WCU is a University of North Carolina Campus
About the Biology Department
Western Carolina University’s Department of Biology offers two undergraduate degree options: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.). Graduate degree options are the Master of Science (M.S.), the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), and the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.).
The biology program is designed around five foundational courses: “Principles of Biology I” and “II,” “Introduction to Genetics,” “Introduction to Ecology and Evolution,” and “Senior Research.”
Liberal Studies classes average 20 students, while upper-level class sizes range between 10 and 20; smaller classes foster strong relationships and strengthen the learning process.
Field biology-based courses and research include studies of Southern Appalachian flora, local stream ecology and insect social behavior, population ecology, conservation biology, plant community ecology, ornithology and forensic biology. These also provide faculty research opportunities.