The biology major is divided into three distinct concentrations:

Pre-Professional Biology Concentration 
(22-23 hours)
Chemistry 320 (4), 321 (4)
Environmental Studies 403 (3)
Math 204 (4)
Physics 131 (4)
Plus one of the following courses:
Biology 404 (4), 406 (3)
Environmental Studies 315 (4), 415 (4)

Honors Option
Honors recognition will be indicated on the student’s transcript. Students pursuing this option must meet the following requirements in addition to those listed above:
1. Complete an acceptable research proposal by the end of the fall semester of the junior year.
2. Complete six semester hours of independent research (Environmental Studies 403 and 440).
3. Orally present research findings prior to graduation.
4. Complete an additional nine semester hours of courses specific to the concentration.

Professional Honors Option
This option is designed to challenge students of an advanced academic ability by providing a program of study involving a unique set of courses and distinguished research. Completion of this program will be indicated as “Professional Honors” on the transcript. Those pursuing this option must complete all the requirements for the honors option (including the selection of Biology 404, Environmental Studies 415, and Physics 132 for #4 in the honors option) plus submit a publication-quality research manuscript based on their independent research project.

Environmental Biology Concentration (20-22 hours)
Chemistry 320 (4)
Environmental Studies 403 (3)
Physics 131 (4)
Plus 9-12 hours selected from the following courses (other courses may be chosen in consultation with the advisor):
Biology 406 (3)
Chemistry 315-316 (6)
Chemistry 321 (4)
Environmental Studies 201-202 (4), 301 (4), 302 (3), 305 (4), 315 (4)
Outdoor Education 305 (3)

Special Emphasis Concentration
(min. 6 courses, 22 hours)
Students may transfer a set of courses from other institutions, study abroad and certification programs (e.g., Au Sable Institute, or complete courses in other departments at Montreat College to fulfill the requirements of this emphasis. Students develop the independent emphasis curriculum in consultation with the advisor. The advisor and the Biology Review Committee must approve a formal proposal of emphasis requirements by the end of the student’s sophomore year.

See the complete degree requirements.