Biology is the study of life — and at GCU, it's also the study of where you want your life to go. The B.A. in Biology gives you a rigorous, lab-based foundation in the life sciences with the flexibility to pursue multiple directions: medical imaging sciences, medical laboratory science, K–12 teacher certification, pre-professional preparation for medical or graduate school, or a science education that makes you genuinely versatile in any health related career.
Placeholder Image
Biology at GCU isn't one size fits all. Whether you're heading to medical school, pursuing sonography through Medical Career Institute of NJ, preparing to transfer to Rutgers for a B.S. in Medical Imaging Sciences, training to become a clinical lab scientist, aiming for a K–12 teaching certification in Biology, or building a foundation for graduate school — GCU's Biology programs have a specific, structured track for you. Most biology programs give you one path. GCU gives you many.
GCU offers two formal joint BS/MD partnerships that let qualified students begin medical school in as few as three years of undergraduate study. The Saint George's University partnership (3+4 or 4+4) allows students to earn their B.A. or B.S. from GCU while completing their M.D. in Grenada — with clinical rotations at U.S. and U.K. hospitals. The Western Atlantic University School of Medicine Early Admission Program guarantees eligible students a seat at WAUSM after completing 90 credits at GCU. Both pathways are among the most direct routes to a medical degree available to NJ students.
GCU's Department of Biology, Biochemistry, & Chemistry is led by accomplished research scientists who actively mentor undergraduates. From ecological fieldwork to genetics, molecular biology, immunology, ecology and human health, and microbiology, you'll have opportunities to conduct real scientific inquiry alongside faculty — building the research record and mentorship relationships that graduate school and medical school admissions committees value most. The department also requires a Major Field Test before graduation, ensuring your knowledge meets national benchmarks.
Two new tracks in the B.A. in Biology now give students pursuing a career in medical imaging sciences clear, structured pathways. The MCI Medical Imaging Track partners with Medical Career Institute of NJ — students complete sonography internship coursework at MCI and earn a B.A. in Biology from GCU. The Pre-Medical Imaging Sciences Track prepares students to transfer to Rutgers University's B.S. in Medical Imaging Sciences program after completing at least 60 credits at GCU. (Note: GCU does not award a degree in Medical Imaging Sciences — the Rutgers track prepares students to earn that degree from Rutgers.)
GCU Biology graduates also have access to the following pre-professional partnerships and preparation pathways:
Pre-Chiropractic: 3+3 or 4+3 partnership with Northeast College of Health Sciences (Seneca Falls, NY) — earn your B.S. in Biology and a D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) in as few as 6.33 years.
Students meeting admissions requirements automatically receive a Northeast merit scholarship.
Pre-Physical Therapy: 3+3 partnership with Saint Joseph’s University — eligible students enter SJU’s D.P.T. program after three years at GCU, receiving both the GCU bachelor’s degree and the SJU D.P.T.
Pre-Medicine / Pre-Dentistry / Pre-Veterinary Medicine: Both the B.A. and B.S. in Biology are recognized pre-professional programs with specific recommended coursework. Pre-professional students are advised to take their MCAT/DAT/GRE during the junior year.
Life is the most complex subject there is. GCU’s Biology programs are designed to help you understand it — and then apply that understanding to a career that matters.
The Department of Biology, Biochemistry, & Chemistry provides a rigorous laboratory-based education rooted in the core areas of the life sciences: cellular and molecular biology, genetics and evolution, ecology, microbiology, and the biochemical processes that underlie all living systems. Students develop laboratory technique, scientific reasoning, data analysis, and written and oral communication skills through a progressive sequence of courses that builds from foundational principles to advanced study.
What distinguishes GCU’s Biology programs is breadth of opportunity. No other biology program of similar size in New Jersey offers the same range of structured professional pathways
— from clinical sonography and medical laboratory science to joint MD partnerships, chiropractic, physical therapy, graduate school preparation, and K–12 teacher certification.
Small laboratory sections mean you work directly with faculty throughout your degree — not graduate student TAs. The department’s faculty are active researchers whose expertise spans ecology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, and more. Student-faculty research collaborations are a genuine part of the program, not an afterthought.
All biology majors complete a department-administered Major Field Test before graduation — an external benchmark that ensures your knowledge is competitive nationally, not just locally.
GCU’s Biology programs are a great fit if you:
With B.A. in Biology (Standard Track):
With B.A. in Biology (MCI Medical Imaging Track):
With B.A. in Biology (Pre-MIS Rutgers Transfer Track):
With B.A. or B.S. in Biology (Medical Laboratory Science Track):
| Career | Entry Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Experienced Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $62,000–$75,000 | $88,600 | $100,000+ |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | $52,000–$65,000 | $74,800 | $90,000+ |
| High School Science Teacher | $52,000–$62,000 | $76,200 | $90,000–$105,000+ |
| Environmental Scientist | $46,000–$58,000 | $78,900 | $95,000+ |
| Physician (M.D.) (post-med school) | $220,000+ | $300,000+ | $350,000+ |
| Chiropractor | $55,000–$75,000 | $85,400 | $110,000+ |
Job Outlook
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
For the B.A. degree, a minimum of 9 credits of biology coursework must be taken at the 300 or 400 level.
For students seeking teacher certification, in addition to the core of required courses for the biology degree, the department recommends the following courses: BI213 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BI214 Human Anatomy & Physiology II. For Teacher of Biology (K-12) certification, at least 12 credits must be taken at the 300 or 400 level.
It is recommended that students who have completed General Biology I, II, at another institution, take BI320 Cell Biology in place of BI121 Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function to satisfy their cell biology requirement.
All biology majors who have completed 16 credits of Georgian Court biology courses will have their status reviewed by the biology faculty members. Those with a Georgian Court biology GPA of less than 2.50 may be advised and required to change their major. A Georgian Court biology GPA of 2.50 is required for graduation.
All majors pursuing the B.S. or B.A. degree in Biology are required to take a department-administered Major Field Test before graduation.
A minimum of 30 biology credits, plus courses in related areas, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | ||
| BI120 | Biological Diversity & Phylogeny | 4.0 |
| BI121 | Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function | 4.0 |
| BI201 | Biological Literature | 1.0 |
| BI204 | Genetics & Evolution | 4.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0-4.0 | |
BI305 | Biological Interactions: Ecology (4 credits) | |
BI310 | Ecology & Health (3 credits) | |
| BI443 | Capstone in Biology: BA | 2.0 |
| or BI444 | Capstone in Biology: BS | |
| Biology electives | 12.0-13.0 | |
| Related Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
MA109 | College Algebra | |
MA110 | Precalculus | |
MA115 | Calculus I | |
MA116 | Calculus II | |
| CH113 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH114 | General Chemistry II | 4.0 |
| CH223 | Organic Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| Select one of the following sequences: 1 | 8.0 | |
PH111 & PH112 | Physics in Everyday Life I and Physics in Everyday Life II | |
PH115 & PH116 | College Physics I and College Physics II | |
PH121 & PH122 | University Physics I and University Physics II | |
| Total Credits | 53.0-56.0 | |
Students electing for PH115 College Physics I must take MA110 Precalculus. Students electing for PH121 University Physics I must take MA115 Calculus I. Students preparing for professional careers or graduate school are strongly advised to take PH121 University Physics I and PH122 University Physics II.
A minimum of 40 credits including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BI121 | Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function | 4.0 |
| BI201 | Biological Literature | 1.0 |
| BI204 | Genetics & Evolution | 4.0 |
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.0 |
| BI219 | Microbiology | 4.0 |
| BI401 | Medical Technology Internship I | 16.0 |
| BI402 | Medical Technology Internship II | 16.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0-4.0 | |
BI427 | Immunology (4 credits) | |
BI428 | Fundamentals of Immunology (3 credits) | |
| BI437 | Biochemistry I | 4.0 |
| BI443 | Capstone in Biology: BA | 2.0 |
| or BI444 | Capstone in Biology: BS | |
| Related Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
MA109 | College Algebra | |
MA110 | Precalculus | |
MA115 | Calculus I | |
MA116 | Calculus II | |
| CH113 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH114 | General Chemistry II | 4.0 |
| CH223 | Organic Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH224 | Organic Chemistry II | 4.0 |
| Select one of the following sequences: 1 | ||
PH111 & PH112 | Physics in Everyday Life I and Physics in Everyday Life II | |
PH115 & PH116 | College Physics I and College Physics II | |
PH121 & PH122 | University Physics I and University Physics II | |
| Total Credits | 81.0-83.0 | |
Students electing for PH115 College Physics I must take MA110 Precalculus. Students electing for PH121 University Physics I must take MA115 Calculus I. Students preparing for professional careers or graduate school are strongly advised to take PH121 University Physics I and PH122 University Physics II.
A minimum of 40 credits including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biology Courses | ||
| BI121 | Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function | 4.0 |
| BI204 | Genetics & Evolution | 4.0 |
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.0 |
| BI431 | Clinical Sonography Internship I | 16.0 |
| BI432 | Clinical Sonography Internship II | 16.0 |
| BI433 | Clinical Sonography Internship III | 16.0 |
| Related Courses | ||
| MA103 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
MA109 | College Algebra | |
MA110 | Precalculus | |
MA115 | Calculus I | |
MA116 | Calculus II | |
| CH113 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| or CH151 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences | |
| Select one of the following sequences: 1 | 8.0 | |
PH111 & PH112 | Physics in Everyday Life I and Physics in Everyday Life II | |
PH115 & PH116 | College Physics I and College Physics II | |
PH121 & PH122 | University Physics I and University Physics II | |
| Total Credits | 82.0-83.0 | |
Students electing for PH115 College Physics I must take MA110 Precalculus. Students electing for PH121 University Physics I must take MA115 Calculus I. Students preparing for professional careers or graduate school are strongly advised to take PH121 University Physics I and PH122 University Physics II.
This course list is only for students who transfer to Rutgers to earn a B.S. in Medical Imaging Sciences degree. Students transferring to Rutgers for this program must earn at least 60 credits before transferring (i.e., those exempt from GEN101 and/or GEN199 due to GCU transfer policy must reach 60 earned credits using credits from additional courses). GCU does not award a degree in Medical Imaging Sciences. Students who complete the course list below but do not transfer to Rutgers University and instead plan to graduate from GCU must complete requirements for the appropriate GCU degree program. If they wish to earn a B.A. in Biology degree, they must complete the B.A. in Biology degree requirements (including GCU general education requirements not met through the list of courses below, e.g., GEN400, Creative Thinking & Expression, Intercultural Understanding & Intercultural Communication).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I (Rutgers GenEd NatSci) | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II (Rutgers GenEd NatSci) | 4.0 |
| BI219 | Microbiology (Rutgers GenEd NatSci) | 4.0 |
| CH151 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences (Rutgers GenEd NatSci) | 4.0 |
| or CH113 | General Chemistry I | |
| PH111 | Physics in Everyday Life I (Rutgers GenEd NatSci) | 4.0 |
| or PH112 | Physics in Everyday Life II | |
| MA109 | College Algebra (Rutgers GenEd Quantitative) | 3.0 |
| EN111 | Writing, Research, and Digital Literacy (Rutgers GenEd Writing&Comm) | 3.0 |
| EN112 | Academic Writing and Research II (Rutgers GenEd Writing&Comm) | 3.0 |
| PS111 | Introduction to Psychology (Rutgers GenEd SocialSci) | 3.0 |
| HRP200 | Medical Terminology (Rutgers GenEd Writing&Comm) | 3.0 |
| MA103 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking (Rutgers GenEd Quantitative) | 3.0 |
| Literature (Rutgers GenEd Art&Humanities) | 3.0 | |
| Religion (Rutgers GenEd Art&Humanities) | 3.0 | |
| Ethics (Rutgers GenEd SocialSci) | 3.0 | |
| History (Rutgers GenEd History,Lit&Contemp) | 3.0 | |
| GPS311 | Gender, Power, &Society:Voices of Change (Rutgers GenEd History,Lit&Contemp) | 3.0 |
| GEN101 | Pathway to the Bridge | 2.0 |
| GEN199 | WI:Discovering Self in the Universe | 3.0 |
| Electives (as needed to reach 60cr earned) | 2.0 | |
| Total Credits | 60.0 | |
Admissions Requirements First-Year Students
Recommended high school preparation: 4 years English, 4 years math (through Precalculus minimum; Calculus recommended for B.S./pre-professional track), 3+ years lab science (Biology and Chemistry required; Physics recommended), 2 years social studies.
Pre-Professional Track Notes:
GPA Requirements:
By the time you earn your B.A. or B.S. in Biology from GCU, you’ll be able to:
Q: What’s the difference between the B.A. and B.S. in Biology? A: The B.S. requires more biology credits (40 vs. 30 minimum), more upper-level coursework (12 vs. 9 credits at the 300/400 level), Organic Chemistry II, and a more rigorous related science sequence. It’s the stronger choice for students pursuing medical school, dental school, veterinary medicine, graduate programs in biological sciences, or clinical lab science. The B.A. offers more flexibility — it’s ideal for students pursuing medical imaging sciences (through the MCI or Rutgers tracks), K–12 teacher certification, or careers in public health, science communication, or health administration where a biology foundation is valuable but deep research preparation is less critical.
Q: What is the Joint BS/MD program with St. George’s University? A: SGU and GCU offer a formal partnership that allows qualified students to pursue their bachelor’s degree at GCU and then transition to St. George’s University in Grenada for medical or veterinary school. After successfully completing three years (90 credits) at GCU — including all major requirements except general electives — eligible students proceed to SGU’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completing the first year at SGU with a C or higher in at least 30 credits, students receive their GCU bachelor’s degree. Contact Dr. Carolyn Bergman (Director, Joint BS/MD Program) as early as possible — ideally in your first year — to discuss eligibility and planning.
Q: What is the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine Early Admission program? A: WAUSM’s Early Admission program allows qualifying GCU students to apply for and receive guaranteed admission to Western Atlantic University School of Medicine while still completing their GCU bachelor’s degree. Students who complete 90 GCU credits including WAUSM prerequisites and meet proficiency standards may begin their first year of medical school at WAUSM as an “advancing student.” Students completing the first two WAUSM terms receive their GCU bachelor’s degree and continue their medical education at WAUSM. Contact the GCU Admissions Office for details.
Q: What is the MCI Medical Imaging Sciences track? A: This track — new for 2026–27 — partners with Medical Career Institute of NJ (MCI) to allow Biology B.A. students to complete their sonography clinical training at MCI as part of their GCU degree. Students earn a B.A. in Biology from GCU with a specialization in medical imaging. This is the path for students who want to become diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiac sonographers, or vascular technologists and want GCU to confer their bachelor’s degree.
Q: What is the Pre-Medical Imaging Sciences (Rutgers transfer) track? A: This track — also new for 2026–27 — prepares Biology B.A. students to transfer to Rutgers University’s B.S. in Medical Imaging Sciences program after completing at least 60 credits at GCU. The course list is aligned with Rutgers’ general education requirements to maximize transfer credit. Important: GCU does not award a Medical Imaging Sciences degree. Acceptance to Rutgers is not guaranteed — students who do not transfer must complete GCU B.A. in Biology requirements to graduate.
Q: Can I become a Biology teacher with this degree? A: Yes. Biology majors pursuing K–12 teacher certification in New Jersey complete the B.A. or B.S. in Biology alongside required education coursework, including at least 12 biology credits at the 300/400 level. The department specifically recommends BI213 Human Anatomy & Physiology I and BI214 Human Anatomy & Physiology II for teacher certification students.
Q: What is the Major Field Test, and do I have to take it? A: Yes — all Biology majors are required to take the department-administered Major Field Test before graduation. This is a nationally standardized assessment that benchmarks your biological knowledge against students at peer institutions. It’s administered within your program — it’s not an external exam you schedule separately — and it ensures that GCU’s biology education meets national standards.
Q: What GPA do I need to stay in the Biology program? A: After completing 16 credits of GCU biology courses, your Biology GPA will be reviewed by the faculty. If your GCU Biology GPA falls below 2.5 at that point, you may be advised and required to change your major. A 2.5 GPA in GCU Biology courses is required to graduate.
Q: When should I apply? A: Rolling admissions — apply any time. Priority deadlines are November 1, January 1, and March 1. Students interested in the Joint BS/MD or WAUSM programs are especially encouraged to apply early and contact Dr. Bergman in their first year.
Graduate/Professional Pathways:
Welcome to the new georgian.edu!
We've redesigned our website to make it easier to explore Georgian Court. Some sections are still being finished and will be completed in the coming weeks. Thanks for your patience as we continue to improve your experience.
