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Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Biology

Biology dives into the study of life sciences in its many unique forms while focusing on opportunities for research and discovery.

Three biologists working
Three biologists working

Types

Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

66*

Cost

$9,875

Unlock the mysteries of life with our Biology Program!

Biology, the cornerstone of life's understanding, presents an exciting opportunity to unearth its enigmatic truths. At University of the Cumberlands, our bachelor’s degree in biology grants you access to a comprehensive exploration of diverse biological sciences, ranging from the intricacies of human life to the complexities of molecules, plants, and diseases.

Our Bachelor of Science in Biology program is led by seasoned faculty and offers immersive courses and captivating experiments in cutting-edge laboratories. Through hands-on learning experiences, access to private study spaces, and state-of-the-art computer labs, you'll thrive in an environment that fosters academic excellence and prepares you for the future.

Engage in research that resonates with your passion, uncover new revelations, and demonstrate biology's pervasive influence on the world around you with a biology degree!

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

$79,260

Average Salary

9%

Industry Growth

5

National Distinctions

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your bachelor's degree in biology. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Hands-on research. Challenging internships. Incredible careers. Long-lasting relationships with mentors and colleagues who value you and inspire you. All these opportunities and more open up to you with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of the Cumberlands. You can even choose an emphasis area to better suit your biology degree to your personal interests and career goals: pre-professional health, education dynamics, cellular and molecular biology, biodiversity, or pre-physician assistant. 

Course Requirements

Choose 1 Biology Emphasis area and Choose 18 credits in that Emphasis area. See Biology Emphasis Requirements.

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

Choose one foreign language sequence:

  • FREN 131        Elementary French I
  • FREN 132        Elementary French II
  • FREN 231        Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232        Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Bachelor's in Biology – with an Emphasis

Some professions require additional schooling upon completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. A bachelor's degree in biology from Cumberlands offers the challenge, knowledge, and skills you need to step into a graduate program as you pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary sciences, and physical therapy.

Course Requirements

The following courses are taken in addition to your Bachelor of Science in Biology to secure an emphasis.

* If you’re interested in pursuing medical, dental, or veterinary school after graduating from Cumberlands, you are strongly encouraged to complete these courses. Just remember: If you’re planning on applying to a specific graduate program, it’s important to review the admissions requirements for that program to ensure these programs match their required prerequisites. 

Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology are strongly encouraged to pursue a minor in Chemistry and take the following: Calculus I and II and Physics I and II and BIOL 498 - Senior Thesis. Students interested in entering the workforce upon graduation are encouraged to complete an internship during the summer before their junior and/or senior years.

Required Courses: 

Recommended Courses:

Students interested in graduate studies in this, or related fields are strongly encouraged to take the following: Organic I and II, Physics I and II, Calculus, and Probability and Statistics. Students interested in entering the workforce upon graduation are encouraged to complete an internship during the summer before their junior and/or senior years.

Minor in Biology

Even a few courses in biology will prove useful to your life during and after college. No matter what career interests you have, the knowledge and skills you’ll gain from a biology minor will help you grow in your ability to perform research, think critically, solve problems, and build lasting professional relationships. It may also complement your future career and goals.   

Course Requirements

A total of 23 credit hours are required for a minor in biology.

** The remaining 11 Credit Hours must be selected from 300/400 level BIOL courses.

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the bachelor’s degree in biology program at University of the Cumberlands is to foster in students the knowledge and skills that will make them successful in various fields of service in the biological sciences.

Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology.
Effectively use informational resources, perform intellectual research, and communicate authentic knowledge.
Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Unveil the inner workings of living organisms and learn how they impact our lives.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Biology Careers & Outcomes

*All statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

With a biology degree from University of the Cumberlands, you’ll have the solid scientific foundation you need to work in, and even manage, laboratories and scientific studies. The average median wage for Natural Sciences Managers is $137,900 per year with an expected growth rate of 6 percent by 2030.

High School Teacher: $61,820

High School Teacher: $61,820

With the right certification, you could teach high school biology. There is a growing need for qualified high school teachers, especially in scientific fields. High school teachers average a median salary of $61,820 a year, with a growth rate of 8 percent projected over most of the next decade.

Microbiologist: $79,260

Microbiologist: $79,260

As a microbiologist, you would study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. Job growth is 9 percent, faster than the national average.

Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist: $64,650

Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist

You may choose to use your biology degree to work with wildlife. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.

Physical Therapist: $95,620

Physical Therapist: $95,620

You may be interested in the medical side of biology, where you can work as a physical therapist helping injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.

Dietician/Nutritionist: $61,650

Dietician/Nutritionist: $61,650

With a degree in biology you can also choose a career as a dietitian and nutritionist, planning and conducting food service or nutritional programs to help people lead healthy lives.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts – for all major degree programs at Cumberlands – require the exact same core classes. The difference is that, to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree, you also need to complete foreign language courses through the intermediate level.

After finishing your biology degree, you can continue your education in graduate and doctoral programs. This would prepare you for a career in a number of fields, including medicine, environmental studies, or biotechnology. All graduate degree programs look different, but they all require solid foundational knowledge in a relevant major, not to mention good time management skills and study habits – all of which you can perfect during your undergraduate journey at University of the Cumberlands. 

Many jobs await graduates with a bachelor’s degree in biology, which is often a prerequisite for advanced medical or scientific degree programs. With your biology degree, you can choose from a wide range of careers, such as teaching, zoology, or physical therapy.

A Bachelor of Science in Biology may be a perfect fit for you if you find yourself frequently asking questions about the world around you. Curiosity about the natural world and an interest in pursuing a career in areas like teaching, zoology, physical therapy, research, or the natural sciences are strong signs that a biology degree program would be the right choice for you. If you would like to discuss your interest in biology and the natural sciences to discover if it’s the right path for you, reach out to the faculty in the Department of Biology.

How would a Bachelor of Science in Biology help me achieve my career goals?A bachelor’s degree in biology will not only help prepare you for careers in research or healthcare, but the skills you gain throughout your biology degree program will benefit any career you choose. Future employers will appreciate the observation, critical thinking, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that come with your background in biology, meaning you’ll have higher chances for better jobs with better pay!

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Biology

Learn more about the professors you will interact with in the Department of Biology.

Kara Stanley

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Ms. Kara Stanley

Contact Information

kara.stanley [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Leif Deyrup

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor
Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Contact Information

606-539-4309
leif.deyrup [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B116
Dr. Joan Hembree

Dr. Joan Hembree

Associate Professor / Adjunct Professor
Biology

Dr. Joan Hembree

Contact Information

606-539-4264
joan.hembree [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B115
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