Undergraduate Study in Biology and Biotechnology

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

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate Study in Biology and Biotechnology

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.

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.

More Information