Biology - B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Biology at Johnson & Wales offers a comprehensive exploration of biology, providing students with a strong foundation in fundamental principles while also allowing for flexibility and interdisciplinary study. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on laboratory experiences, and research and fieldwork opportunities, students in our program develop critical thinking skills, scientific literacy and a deep understanding of the living world. Interdisciplinary course selections allow students to tailor the program to their career of interest, including careers in bioinformatics, computational biology, science communication, healthcare administration, and business management. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental biological concepts of evolution, structure and function, information exchange and storage, and transformation of energy and matter to explain biological systems from molecules to communities.
• Communicate scientific information using oral and written arguments and visual presentation.
• Identify, evaluate and analyze scientific information.
• Apply the scientific method and critical thinking skills to address scientific questions.
• Apply mathematical and computational skills and interdisciplinary concepts and knowledge to interpret biological phenomena.
• Recognize ethical concerns pertaining to biological science and apply ethical practice in the scientific process.
• Evaluate the influence that biological science has on society, including the historical context of major findings in modern biology.

Biology

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of arts degree

*

Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.

**

Students that do not place in MATH1030 Precalculus, will need to take an extra course, MATH1020 Fundamentals of Algebra, as a prerequisite. If needed this will count as an A&S elective.

^IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.

^SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact Experiential Education & Career Services to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program and visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For students who qualify for the J2 program, up to four graduate courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.

Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.

For first-year applicants, a completed application and high school transcript(s) are required. For transfer applicants, a completed application and high school and/or college transcript(s) are required. Completion of optional materials is encouraged.

Successful candidates for first year admission have taken a high school, college preparatory academic program including English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language. Admissions decisions may also consider individual experiences and particular circumstances unique to each student. Other considerations are made based upon recommendations, writing ability and extracurricular activities.

Visiting campus, both in‐person or virtually, is a valuable way of assuring that JWU is the right university for you. 

J2 Program

The JWU J2 program allows qualified students enrolled in a matriculating undergraduate program to take graduate level courses at JWU. Students interested in pursuing this option should meet with their academic advisor to discuss their interest, qualifications and plans. The undergraduate student may take up to four graduate courses (maximum 12 credits) and are limited to 6 credits a semester and 3 credits per session (Fall Session I and Fall Session II). 

The completion of graduate credits to fulfill undergraduate program requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the graduate program after completion of the baccalaureate degree. Matriculating undergraduate students who wish to formally enroll in a graduate program must fulfill all requirements for entrance into the intended graduate program and complete a graduate program application. 

Note: Not all graduate courses are included as part of this policy. Courses offered as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and doctoral courses are excluded from this policy and are restricted to program majors only. Additional courses and/or programs as determined by individual colleges may also have restricted access.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to enroll in graduate-level courses (excludes: Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, doctoral courses, Counseling graduate program courses, and other programs as outlined by the colleges), undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
• Completed and registered undergraduate credits at least 90 credits
• Meet the individual course prerequisites

Appeal to Eligibility Criteria

College dean or designee will receive a copy of the Petition Form, Student's GPS and email requesting appeal if the student requests to appeal the GPA or earned/registered credit criteria. College dean/designee will review and determine approval.  

These courses carry graduate credit and will replace undergraduate degree requirements when applicable, traditionally free-electives (maximum of 12 credits). The course will be applied to the undergraduate degree in the order in which they are taken (if required) and will also be applied towards both the students undergraduate and graduate GPA.

Students should maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits of undergraduate coursework to maintain full-time status; graduate course enrollment is not calculated into undergraduate full-time status. For students already attending full-time as undergraduates (12 credits or more) and paying the full-time tuition, the graduate credits will be included in full-time tuition fee. Students attending part-time (11 credits or less) will pay the cost per-credit undergraduate tuition for the graduate course.

Course registration will be based on space availability and students enrolled in graduate level courses will be required to maintain good academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level.