Liz Thomas-Joseph
Advisor to biology majors
Master of Arts in Psychology: Clinical Counseling, The Citadel Graduate College
Bachelor of Humanities in Communications: Mass Media, College of Charleston
Bachelor of Science in Biology
There's more than one way to get a biology degree at ETSU. As a matter of fact, there are four.
All four biology concentrations share a common core that includes 2 years of biology classes, a year of general chemistry, a year of physics, two math courses, a general education core, and a diverse array of guided electives at the junior and senior level. From there, the paths diverge.
For information on suggested courses based on your career interests visit the Biological Career Pathways page.
Summary of Concentrations
Standard track (no minor required)
The standard track, the most popular concentration, includes a core in the natural sciences and mathematics to prepare you for a broad range of specialized upper level classes. These electives give you the freedom to tailor your degree for any number of careers in biology or for graduate and/or professional school application.
Standard track (including minor)
The standard track with a minor allows you to adopt a secondary area of study by replacing 14 hours of upper-level biology courses with a minor program of study.
Biochemistry Concentration
The biochemistry concentration focuses in on molecular and cellular biology courses and, like the original standard track, does not require the completion of a minor.
Secondary Education Track
The secondary education track includes a minor in secondary ed and prepares students for licensure to teach 7-12 grades.
All students pursuing the secondary education track must also be advised in the College of Education to prepare for boarding and licensure. Please contact Joel Tramel to schedule an advisement meeting.
Advisement for biology majors
Students with 0-59 earned credit hours
As a biology freshman or sophomore, you will be advised in the CASE by either me or
Susan Prohaska until you have earned 60 credit hours. This generally gives you time
to complete your biology, chemistry, math, and physics core.
Students with 60 or more earned credit hours
During your junior and senior years, you will be advised by faculty, who will guide
you as you choose your junior and senior level electives. Students in the education
track will also be advised within the College of Education to stay on track regarding
the education minor and your teaching licensure requirements.
60-89 credit hours with last names A-I
Dr. Tom Laughlin
Email to set up an appointment (laughlin@etsu.edu)
60-89 credit hours with last names J-Z
Dr. Karl Joplin
Sign up for an appointment time in 432 Brown Hall
90 or more credit hours
Dr. Hugh Miller
Office hours are posted on the door in 306 Brown Hall
Students pursuing admission to a professional school in the health care field
If you are planning to apply to medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or
a similar program, you will also meet with an MPA advisor to help you prepare for
your entrance exam and application. Call our main office at 423.439.5602 to be referred
to the appropriate advisor for your program.
