The Biology program at High Point University introduces students to the logic and knowledge base of biological sciences. The program provides students the opportunity to create a foundation that allows them to learn and understand the impact of science on their individual and corporate lives.

“Being a biology major has been one of the best decisions of my life, since my professors have helped me grow both academically and personally by challenging me every day in lectures and labs. I am thankful for the opportunity to become a lab assistant and do undergraduate research, which has strengthened my skills and prepared me for graduate school.”

– Jessica Chavez, Class of 2013

A Focused Curriculum

High Point University’s Biology Department offers both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees. Students seeking a B.A. in biology will receive a solid foundation in biology and the basic foundations in chemistry and mathematics. The B.A. track allows considerable flexibility for students to take courses of study to meet specific career goals. Graduates can expect to find careers in teaching, pharmaceutical or technical sales, science writing, science museum work, laboratory positions, public health, quality control and professional schools.

Students pursuing a B.S. in biology take courses in biology and supporting areas, such as chemistry, mathematics, and statistics, that will provide sufficient depth to prepare them for success as biologists in graduate school, in education, in industry, and in professional schools (medicine, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine and other health related fields).

Graduates of High Point University’s Biology program are accepted into numerous graduate programs every year. Our graduates are able to use the knowledge obtained at High Point University to excel in the medical field, become physician assistants, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and chiropractors. Our graduates have continued their education at prestigious institutions, including:

Featured Graduate Profiles:

Colleen Quinn, ’14 – Dental school at The University of Maryland “The entire Biology department has been so great throughout all four years at HPU. I couldn’t have done it without each of my teachers who strengthened my love for biology and really made class time an enjoyable experience. They prepared me so well for the Dental Admissions Test, wrote awesome recommendation letters, and encouraged me every step of the way!”

Jennifer Silk, ’14 – Medical School at Ohio University “HPU has given me the ‘bricks’ to help me build my foundation for a future career in medicine. From a rigorous academic course load to opportunities outside of the classroom, I have been stretched academically and personally to become the best version of myself each and every day.”

Our graduates have also gone on to work for private industries such as Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical, LabCorp, MWG (Biotech), Victory Pharma, R.J. Reynolds, CDC (Atlanta, GA), K Chemicals (Pharmaceuticals), and Alamance Foods, Inc. They have also gone on into the school systems, working for the states of North Carolina, Georgia, and Maryland, as well as the Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida, Davidson County Community College, and Randolph Community College.

The Department of Biology offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in Biology. To graduate from High Point University with these degrees, students must complete the following:

B.S. in Biology

B.A. in Biology

Requirements for the B.S. in Biology (58 credits)

Core courses (to be taken during the freshman year)

BIO 1399. Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature I: Cellular and Molecular Processes (4)
BIO 2000. Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature II: Evolutionary and Ecological Processes (4)
MTH 1410. Calculus I (4)
STS 2020. Introduction to Statistics (4) or STS 3200. Mathematical Statistics and Data Analysis (4)
CHM 1010/1011. General Chemistry I/Lab (4)
CHM 1020/1021. General Chemistry II/Lab (4)
CHM 2510/2511. Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4)
CHM 2520-2521. Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4)

For completion of the B.S. in Biology, students choose one of the following concentrations within their major based on their career interests:

• Organismal and Evolutionary Biology concentration
• Cellular/Molecular Biology and Biotechnology concentration
• Health Science concentration – students interested in careers in Health Sciences (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-PA, etc.)

Learn more about the course requirements for each of these concentrations.

Requirements for the B.A. in Biology (38 credits)

Core courses (to be taken during the freshman year)

BIO 1399. Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature I: Cellular and Molecular Processes (4)
BIO 2000. Introduction to Biological Principles and Literature II: Evolutionary and Ecological Processes (4)
MTH 1210. Precalculus (4)
CHM 1010/1011. General Chemistry I/Lab (3/1)
CHM 1020/1021. General Chemistry II/Lab (3/1)

Two courses selected from the following:
BIO 2110. General Botany (4)
BIO 2120. General Zoology (4)
BIO 2060. Human Physiology (4)
BIO 2070. Human Anatomy (4)

Eight credits from the following:
ENV 1110. Environmental Science (4)
BCH 3220. Biochemistry I (4)
Any 3000- or 4000-level biology courses

One course selected from the following:
BIO 4111 & BIO 4112. Undergraduate Research (2)
BIO 4980. Biology Journal Club (2)
BIO 4990. Senior Seminar (2)