Not a Bio Major?
Knowledge of biological processes is an excellent foundation for many interests and careers. Students who want to explore – but not major in – biology can choose from a variety of courses that satisfy the Life Science GER requirements.
Biology is also an integral part of various interdisciplinary majors and minors available to undergraduate students. The biochemistry minor provides a bridge between biology and chemistry and entry into a major field of interdisciplinary science. The environmental science major combines elements of biology, chemistry, geology, and policy to address how humans use, affect, and manage our environment. The neuroscience major bridges the fields of biology and psychology (plus some math and biophysics) and makes an excellent choice for those interested in the functions and mechanisms of behavior and physiological control.
Some important categories of law include biology, and a few Biology majors head off to law school each year. Biology can be excellent background for particular areas of law, including patent law, biomedical law, and policy. Because not many students have the aptitude for both science and law, a Biology major followed by law school can be an excellent combination to launch an interesting career.
We hope that many of our students will consider teaching as a profession. This can include college-level teaching (which requires at least a master’s degree and usually a Ph.D.) or grades 6-12 teaching (a teaching certification is recommended). The Biology Department has an active partnership with the W&M School of Education to train new G6-12 teachers certified in science. This includes summer stipends, project support, and scholarship funds up to $10,000 per year in the junior and senior years for students willing to commit to teaching. There is also $10,000 per year support for a master’s in education for those graduating with a Biology or other science major who just need the specialized training to become a teacher. For more information, consult the School of Education generally and the Noyce Scholars and Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow web pages.
