The Department of Biology offers majors in biology and in biotechnology, as well as a minor in biology and an accelerated dual degree program (B.S. + M.S.) in Forest Biology.

Within the biology major, students may choose a concentration, if desired, in Ecology and Environmental Biology, Microbiology, or Neuroscience.

Additional information can be found in the official JMU undergraduate catalog (click on "Majors" and "Biology" or Biotechnology") and in the links below.

The Biology major is flexible and can be tailored to the interests and needs of the individual student. The program comprises a four-semester core and the opportunity to tailor your upper division curriculum. The diverse selection of upper division courses includes:
  • Advanced Human Anatomy
  • Advanced Molecular Biology
  • Animal Communication
  • Animal Field Biology
  • Animal Physiology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biomechanics
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Field Botany
  • Freshwater Ecology
  • Genomics
  • Human Histology
  • Human Uses of Plants
  • Immunology
  • Marine and Freshwater Invertebrates
  • Mathematical Models in Biology
  • Medical Parasitology
  • Microbiology (numerous courses)
  • Microscopy
  • Neurobiology (numerous courses)
  • Ornithology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Population Ecology
  • Plant Systematics
  • Study Abroad in Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management or Agroforestry and Farm Forestry Systems
  • Virology

(For a full description of the major and current courses offered, see the catalog)

The Department of Biology also offers a four year, interdisciplinary B.S. degree program for a major in Biotechnology in cooperation with the Department of Integrated Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
A dual degree program makes it possible for students to earn a B.S. degree in biology from James Madison University and a Master of Forestry degree from Virginia Tech in five years. For more information, contact Dr. Heather Griscom.


More Information

Course catalog Honors information
Undergraduate programs Awards and scholarships
Biology course websites Research
Biology major requirements Summer opportunities
Biology minor requirements Canvas
Biotechnology major MyMadison
Topics in Biology course descriptions  GSci 104 course descriptions
Two year schedule for biology majors FAQ

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Biology Department
Bioscience Building
MSC 7801
951 Carrier Drive
Room 2001
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
540-568-6225
Fax: 540-568-3333