Major code BS2126

College of Arts and Sciences  
Biological Sciences Department  
Irvine Hall 107
Athens, OH 45701
www.ohio.edu/cas/biosci/

Karen Mammone, contact person
mammone@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Biological Sciences provides this program for undergraduate majors who are interested in careers with a focus on marine and freshwater organisms and their environments. Students focusing on terrestrial environments should consider the wildlife and conservation biology track. Courses meet the requirements for admission to graduate programs in marine biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation biology. The program also provides the necessary background for jobs with state and federal agencies (i.e., USDA or EPA) charged with environmental protection, research and monitoring, and information collection. Tier II social science electives can be chosen to meet the requirements of the Environmental Studies Certificate.

Admission Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test-optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700  and BIOS 1705  and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

Change of Program Policy

Current Ohio University students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700  and BIOS 1705  with a minimum accumulative Ohio University GPA of 2.5.

External Transfer Admission

Transfer students who would like to declare one of the Biology majors must have a minimum Math ACT subscore of 20; equivalent Math SAT subscore (490 on tests taken prior to March 2016 or 520 on tests taken March 2016 or later); a minimum Ohio University math placement score of PL1; or a grade of “C” or better in the equivalent courses to both BIOS 1700  and BIOS 1705  with a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 from their previous institution.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Courses meet the requirements for admission to graduate programs in marine biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation biology. The program also provides the necessary background for jobs with state and federal agencies (i.e., USDA or EPA) charged with environmental protection, research and monitoring, and information collection.

Requirements