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

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

A biology degree is an undergraduate program that explores the study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and interactions within ecosystems. It covers various subfields such as microbiology, zoology, genetics, and ecology, providing a comprehensive understanding of life sciences.

A biology degree typically takes four years to complete as a bachelor’s program. This timeframe includes fulfilling both general education requirements and major-specific coursework.

While some general courses in a biology program may be available online, biology degrees often require in-person lab work and hands-on experience, making fully online programs rare. Hybrid programs may offer a mix of online learning and on-campus laboratory work.

A biology degree is worth it for students interested in careers in the life sciences or healthcare. It opens doors to a variety of careers, including research, teaching, environmental science, and medical professions. However, many advanced positions may require further study or specialization.

With a biology degree, you can pursue careers such as microbiologist, high school biology teacher, zoologist, wildlife biologist, natural sciences manager, physical therapist, dietitian, or clinical researcher. It also provides a strong foundation for further studies in medicine or specialized biology fields.

To get a biology degree, apply to a university that offers a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Complete the required coursework, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as elective courses in specialized areas of interest. Hands-on lab work and research are essential components of the program.

Yes, biology is a useful degree, especially for those interested in healthcare, research, environmental conservation, and teaching. It equips you with critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific research skills, making it versatile for various fields.

A biology degree can relate to archival research in fields like paleobiology, evolutionary biology, or historical scientific studies. In these areas, archival research helps trace biological discoveries, species documentation, or changes in ecosystems over time. The scientific training from a biology degree aids in analyzing and interpreting archival data related to life sciences.

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

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

joan.hembree [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex B115

Request Information

Learn more about all that Cumberlands has to offer.

Loading...