Undergraduate Programs

Biology majors at the College of Charleston receive excellent preparation for advanced studies, as well as a strong background for rewarding careers in fields as diverse as forestry, land-use planning, medical research, pollution control and education. Our students benefit from working with talented and dedicated professors who make up one of the largest and most academically diverse biology departments in South Carolina.

FACTS

  • Roughly 100 biology and marine biology students conduct hands-on research each year.
  • All biology majors can take courses at the College’s Grice Marine Laboratory.
  • A full-time advisor for health-related professions consults with students throughout the year.

OPPORTUNITIES

Our courses offer hands-on experience in natural habitats throughout the Lowcountry and around the world.

The department provides undergraduate research opportunities in faculty research labs.

You can add a minor in neuroscience, environmental studies, data science or archaeology.

You can concentrate in molecular biology or in teaching biology.

Major in Biology

Dual Degrees

  • BA Biology - BSN:  CofC and MUSC: Nursing
  • BA Biology - BSN:  CofC and USC Upstate: Nursing
  • BA Biology - PharmD:  CofC and MUSC (new for 2023-2024):  Pharmacy

Major in Marine Biology

Minor in Biology 

Interdisciplinary Minors

Environmental Studies

The environmental studies minor is offered for students who have an interest in learning more about the natural environment and the ecology of the planet, as well as understanding the relationship of political, social, cultural, and economic activities to that environment.
Learn more:   Loading...  |  Environmental Studies Website  |  Download environmental studies minor brochure (pdf)

Neuroscience

The neuroscience minor is designed to provide students with a full-spectrum approach to understanding how the brain and nervous system work in the expression of behavior. The field of neuroscience is a hybrid that integrates biology with psychology while drawing from other academic areas. This program fulfills the interdisciplinary nature of the field of neuroscience by allowing students to take neuroscience-related courses in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities in addition to core courses offered by the Departments of Biology and Psychology.
Learn more:  Loading...  |  Neuroscience Website  |  Download neuroscience minor brochure (pdf)

Archaeology Studies

Faculty from across four schools teach courses that expose students to the fundamentals and applications of archaeology. The minor program recognizes the completion of a course of study designed to highlight the interdisciplinary nature of a field that routinely integrates elements of the social sciences, humanities, arts, and natural sciences..
Learn more:  Loading...  |  Archaeology Website

Teacher Education Program (Grades 7-12)

After declaration of a major in biology, students interested in teacher certification must meet with the director of certification and clinical practice, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance, 843.953.5613. Students must take EDFS 201 during their sophomore year and apply for acceptance into this program no later than the second semester of their sophomore year. Requirements include admission to and successful completion of the approved teacher education program.

Specific general education, teacher education program, and content major requirements can be found at http://teachered.cofc.edu/.