Biology & Marine Biology

The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW strives to train the next generation of scientists and educators, and prepare all students to make sound judgments based on a solid foundation of biological principles. Our department focuses on four particular ideals:

• Coupling excellent teaching with diverse research opportunities
• Emphasizing current theories of Biological Science, knowledge of basic investigative skills, and methods of critical inquiry
• Centering our research programs the biological phenomena that impact life in our region and beyond
• Lending our professional expertise to all endeavors that work for the improvement of our environment and the human condition

We believe the importance of modern biological principles must transcend the university classroom and enable our students to contribute as global citizens.

Students in our department pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in both biology (B.A., B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) and marine biology (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) that emphasize hands-on involvement in research and take advantage of our coastal setting and first-class facilities, including the Center for Marine Science.

When you graduate as a major from our department, you will have the skill sets and training that you need for the next step in your life: a job in your field, or attendance at a graduate or professional school.

Our faculty are dedicated scholars engaged in classroom teaching and student mentorship, high-caliber research, and service to the university and broader community. Learn more.

We offer the following bachelor's degree programs:

B.A. in Biology
B.S. in Biology
B.S. in Marine Biology

Our B.S. programs offer options in addition to the standard degree: You may pursue a B.S. in Biology with a terrestrial and freshwater concentration, or a B.S. in Marine Biology with a focus on marine conservation.

Undergraduate students may also consider minors in:

Biology
Marine Biology 
Neuroscience

See Undergraduate programs

If you intend to pursue advanced education, we offer these master's degree programs:

M.S. in Biology
M.S. in Marine Biology 

Doctoral Programs

As a an R2 doctoral institution with high research activity and a coastal university, UNCW offers a Ph.D. in Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology, as well as an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences.

Affiliated programs:

• M.S. in Marine Science 
• Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Coastal Marine Science (with ECU – Schedule C in progress)

See Graduate Programs

• Biology Careers
• Explore the College of Arts & Sciences
• Our Commitment to Science Access, iNnclusion & Diversity (SAND)