Welcome to the WLU Department of Biological Sciences where opportunity meets excellence. Our department offers the advantages of a small university while providing a wealth of unique and relevant opportunities through both our undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can be involved in research as early as their first year of study and are not only rewarded through the acquisition of applied and critical thinking skills, but afforded valuable experience presenting their findings at a state, national, and international level. Learn from experienced and renowned professors through one-on-one instruction and experiential learning utilizing modern techniques. We believe in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in your biological field of choice.
"I chose West Liberty University because of the Zoo Science program. Through it, I get hands-on experience with animals which prepares me for my future career and gives me a good idea of what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life."
"I chose West Liberty because of the big school opportunities they offer while still providing a small school atmosphere. All the connections I have made with my professors have allowed me to succeed in my coursework as well as get involved in many other opportunities including paid summer research in Puerto Rico and acceptance to the Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine."
Courses and Curriculum
- 3+2 Biology/Biology MS
- 3+2 Human Biology/MSPAS
- Biological Research
- WLU/WVU Dental Early Admission Program (D.E.A.P.)
- Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
- Environmental Stewardship and Education
- General Biology
- Human Biology
- Life Sciences
- Microbiology
- Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathic Medicine
- Pre-Veterinary Biology
- Zoo Sciences and Applied Conservation
The Hilltop Advantage
Research Opportunities
Research opportunities available for all levels and majors of undergraduate and graduate students in biology, as well as the experience to present findings at state, national, and international levels. Students may be eligible for funding opportunities directly related to the research project.
Renowned Faculty
Experienced and renowned faculty mentor, provide support, and encourage students every step of the way. Students also receive biology faculty as advisors to help guide course choice, internship options, and career directions.
Superior Curriculum
Unique and comprehensive curriculum that provides the knowledge and skills necessary for critical thinking and problem-solving in your biological field of choice. At WLU, the individual biology curricula are specifically built to meet a variety of academic goals rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. When combined with experiential learning, every student has the opportunity to receive an education tailored to instill the knowledge and skills required to succeed in biological sciences academically and professionally.
Beyond the Hilltop Alumni Stories
Beyond The Hilltop with Courtney Snyder
Courtney found her passion with animals, and now she’s the Curator of Education at the Oglebay Good Zoo!
Beyond the Hilltop with Katie Kacmarik
Katie continued on with her education after WLU to become a pharmacist and to be able to give back to her home community.
Beyond the Hilltop with Savanah Lilly
After completing an internship for her degree in Zoo Science and Applied Conservation at West Liberty University, Savanah was hired on fulltime at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA.
Careers
Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.
Environmental scientists and specialists typically work in office settings and laboratories but may spend time in the field. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time.
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 8,500 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
National average salary: $122,494 – $190,892 per year dependent on field
Primary duties: Medical professionals typically diagnose and treat various human or animal disorders. These professionals include physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and veterinarians. Workplace environments include hospitals (human or animal), clinics (human or animal), zoos, government agencies, and insurance companies. Pharmacists dispense prescription medications, counsel patients, and may provide vaccinations. These professionals may work in independent pharmacies, in hospital pharmacies, or for commercial retail pharmacies. Overall employment in these fields (physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, veterinarian, pharmacist) is expected to grow from 3% to 27% from 2022 to 2032.
Animal care and service workers attend to or train animals.
Animal care and service workers are employed in a variety of settings, including kennels, zoos, stables, animal shelters, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and aquariums. Some parts of the job may be physically or emotionally demanding, and workers risk injury when caring for animals.
The median annual wage for animal caretakers was $31,200 in May 2023.
The median annual wage for animal trainers was $38,810 in May 2023.
Overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 84,500 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.
Most zoologists and wildlife biologists work full time. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in a variety of settings, including offices and laboratories. Depending on their job, they also may spend time outdoors, gathering data and studying animals in their natural habitats.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists typically need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions and may need a master’s degree for higher level jobs. They typically need a Ph.D. to lead research projects.
The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $70,600 in May 2023.
Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 1,500 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi.
Microbiologists work in primarily in laboratories and offices. Most work full time.
The median annual wage for microbiologists was $85,470 in May 2023.
Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,900 openings for microbiologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
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