Major code BA2129

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

Karen Mammone, contact person
mammone@ohio.edu

Program Overview

Environmental biology B.A. is a major in biological sciences that provides students with a foundation in basic and organismal biology, and training in the social sciences. Students study the ecology, evolution, behavior, and natural history of animals, along with plant biology, geography, geology, philosophy, and political science. The environmental biology track is designed to serve students who are interested in natural resource management, public policy, law, or who wish to enter graduate programs in environmental studies. Students who complete this curriculum also must complete the requirement for the undergraduate Environmental Studies Certificate. Students should consider a minor in geography or environmental health sciences.

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

The environmental biology track is designed to serve students who are interested in natural resource management, public policy, law or who wish to enter graduate programs in environmental studies. Students with a degree in environmental biology can secure positions with employers such as the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, in the area of policy and management, or with environmental consulting firms, research laboratories, nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, water treatment plants, zoos, etc.

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Requirements