Program Overview
Ready to pursue higher education and take your first step toward a career in biological sciences? Earn your Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of the District of Columbia and take advantage of our STEM-specific resources. Explore what it takes to earn your bachelor's and learn more about career opportunities.
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia offers both a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Biology, but no matter your path, the undergraduate biology program at UDC is committed to successfully preparing you for graduate programs, professional schools, potential employment and public service opportunities within the scientific community.
Our faculty strives to focus on experiential learning through undergraduate research courses to ensure you the opportunity to:
Even if you aren't a biology major, you can access courses through our program to ensure that you develop a broad undergraduate education in the biological sciences while pursuing your degree at UDC!
During your time in our biology program, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of in-depth institutes and programs. Of these, we encourage you to check out the STEM Center for Research and Development, a valuable resource for students of all STEM disciplines. Explore its courses, research and enrichment activities designed specifically to strengthen your academic skills and engagement and prepare you for graduation and beyond!
While pursuing your degree, we encourage you to make the most of a wide variety of benefits and take your next step toward success. We place an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences, including small class sizes to ensure a low student-to-teacher ratio, ultimately providing a personalized and supportive learning environment and research opportunities and visits with leading professionals in your field.
As a biology student, not only will you be fully involved in the research life of the university, but our faculty will aim to provide you with research opportunities to better prepare you for graduate study or future specialized careers.
Want to learn more about other STEM-based programs?
The requirement is the completion of 121 credit hours.
| Course Number | Course Name | |
| IGED 110 | Foundation Writing I | 3 |
| MATH 113 | Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Chemistry I Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 113 | Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 101 | Biological Science I Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 103 | Biological Science I Lab | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
| GED 111 | Foundations Writing II | 3 |
| MATH 114 | Pre Calculus with Trigonometry II | 3 |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 114 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 102 | Biological Science II Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 104 | Biological Science II Lab | 1 |
| IGED 140 | Foundation in Ethics & Values | 3 |
| Total | 17 |
| IGED 210 | Discovery Expository Writing in the Arts & Sciences | 3 |
| MATH 215 | Calculus for Business, Social and Life Sciences | 4 |
| BIOL 225 | Invertebrate Zoology Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 224 | Invertebrate Zoology Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 231 | Organic Chemistry I Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 233 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 2 |
| Total | 16 |
| GED 250 | Discovery of Effective Use of Technology | 3 |
| IBED 130 | Foundations in Oral Communications | 3 |
| CHEM 232 | Organic Chemistry II Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 234 | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 2 |
| BIOL 235 | Botany Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 234 | Botany Lab | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
| IGED 270 | Discovery Diversity | 3 |
| PHYS 101 | Introduction to College Physics I Lecture | 3 |
| PHYS 103 | Introduction to College Physics I Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 241 | General Microbiology I Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 240 | General Microbiology I Lab | 1 |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 14 |
| IGED 280 | Discovery Civics | 3 |
| PHYS 102 | Introduction to College Physics II Lecture | 3 |
| PHYS 104 | Introduction to College Physics II Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 361 | General Genetics Lecture | 3 |
| BIOL 360 | General Genetics Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 3## | *Biology Elective #1 (300 Level or above) | 4 |
| Total | 15 |
| IGED 391 | Frontier Exploration and Inquiry Capstone I | 1.5 |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| BIOL 3## | *Biology Elective #2 (300 Level or above) | 4 |
| BIOL 3## | *Biology Elective #3 (300 Level or above) | 4 |
| Total | 12.5 |
| IGED 392 | Frontier Exploration and Inquiry Capstone II | 1.5 |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| BIOL 493 or 494 | Senior Seminar or Journal Club (satisfies req. for “writing course in major”) | 2 |
| BIOL 3## | *Biology Elective #4 (300 Level or above) | 4 |
| University Elective | 3 | |
| Total | 13.5 |
Looking for more information about the necessary requirements for admission into UDC and our Bachelor of Science degree program? Browse our applicant types (first-time, transfer, etc.) and review the requirements that apply to you!
Ready to apply for admission into the Bachelor of Science degree program at UDC? Explore our list of applicant types (first-time, transfer, etc.) and review the requirements that apply to you.
Before you apply, we encourage you to explore our various scholarship and financial aid opportunities, including the:
Upon completion of your degree, you'll be equipped for a wide array of career paths and advanced study opportunities. Many of our past graduates went on to further their education by obtaining advanced degrees in areas like biology, environmental science, biochemistry, and molecular biology. To further leverage your scientific training, you may consider pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry or other health sciences. Within the professional sphere, you could take on a role as a research scientist, contributing to sectors like:
For additional questions about the biology program at UDC, please reach out at any time and we will be happy to help however we can!
Samuel Waters
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor of Biology
202-274-5937
samuel.waters@udc.edu
Lisa Sutton
DSAM Secretary
202-274-7401
lsutton@udc.edu
