• University Storm Recovery Updates

    UPDATE: Friday, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m.
    We hope this update finds you safe and well as we continue to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. We understand that the aftermath of this storm is challenging, and we want to express our sincere care and concern for those who are still experiencing hardships. As we move forward, we are committed to prioritizing the well-being of our students, faculty and staff during this process.

    Visit our university storm recovery updates page for the latest update.

    University Storm Recovery Updates

Experiences that Last a Lifetime

Biology, B.A. or B.S.


Armed with a rich background in the liberal arts and basic sciences, personal research experience and many hours spent in the laboratory and field, biology majors have an edge when it comes to post-graduate education and employment.

As a biology major, the program has high expectations for you that are rewarded with the successes that come to those willing to work hard and commit to their education.

With a degree in biology from LR, you can work in the sciences, health care, education, government, non-profit, research, communications, attend graduate school and much more.

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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. or B.S. in Biology degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

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Choose Your Degree


You can tailor your education to your specific interests by pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Biology.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Biology

    The Bachelor of Arts in Biology major is designed to prepare students for a variety of scientific and health-related employment opportunities. This program includes a 33-hour major with 19-20 hours of science technical requirements.

    Many students select the Bachelor of Arts in Biology major when they plan to double major and wish to combine their educational interests. For example, a student interested in elementary education might select this major if they are hoping to teach Biology, or a student interested in scientific writing might choose to combine the Biology major with one in English or Communication.

    The options are many; however this is not the major for students planning to pursue graduate programs in the basic sciences or continue to health-related professional schools (such as medical or dental school).

  • Bachelor of Science in Biology

    The Bachelor of Science in Biology major acquaints students with information and methods pertinent to a variety of biological areas, as well as selected areas of chemistry, physics and mathematics. Some of the courses include study of genetics, cellular biology, ecology, plant anatomy and physiology, and independent research.

    Its 37-hour major, with 127-28 hours of science technical requirements is a more extensive curriculum than the B.A. option. The B.S. in Biology is the preferred major for students who plan to continue in the field of Biology after graduation.

    This major prepares qualified students to enter graduate school in the biological sciences as well as medical school, dental school, veterinarian or other professional schools. In addition, biology in conjunction with other academic programs offers a dual-degree program in Pre-Forestry and Pre-Environmental Management.

Jillian Peterson '21

I went into general biology because I didn’t know I wanted to be a veterinarian. I knew science was my thing, but this let me tailor my education to my interests.

Jillian Peterson '21

Learning Outside the Classroom


In addition to extensive laboratory experience through all of your biology courses, there are many opportunities for students to learn and develop skills outside of the classroom. Outdoor classroom activities and field experiences are planned throughout each academic year. Students perform ecological studies at lakes, streams and in the mountains. You can also take an active role in science outreach and in nature preservation on campus.

Student Research

Biology students are required to complete an independent research project — performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation — and present your findings to faculty and peers.

Internships

You may choose to participate in an internship available through area hospitals, laboratories, physician and dental offices, veterinarian clinics, as well as science centers. Work study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can gain valuable experience serving as lab and/or faculty assistant.

Biology Events

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.

Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.

News & Events

Colette Romp analyzing bacteria

Lenoir-Rhyne students have the unique opportunity to choose and control their own research projects with the help of dedicated faculty members.

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An LR student studying elephants at the North Carolina Zoo

Throneburg is tasked with collecting observational data on Louie the elephant to develop the NC Zoo's understanding of his daily behaviors. She is also tasked with recording interactions between Louie and the zoo's four females — Rafiki, Nekhanda, Tonga and Batir — as they integrate into a herd.

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