Biology

The biology department provides focused studies in the biological sciences to prepare students for careers in medicine and other health professions, field work related to conservation and ecology and other technical pursuits including graduate school. Our flexible curriculum allows for specializations that match cadet interests.

Our department houses a diverse and highly qualified faculty including the post-wide pre-health advisor who guides interested cadets into the wide range of health professions.

Our faculty believe interaction in the classroom, laboratory, and on an individual basis is critical in the development of successful biology majors. Class sizes are small, laboratories accompany most courses, advising is individual, and undergraduate research is encouraged.

What you can do with a biology degree:

  • Professional schools: medical, dental, veterinary or graduate
  • Health professions: physical or occupational therapy, pharmacy, nursing, physician’s assistant, optometry
  • Other careers: forensics, laboratory or environmental technician, pharmaceutical sales, conservation or wildlife officer, military intelligence, biosecurity, science education, medical transcription, environmental or patent law
  • The possibilities are endless

Degrees and Programs

Major(s): Biology

Degree(s): 

Minor(s):

Opportunities:

  • Pre-med focus
  • Medical school partnership to allow guaranteed acceptance for qualified cadets
  • Honors in Biology
  • Summer fellowship support for undergraduate research
  • Department endowment monies for cadet research
  • Study abroad programs

Biology in the News

Find out more about the department's cadets and faculty in recent VMI news.

Air Force helicopter landing on the parade ground to take cadets in Air Force ROTC for a ride.

Andrews Air Force Base Brings Helicopters to VMI

Air Force ROTC cadets took to the air on Dec. 1, thanks to the 1st Helicopter Squadron out of Andrews Air Force Base.. The squadron provided quick incentive flights over VMI and Lexington for nearly 175 cadets.

Chris Kushner ’24 displays his award-winning poster

VMI Cadet Earns Conference Recognition

Chris Kushner ’24, a biology major and honors student at Virginia Military Institute, took his research and some creativity to a recent virtual conference and came away with deserved recognition from the judges.

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders