Majors and Minor
Degrees | Additional Options | MCB | I-Bio | BioSci | Minor | Declare | Student Resources
Degree Offerings
Students matriculating Fall 2025 or later will choose from 3 different majors in biological sciences:
More information on these majors is below.
Students matriculating prior to Fall 2025 may choose one of the new majors mentioned above or may choose one of the original majors: B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology; B.A. in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology; or B.A. degree in Biological Sciences. See the requirements for these majors.
The department also offers a minor in Biological Sciences for students who wish to add a basic knowledge of biology to a major from another field.
Additional Options
Honors: Honors tracks are available for the B.A. and B.S. degrees. Students completing Honors carry out an Honors research project, write, and defend an honors thesis. Read more details about the Honors program.
Double majors: With planning, it is possible to combine a major in the Department of Biological Sciences with an additional major. While it is more common for double majors to consider related fields such as chemistry and mathematics, students have combined biological sciences degrees with such diverse areas as foreign languages, music, and fine arts. If you wish to double major, consult the director of undergraduate studies as early as possible. Students may not double or triple major entirely within the Biological Sciences department. Students declaring a major offered by the Department of Biological Sciences may not minor in biological sciences.
Coursework: It is strongly recommended that all students take one year of calculus or calculus/statistics, and one year of physics. Students are encouraged to work with their major advisers to choose upper-level courses appropriate to their chosen major. Courses numbered below 1500 do not count toward the major or minor. Either BSCI 3229 or BSCI 3270, but not both, may count toward a major or minor.
B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)
The Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) major is designed for students seeking to develop an in-depth understanding of how living systems function at the molecular and cellular levels. The degree integrates coursework with an emphasis on independent laboratory research; students engage for multiple semesters in faculty-led research projects for course credit.
General requirements:
- Two semesters of general chemistry and lab (CHEM 1601–1602 and 1601L–1602L) and two semesters of organic chemistry (CHEM 2211/2221–2212/2222) and lab (2221L–2222L)
- BSCI 1509
Note: These 19 credit hours do not count toward the major. AP credit may satisfy some of these requirements.
30 credits from BSCI, including the following:
- BSCI 1510 (Molecules and Cells) and BSCI 1511 (Organisms and Ecosystems) plus 1510L and 1511L or 1512L
- BSCI 2201, BSCI 2210, and BSCI 2520
- Research/laboratory requirement (pick one of the two options below)
- 6-11 credit hours of BSCI 3861 and 3961 plus 2201L or 2210L OR
- a minimum of 12 credit hours of BSCI 3861, 3961, and/or 4999
- Elective courses at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000-level
- A minimum of 2 credit hours must be at the 4000-level (excluding 4999)
- BSCI 2101 or BSCI 4101 (but not both) can be used to fulfill elective credits
Limitations:
- No more than 2 credit hours of 4965 may count toward the major
- A total of no more than 7 total credit hours of directed readings or directed/ independent/Honors research (3850, 3860, 3861, 3961, or 4999) may count toward the major
B.S. in Integrative Biology (I-Bio)
The Integrative Biology (I-Bio) major is designed for students with an interest in the areas of biology that span genomics, ecology, evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, organismal biology, and conservation biology. The degree integrates coursework with an emphasis on independent laboratory research; students engage for multiple semesters in faculty-led research projects for course credit.
General requirements:
- Two semesters of general chemistry and lab (Chemistry 1601–1602 and 1601L–1602L) and two semesters of organic chemistry (Chemistry 2211/2221–2212/2222) and lab (2221L–2222L)
- BSCI 1509
Note: These 19 credit hours do not count toward the major. AP credit may satisfy some of these requirements.
30 credits from BSCI, including the following:
- BSCI 1510 (Molecules and Cells) and BSCI 1511 (Organisms and Ecosystems) plus 1510L and 1511L or 1512L
- BSCI 2105 plus two additional 2000-level courses
- Research/laboratory requirement (pick one of the two options below)
- 6-11 credit hours of BSCI 3861 and 3961 plus one laboratory course at the 2000-level (includes laboratory associated with 2119) OR
- a minimum of 12 credit hours of BSCI 3861, 3961, and/or 4999
- Elective courses at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000-level
- A minimum of 2 credit hours must be at the 4000-level (excluding 4999)
Limitations:
- No more than 2 credit hours of 4965 may count toward the major
- A total of no more than 7 total credit hours of directed readings or directed/ independent/Honors research (3850, 3860, 3861, 3961, or 4999) may count toward the major
B.A. in Biological Sciences (BioSci)
The Biological Sciences (BioSci) major is designed for students seeking a broad base in the biological sciences. This is a highly flexible, coursework-based major that allows students to specialize, if desired, in upper-level courses. The degree is appropriate for students wishing to emphasize coursework over laboratory research and may be especially attractive for students seeking to combine a foundational knowledge in biology with another area of study.
General requirements:
- Two semesters of general chemistry and lab (Chemistry 1601–1602 and 1601L–1602L) and two semesters of organic chemistry (Chemistry 2211/2221–2212/2222) and lab (2221L–2222L).
- BSCI 1509
Note: These 19 credit hours do not count toward the major. AP credit may satisfy some of these requirements.
30 credits from BSCI, including the following:
- BSCI 1510 (Molecules and Cells) and BSCI 1511 (Organisms and Ecosystems) plus 1510L and 1511L or 1512L
- 1 course numbered 2100-2199 (Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology focus)
- 1 course numbered 2200-2599 (Molecular and Cellular Biology focus)
- 1 additional 2000-level course
- Any 2 laboratory courses at the 2000-level (includes laboratory associated with 2119)
- 2 credit hours of 4965
- At least 3 credit hours (excluding 4965) at the 3000- or 4000-level
- Additional elective courses at the 2000-, 3000-, or 4000-level
Limitations:
- No more than 4 credit hours of 4965 may count toward the major
- A total of no more than 5 credit hours of directed readings or directed/independent research (3850, 3860, 3861, or 3961) may count toward the major. Students interested in doing research should consider the B.S. degree.
Minor in Biological Sciences
A minor in biological sciences requires a minimum of 18 hours. At least 9 credit hours must be earned in residence at Vanderbilt. Credit hours for the minor must include: BSCI 1510, 1511, 1510L, 2210, either 1511L or 1512L, and at least one additional intermediate (BSCI 2000-level) course. No more than two credit hours of BSCI 3850, 3860, 3861, or 3961 may be counted toward the minor.
Declaring a Major or Minor
To declare a major or minor, please complete the Major/Minor Declaration Form.
Current Student Info
Current undergraduates can read more details about advising, research courses and Immersion, teaching opportunities, and frequently asked questions on the Student Resources page.