Build a working understanding of how living things function — and add a credential that pairs well with chemistry, health sciences, environmental work, and pre-professional tracks.
Why add a Biology Minor at Shawnee State
You'll get a real grounding in biology, not a tour. The minor starts with General Biology 1 and 2, then asks you to go deeper in genetics and molecular biology, ecology, or cell biology before you pick electives.
It pairs cleanly with other majors. Chemistry, health sciences, environmental science, agriculture, and education students all use this minor to round out a degree that needs biological reasoning.
Classes are small, and faculty know you by name. You'll get questions answered in office hours instead of waiting your turn in a 200-seat lecture hall.
You'll do real lab work, not just read about it. The Natural Sciences department teaches in dedicated lab spaces with current equipment.
What you'll study
The Biology minor is built around two general biology courses, an upper-level core choice, and eight hours of biology electives so you can lean into what interests you.
- Required Courses (8 hrs.): BIOL 1151 General Biology 1 and BIOL 1152 General Biology 2
- Choose 3–4 hrs.: BIOL 3770 Genetics and Molecular Biology, BIOL 3850 Ecology, or BIOL 4770 Cell Biology
- Biology Electives (8 hrs.): any BIOL course at the 2000 level or above, with at least one at the 3000 level
View the full curriculum and sample schedule in the Academic Catalog
Who should consider this minor
- Chemistry majors heading toward pharmacy, medical school, or another health profession
- Health Sciences students who want a stronger biology base
- Environmental, agriculture, or natural resources students
- Education majors planning to teach in a science classroom
- Anyone curious about how living systems work and wanting a credential that shows it
Tuition and Financial Aid
SSU offers affordable tuition rates with the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee ensuring that your tuition, room, meal plan, and general fees remain consistent for four years.
To support students financially, Shawnee State provides a variety of scholarship opportunities:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards ranging from $2,000 to full tuition are available based on academic achievements, such as GPA and standardized test scores.
- Choose Ohio First Scholarships: Specifically for Ohio residents pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like Medical Laboratory Technology, these scholarships offer awards from $1,500 up to full tuition.
- Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program: Students from select Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky counties who qualify for federal Pell Grants may be eligible for free tuition.
For detailed information on tuition rates and to explore all scholarship opportunities, please visit the Tuition & Fees and Scholarships pages.
We encourage you to contact your advisor, the Bursar’s Office, or the Financial Aid Office for details about your personal tuition or billing statement.
Contact Information
Eugene Burns, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Phone: (740) 351-3685
Email: eburns@shawnee.edu
Dr. Chris Meade
Chairperson, Department of Natural Sciences
Professor of Biology
Phone: (740) 351-3338
Email: cmeade@shawnee.edu