Bachelor of Science: Biology
Study Life
In all of its forms, from the molecular level to the whole organism, studies in biology create opportunities that prepare students for a full range of professions.
A degree in biology also prepares graduates to pursue other academic interests like med school, pharmacology or veterinary medicine.
Access
Access to bachelor's degrees for more people, where potential trumps privilege, and tenacity and commitment matter more than one’s academic past. Honors Program? We’ve got you covered there, too.
Attentive
Attentive education that focuses on your success with faculty mentorships that linger after graduation. Standards are high, but you’ve got this with access to tutoring and professors who are engaged in your success.
Affordable
GGC’s innovative practices, caring culture and affordable tuition educate today's careers, and change the future for students at all levels, of all ages, from all walks of life.
Biology Concentrations
A bachelor's degree in biology creates opportunities for research and internships that prepare students to join business and industrial work forces, and continue into graduate and professional studies for medically-related research, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.
Biochemistry
In this concentration, students investigate life sciences at the molecular level. This interdisciplinary investigation prepares students for graduate and professional schooling in molecular level science, medicine, and pharmacy and a multitude of employment opportunities in the chemical, pharmaceutical and health professions as well as service in the science and technology sector of local, state and federal government.
Biology teacher certification
This concentration is for students interested in teaching biology at the secondary level, grades 6-12. With a major in biology, they will also be prepared to enter the broader workforce and to pursue graduate or professional school.
Course catalog requirements for biology teacher certification
Biomedical and laboratory sciences
This concentration is a multidisciplinary program for students interested in professional programs such as medical, dental, or pharmacy school, or graduate school in cell biology or biotechnology. This program is also ideally suited for students interested in the full range of biotechnology professions.
Course catalog requirements for biomedical and laboratory sciences
Ecology and field biology
This program is ideally suited for students interested in the full range of ecology professions.
General biology
This concentration is for students interested in exploring the full range of topics in biology, from molecules to ecosystems. It is excellent preparation for a range of careers in biology, working in the field or in a laboratory setting. It is equally appropriate for students interested in professional schools, including medical and veterinary school, and for students interested in graduate school in any area of biology, including organismal biology and ecology.
Student Planning Tools
Academic Maps
Chart your four-year schedule of courses.
Mentoring Milestones
Engage in your college experience.
Program Plans
Track program requirements and progress.
Engaged Learning
GGC fosters partnerships with local community organizations to provide learning opportunities and tangible experiences that move portfolios to the top of the employment pile.
- Research
- Academic conference presentations
- Internships
- Service learning
GGC also creates global engagement through study abroad opportunities.
Health Care, Engineering Pre-advising and Articulation Agreements
Anesthesiologist assistant: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-anesthesiologist assistant (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Clinical laboratory science or medical technology: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-clinical laboratory science or pre-medical technology (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Dental hygiene: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-dental hygiene (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Dentistry: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-dentistry (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Engineering: USG Regents' Engineering Pathway
GGC participates in the Regents' Engineering Pathway (REP), which makes engineering programs more accessible to students throughout Georgia.
Participation in REP saves students money in tuition, fees, housing and meals, while attending college closer to home for the first two years of study. GGC professors also work closely with program coordinators from participating institutions to align program curriculum needs. This coordination assures a seamless transfer to the engineering school of choice to complete your bachelor's degree.
REP Transfer Options
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia Southern University
- Kennesaw State University
- Mercer University
- University of Georgia
REP Requirements
- Satisfy all courses required for admission of regular transfer students to any of the participating institutions.
- Complete all required math and science, as well as some engineering courses, at GGC (Listed in Appendix A of the REP Agreement (PDF) on the USG website).
- Review REP information and the REP Agreement (PDF) on the USG website for more information.
Admission requirements, including GPA, vary at the partner institutions. Visit the institution's website to review requirements.
Medicine: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-medicine (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Medicine: doctor of osteopathic medicine NYITCOM articulation agreement
GGC has developed an agreement with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) to offer eligible students early interview and admissions consideration. Program applicants must have completed their first two years of undergraduate education at GGC and meet and maintain the following criteria:
- Enter the program at the end of their second undergraduate year and apply at the end of their third year.
- Maintain the overall grade point average of 3.5
- Earn an MCAT score (on the MCAT taken no later than June 30 of the third academic year) at least equal to the mean MCAT score of the NYITCOM first-year class at the applicable NYITCOM campus for the year the student began the undergraduate study.
- Complete a minimum of 8 hours of biology (course/lab), 8 hours each of general chemistry and organic chemistry (course/lab), 8 hours of physics (course/lab), and 6 hours of English, with no grade below C in any of these courses or labs.
Note: Candidates will be held to the same rigorous admissions standards as other applicants, and final decisions will be solely at the discretion of NYITCOM.
Contact your faculty mentor or GGC’s School of Science and Technology (@email) to learn more about this agreement or your intent to apply.
Learn more about the degree and admission requirements for the doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Medicine: doctor of osteopathic medicine PCOM articulation agreement
GGC has developed an agreement with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) to offer eligible students consideration from the faculty committee on admissions at PCOM provided students meet defined criteria including but not limited to the following:
- Declare their intent to apply for enrollment in the program during their sophomore year at GGC.
- Complete the undergraduate course requirements as listed in PCOM's catalog.
- Earn (on the 4.0 grading system) a grade point average of at least 3.25 through the end of junior year.
- Take the Medical College Admissions Test as early as possible but no later than the Fall of the senior year.
- Earn a minimum score of the fiftieth percentile (50%) in each section of the MCAT.
- Apply to PCOM through AACOMAS no later than Oct. 31 of the senior year and submit the PCOM supplemental application (with application fee) no later than Nov. 30 of the senior year.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician (DO).
Note: The final decision on admission to the DO program will be made by PCOM's faculty committee on admissions after the candidate has had a formal PCOM interview.
Contact your faculty mentor or GGC’s School of Science and Technology (@email) to learn more about this agreement or your intent to apply.
Learn more about the degree and admission requirements of the doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Occupational therapy: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-occupational therapy (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Optometry: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-optometry (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Pharmacy: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-pharmacy (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Pharmacy: PharmD early assurance program
GGC partners with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) to offer eligible students majoring in biology and chemistry an opportunity to enter pharmacy school after completing their junior year at GGC. Following their second year of pharmacy school, eligible students receive their bachelor’s degree from GGC, then continue in the program to earn a doctorate from PCOM.
This agreement allows students to begin their careers early while saving tuition dollars.
Contact your faculty mentor or GGC’s School of Science and Technology (@email) to determine if PharmD Early Assurance Program is right for you.
Learn more about degree and admission requirements for a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Physical therapy: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-physical therapy (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Physician assistant: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-physician assistant (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Radiologic science: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-radiologic science (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Respiratory therapy: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-respiratory therapy (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Veterinary medicine: pre-advising
Learn more about pre-veterinary medicine (PDF) and the classes generally needed prior to applying to programs at other institutions. Students are strongly advised to check with the program they plan to apply to for specific prerequisites.
Email @email for more information about pre-health careers.
Minors, Certificates, Certifications
Minors, certificates and certifications add value and enhance degrees for enrolled degree-seeking students. Learn more about available professional certificate programs for non-degree seeking students.
African American studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with an African American studies minor.
Anthropology minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with an anthropology minor.
Biology minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a biology minor.
Biomedical sciences certificate for academic enhancers
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a biomedical sciences certificate for academic enhancers. Email @email with questions.
Biomedical sciences certificate for career changers
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a biomedical sciences certificate for career changers. Email @email with questions.
Business administration minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a business administration minor (non-business majors).
Business intelligence certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a business intelligence certificate.
Campaign management, certificate in
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a certificate in campaign management.
Chemistry minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a chemistry minor.
Chemistry of fermentation science, certificate in the
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a certificate in the chemistry of fermentation science.
Community psychology certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a community psychology certificate.
Creative writing minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a creative writing minor.
Criminal justice / criminology minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a criminal justice / criminology minor.
Cultural studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a cultural studies minor.
Cybersecurity certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a cybersecurity certificate.
English minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with an English minor.
Exercise science minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a exercise science minor.
Film minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a film minor.
Gender studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a gender studies minor.
Geography minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a geography minor.
Gerontology certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a gerontology certificate.
Global studies certification
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a global studies certification.
History minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a history minor.
Information technology minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with an information technology minor.
International diplomacy and conflict resolution, certificate in
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a certificate in international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Latin American studies certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a Latin American studies certificate.
Legal studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a legal studies minor.
Nutrition minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a nutrition minor.
Mathematics minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a mathematics minor.
Musical studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a musical studies minor.
Non-profit advocacy, certificate in
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a certificate in non-profit advocacy.
Paralegal certification
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a paralegal certification.
Physics minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a physics minor.
Political economy, certificate in
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a certificate in political economy.
Political science minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a political science minor.
Professional legal administrator certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a professional legal administrator certificate.
Professional studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a professional studies minor.
Religious studies minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a religious studies minor.
Social work minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a social work minor.
Sociology minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a sociology minor.
Spanish for professionals certificate
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a Spanish for professionals certificate.
Spanish minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a Spanish minor.
Statistics minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a statistics minor.
Theatre minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a theatre minor.
TESOL certification
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a TESOL certification.
Visual arts minor
Learn the requirements to expand your academic interests and enhance your bachelor’s degree with a visual arts minor.
Cole Henbree, ‘19
Bachelor of Science in Biology, biology teacher certification
“Georgia Gwinnett College, specifically the School of Education, has truly transformed my outlook on teaching within the classroom. Through diverse student teaching experiences, I've had the privilege of working with students from various backgrounds and learning styles, which has enriched my ability to connect with and support a broader range of learners. The school's commitment to rigorous lessons and activities has equipped me with the tools to design engaging and effective instruction, ensuring that my students receive a top-notch education. Additionally, the invaluable opportunities provided by dedicated professors have allowed me to delve into innovative teaching methods and research, further broadening my horizons as an educator. Overall, GGC has empowered me to be a more adaptable, compassionate and knowledgeable teacher, fully prepared to make a positive impact in the lives of my future students.”
Transforming Lives
- Teacher of the Year semi-finalist, Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Teacher, agriculture science and forestry, Brookwood High School, Gwinnett County Public Schools
- Gifted Certification, Gwinnett County Public Schools, 2019
- Master gardener extension volunteer, University of Georgia Extension Office
- Georgia Gwinnett College Alumni Association Board member
Education
- Master of Education, science education, University of Georgia, 2022
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, biology teacher certification, Georgia Gwinnett College, 2019
Get Involved
Challenge. Question. Collaborate. Contribute.
Unique to GGC’s focus on student engagement, faculty invite students at all levels – including freshmen – to collaborate on research projects, conference presentations, even co-authoring articles published in academic journals.