Our biology degree prepares students for a broad array of careers in Biology and will fulfill the requirements for most graduate and professional schools in research or pre-health. To meet student needs, we offer traditional and non-traditional course scheduling. Ask an advisor to help you plan a schedule that meets your needs.
Biology Degree Overview
The Biology degree program at Athens State University provides a supportive and inclusive environment for incoming students who wish to expand their understanding of biology’s fundamental concepts, the process of science, and improve their discipline-specific professional skills. We expect our graduates to use the foundation they have built at Athens State University to further their careers, enhance their personal lives, and contribute to society via ethical research, science education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.
To enhance your learning opportunities, we offer additional opportunities for Bachelor’s of Science in Biology degree students:
Biology Degree Student Outcomes
In support of this mission, the Biology program provides:
a biology degree that can be personalized to prepare students for middle and high school teaching certification, medical & related health fields, graduate school, bioinformatics, and/or fields requiring a general preparation in biology such as field or research technician.
an Upper-Level University core curriculum that is intentionally cohesive through continuity of course material and prepares students to meet state and national Biology standards;
flexible, student-centered course delivery that supports core content understanding and encourages experiential learning;
small lecture and laboratory classes taught by expert faculty that also care about teaching; and
advising that recognizes our students’ individual goals and helps them obtain the knowledge and skills they need to meet their own definitions of success through research experiences, service learning projects, and real-world internships.
What can you do with a Biology Degree? For those with a natural inclination to explore the world around them, a biology degree gives students the research skills to move into careers that span healthcare to plant biology.
To ensure you are prepared for a meaningful career, we provide experiential learning opportunities through undergraduate research projects, internships, and travel courses. For example, students can get involved in a semester-long course hosted by Hudson Alpha called Principles of Research Techniques and Lab Skills or register for one of our many travel courses that take students into the very environments they may ultimately research.
ASSIST Scholarship Program
We are excited to announce a new scholarship program: Athens State Scholars in STEM (ASSIST). This is a National Science Foundation-funded scholarship available to students majoring in the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Mathematics. Students accepted into this program will receive yearly scholarship funds and access to additional support programs including faculty mentoring, peer support activities, online tutoring, and career development activities such as travel to professional conferences and/or research materials. The goal of this program is to help our STEM students efficiently complete their degrees and enter the workforce and/or graduate school.
ATHENS ARCHIVES SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT
Annie Ruth Malone Jamar (1950-1995)
Annie Ruth Malone Jamar graduated from Trinity High School in Athens. In 1971, she completed her degree at Athens College with a double major in Biology and History and became the first black woman to graduate from our institution.
She later received a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University and taught many subjects, including science, at Athens High School for over two decades.