The Department of Biology at Winthrop University offers a rigorous and intellectually rewarding curriculum, delivered by a dedicated faculty renowned for their expertise and enthusiasm for teaching. The biology major is designed with flexibility in mind, enabling students to tailor their academic pathways beyond the core curriculum to suit their individual aspirations and professional objectives.
Biology is a frequently selected major among students pursuing careers in medicine, health sciences, botany, zoology, molecular biology, environmental and conservation biology, science education, and other related disciplines. The department emphasizes personalized instruction, with laboratory classes typically limited to 20–24 students, thereby fostering meaningful engagement between students and faculty and enhancing the overall educational experience.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement
Check out our Department of Biology Newsletter
Department of Biology Degrees & Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Biology program at Winthrop University provides students with comprehensive training across the biological sciences. The curriculum offers the option to pursue specialized concentrations in areas such as biomedical research and conservation biology, allowing students to align their academic experience with their career interests.
The program emphasizes close faculty-student interaction, with laboratory classes typically limited to 20–24 students. This structure fosters a collaborative learning environment and supports individualized instruction. Graduates of the Biology program pursue diverse career paths, including medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, conservation, natural resource management, and medical laboratory science.
Students may chose a concentration within the major, which prescribes specific coursework to prepare students for a particular career track.
Winthrop University offers a “Fast Track 3+1” Bachelor of Science in Biology and Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) pathway, enabling students to complete both degrees within four years. This accelerated route is offered in collaboration with the Carolina College of Health Sciences (CCHS) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Careful academic planning between the student and their advisor is essential to ensure all prerequisite coursework is completed by the end of the third year. Students who meet these requirements may competitively apply to the MLS program while still enrolled at Winthrop. Upon acceptance, MLS coursework completed at CCHS is transferred back to Winthrop and applied toward the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Graduates of this program will possess entry-level competencies in medical laboratory science and will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The Department of Biology at Winthrop University offers advanced coursework and research opportunities that lead to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biology. Undergraduate students majoring in Biology may complete up to nine credit hours of graduate-level coursework during their senior year, which can be applied toward the M.S. degree.
This accelerated pathway enables students to earn both the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science degrees within five years. Following one year of graduate study, students who successfully complete the program will have fulfilled the requirements for both degrees, positioning them for advanced academic or professional opportunities in the biological sciences.
- BIOL 220/222 (or BIOL 220/270)
- BIOL 221/223 (or BIOL 221/271)
- At least 6 additional credit hours in BIOL courses numbered above 299
- PHYS 201 (4) – General Physics I
- PHYS 202 (4) – General Physics II
or - PHYS 211 (4) – Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 212 (4) – Physics with Calculus II
Minors in Biology or General Science
Winthrop University offers students from other academic disciplines the opportunity to pursue a minor in Biology or General Science, enhancing their scientific knowledge and broadening their career prospects.
The minor in Biology requires the completion of 18 semester hours in BIOL courses, including:
The minor in General Science consists of a minimum of 18 semester hours selected from BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS courses. It must include one of the following physics sequences:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Law
- Pre-Biomedical Scientist (pdf - 139kb)
- Pre-Dental (pdf - 159kb)
- Pre-Graduate Studies (pdf-159kb)
- Pre-Medical (Allopathic) (pdf - 158kb)
- Pre-Medical (Osteopathic) (pdf - 159kb)
- Pre-MS/Ph.D. (pdf - 142kb)
- Pre-Medical Laboratory Scientist (pdf - 638kb)
- Pre-Occupational Therapy (pdf - 132kb)
- Pre-Pharmacy (pdf - 132kb)
- Pre-Physical Therapy (pdf - 133kb)
- Pre-Physician Assistant (pdf - 130kb)
- Secondary Certification in Biology (pdf - 78.3kb)
- Pre-Veterinary (pdf - 134kb)
- Winthrop Master's Program in Biology (pdf - 85.1kb)
- BS in Biology with MLS Certification (pdf - 143kb)
Winthrop University offers academic programs designed to prepare students for professional study in a wide range of fields. These include degree pathways that serve as foundational preparation for advanced study in disciplines such as:
Students interested in these professional tracks are encouraged to work closely with a Department of Biology faculty advisor, who can assist in planning a course of study that meets the specific prerequisites of various professional schools. Through personalized guidance and strategic academic planning, students can position themselves competitively for admission into graduate and professional programs.