Biology and Environmental Science
Work Outside. Make a Difference.
Pursue a career as a field and lab technician applying biological and environmental concepts.
The Biology and Environmental Science program stresses an understanding of environmental issues and provides a scientific perspective of humankind’s relationship with the natural world. If you want a versatile, field-oriented science education and are interested in working directly in environmental and biological settings as a technician, agency professional, or conservation worker, this is the major for you.
The degree program is offered through the Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability Department at D&E. It is designed as a practical, field-oriented degree that bridges the two sciences. The program prepares you with the biological knowledge, environmental perspective, and hands-on technical skills that agencies, conservation organizations, and environmental employers look for in entry-level and early-career professionals.
Baccalaureate Programs (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Science
The requirements for a bachelor’s degree are 38–39 credit hours of courses drawn from both biology and environmental science, as well as specified courses in chemistry and mathematics.
Courses
What We Offer
Biology Courses
- Basic Biology
- Principles of Biology I & II
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Zoology
- Plant Taxonomy
- Ecology
- Plant Biology
- Functional Histology
- Introduction to Neuroscience
- Vertebrate Physiology
- Advanced Topics in Biology
- Biology Forum
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Evolution
- Animal Behavior
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- Developmental Biology
- Field Ecology
- Biological Basis of Perception and Movement
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Current Topics in Biology
- Biotechnology Lab Techniques
- Biogeography
- Undergraduate Research in Biology
- Practicum
- Independent Study
- Clinical Neuropathology
- Senior Seminar
Environmental Science Courses
- The Human Environment
- Introduction to Environmental Science
- Zoology
- Plant Taxonomy
- Environmental Toxicology
- Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Systems
- Advanced Topics in Environmental Science
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry Techniques
- Python for GIS
- Environmental Science Forum
- Natural Resource Management
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Law
- Remote Sensing and Intermediate Geographic
- Information Systems
- Environmental Issues Seminar
- Research Methods
- Advanced Geographic Information Systems
- Biogeography
- Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science
- Practicum
- Independent Study
- GIS Capstone
- Senior Seminar
Campus Facilities
You’ll attend classes in the Eshleman Science Center, which features five teaching laboratories, a computer laboratory equipped with GIS and remote sensing software and a large-scale plotter, and the S. Benton Talbott Seminar Room.
Resources include microscopes, laboratory instrumentation, field sampling equipment, air and water pollution monitoring equipment, a cell and molecular biology lab with a programmable thermocycler, UV/Vis spectrophotometer, and gel electrophoresis equipment, an extensive microscope slide collection, a controlled environment chamber, the Tolstead Greenhouse, and the D&E Herbarium with over 3,000 vascular plant specimens. The Allen Biotechnology Education Lab features a nanopore DNA sequencer, a nano spectrophotometer, and a fluorometer.
The George A. Myles Experimental Forest — a 300-acre outdoor classroom located 30 minutes from campus — provides field learning in forest management, habitat assessment, plant and wildlife identification, and ecological research. Field studies and research projects are also carried out at the Pigeon Creek Watershed cooperative study site and the Robert E. Urban Nature Area, both within minutes of the Eshleman Science Center.
Natural Laboratory
The Monongahela National Forest and surrounding protected natural areas constitute one of the most varied outdoor classrooms for biological and environmental investigations in the eastern United States.
The following areas are within an hour’s drive of campus:
- Spruce Knob (the highest point in West Virginia at 4,862 feet)
- Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Canyon
- Bear Heaven Natural Area and Blister Swamp
- Big Run Bog Natural Area
- Dolly Sods Wilderness
- Otter Creek Wilderness
- Laurel Fork Wilderness
- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Careers in Biology and Environmental Science
The bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental science prepares you for a wide array of jobs, including field and lab technician roles in government agencies, environmental consulting, conservation, wildlife management, education, and environmental protection.
Internship Opportunities
You’ll have access to a wide range of internship opportunities with organizations in Elkins and the surrounding area, including West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (Elkins office), U.S. Forest Service (Elkins office and Monongahela National Forest), Fernow Experimental Forest, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater Falls State Park, Maryland State Park Service, Virginia Division of Conservation and Recreation, Parks Canada, Trout Unlimited, National Park Service, and various regional and national non-profit organizations.
Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash
Graduate and Professional School Pathways
Choose from one of the following pathways:
- Medical School (M.D. or D.O.)
- Pharmacy School (Pharm.D.)
- Dental School (D.D.S. or D.M.D.)
- Veterinary School (D.V.M.)
- Graduate school in Biology, Ecology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or related fields
- Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Why Biology and Environmental Science at D&E
Small class sizes enable engaging faculty members to enhance your learning experience by challenging and inspiring you and providing individualized attention. Coursework covers current and relevant principles across both biology and environmental science to prepare you for success in a wide range of entry-level and career positions in the field. Eight wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, and ecologically distinct natural areas are within an hour’s drive of campus, giving you access to the outdoor environments where your career will unfold.
Internship and independent study opportunities provide real-world experience that amplifies classroom learning. The B.A. in Biology and Environmental Science is an excellent launching pad for graduate study. You’ll have opportunities to develop the professional identity, community engagement, and leadership skills that stand out on any résumé.