Do you want to teach? Our B.S. Biology Endorsement is the ideal way to pursue a career in elementary or high school education.
Maybe you’d like to receive higher education and professional training. Our Biology Pre-Professional program is the perfect foundation for health careers, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry and pharmacy.
Career outlook for Biology majors
The employment prediction is positive for those with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, especially for those who wish to teach. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the need for postsecondary biology teachers is expected to grow 24% through 2030 — a much faster rate than the average for other jobs.
So, what can you do with a biology degree? A degree in biology is a phenomenal foundation for many careers. For example, when you major in biology, you might choose to become a:
- Science writer
- Wildlife conservationist
- Food scientist
- Park ranger
- Nurse practitioner
- Forensic scientist
How Do I Get Started in the Bachelor of Science in Biology Program at NSU?
Ready to become a Spartan? Our Office of Admissions looks forward to helping you and answering all your questions. If you’d like to learn more about studying biology, please contact our Biology Department .
Apply for admission to Norfolk State University.
“I loved my time in the biology program at NSU. Classes like Zoology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry challenged me and provided me with exposure to scientific processes that I use in my career today. As a young aspiring scientist with otherwise little experience in the field right out of college, that exposure was priceless.”
– Elvira B. ’22, Biology
Degree Programs Related to Biology
Accreditation for Biology at NSU
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).