Mar 29, 2024  
2020-21 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2020-21 Undergraduate Bulletin ARCHIVED

Biology, B.S.


Definition of the Major

Students wishing to choose a major in biology should consult with members of the department faculty early in their university career.  The department includes a number of biological disciplines.  Each student is strongly encouraged to work closely with a departmental advisor to design the program best suited to the interests and goals of the student. Students must select from the following degree tracks: botany, cell and molecular biology, or ecology and evolutionary biology. 

A minimum of 40 semester hours of biology, with 15 hours in advanced courses is required for a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology. Biology majors also must satisfy all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science as outlined below.

Certification for High School Life Sciences Teaching

Students wishing to choose a major in biology teaching should consult with members of the department faculty early in their university career.  The department includes a number of biological disciplines.  Each student is strongly encouraged to work closely with a departmental advisor to design the program best suited to the interests and goals of the student. 

A minimum of 37 semester hours of biology, with 15 hours in advanced courses is required for a Bachelor of Science with a major in biology, teaching concentration. Biology teaching majors also must satisfy all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science as outlined below.

Degree Requirements

University Core Curriculum Requirements


A. Communication


B. Mathematics


Three hours from:


C. Life and Physical Science


D. Language, Philosophy and Culture


E. Creative Arts


F. American History


G. Government/Political Science


Six hours from:


H. Social and Behavioral Science


I. Component Area Option


Three hours from:


Three hours from:


Foundation of Knowledge


For All Concentrations


For Non-Teaching Concentrations


For Biology Teaching Concentration


Biology Major


The Biology, Major  will consist of a 16 hour core and one of the following concentrations:

  • Botany
  • Cellular and Molecular
  • Ecology and Evolutionary
  • Biology Teacher Certification

Minor Option


A minor of 18 to 24 semester hours in a single discipline is optional. At least six hours in the minor must be in advanced-level courses at SFA. Biology majors may choose the Combined Sciences Minor.  Biology majors contemplating graduate work are advised to select a minor in the sciences or in mathematics, or complete advanced Biology electives.

General Electives


The student may be required to complete additional elective hours to complete the degree.

Degree Total Hours: 120


Grade Requirements


  • A grade of at least C in each freshman English course (ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 )
  • A C average in work completed in the major field
  • A C average in work completed in the minor field

The required averages are based on those SFA courses taken in each category that are included in the student’s official degree plan (CAPP).  Transfer and advanced placement coursework are not included in GPA calculations.

In-Residence Requirement


Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degrees require at least 25 percent semester credit hours completed in-residence.

Undergraduate degrees with 120 hours total degree program hours require a minimum of 30 advanced (upper level) in-residence semester credit hours. The in-residence hour requirement will be fulfilled as part of the individual discipline major which includes as least 12 advanced in-residence semester credit hours. Minor requirements may also contribute to the total in-residence hours as at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours are required. The balance of in-resident hours will be fulfilled through additional advanced semester credit hours and may include further major and minor coursework.

Undergraduate degrees with more than 120 total degree program hour requirements will ensure semester credit hours for the specific discipline include at least 25 percent of total semester credit hours in-residence.

University Policy: http://www.sfasu.edu/policies/in-residence-requirement-6.15.pdf

Texas Success Initiative Program


All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program.  See TSI information  elsewhere in this bulletin.

Degree Map


Click here for the Biology, Degree Map .