Biology < West Virginia University

Degrees Offered

Associate of Arts
Associate of Science

Nature of the Program

The associate degrees in biology are intended to provide students with a core foundation in biology, chemistry and math so they can be successful in a bachelor's degree program. The associate of arts degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of arts in biology program. An associate of science in biology is also available, which is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science in biology program. The degrees vary predominately in their foreign language. If pursuing a associate of arts degree, six credit hours of a foreign language at the intermediate level are required. If pursuing an associate of science degree, foreign language is not required. Students should discuss the differences with their academic advisor.

The associate degree program provides the initial four-semester core sequence in the biological sciences required to complete a bachelor program in biology at West Virginia University. Students planning to enter a bachelor program at another institution should determine the transfer equivalencies for the courses offered at WVU Potomac State College and the institution they plan to attend following completion of the associate degree program.

Career Opportunities

An associate degree followed by a bachelor degree in biology provides excellent preparation for students planning to apply to graduate programs in the biological sciences or to professional schools/programs, such as medical, osteopathic, dental, physical or occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, and chiropractic. In addition, a bachelor degree in biology prepares students for a variety of careers including medicine, biotechnology, genetics, forensics, ecology, environmental biology, and other biologically-related technical fields in government and private industry. Furthermore, with the appropriate electives, a student with a bachelor degree in biology may also choose to enter the fields of law, journalism, education, business, health care administration, pharmaceutical sales, or work for a variety of federal agencies. Due to the variety of careers and opportunities available with a degree in biology, students should discuss their interests with their academic advisor, who can help advise them in selecting appropriate elective courses.

Faculty

Chair

Erin Cunningham - M.S. Biology
Year @ PSC 2007

Professors

Vicki Huffman - Ph.D. Biomedical Science emphasis in Pharmacology
Year @ PSC 2005
Sheri Chisholm - Ph.D. Institutional Leadership, M.S. Immunology Biotechnology
Year @ PSC 2009

Associate professor

Erin Cunningham - M.S. Biology
Year @ PSC 2007

Instructor

Farren Smith - M.S. Biology
Year @ PSC 2022

For specific information on the following programs, please see the links to the right:

Biology, A.A.
Biology, A.S.

Biology