Department of Biology
The mission of the biology department at VMI is to provide our students with a focused education in the biological sciences. The degree programs prepare our majors to pursue post-graduate education in the biological and health sciences and allow for specialization that matches the cadet’s interests and career plans. Faculty members believe that interaction with cadets in the classroom, laboratory, and on an individual basis is critical in the development of the successful biology major. In keeping with this philosophy, class sizes are small, laboratories accompany most courses, advising is conducted on an individual basis, and undergraduate research is encouraged. In 1991, the biology department developed a summer research experience. The Dr. Fred C. Swope Summer Scholars Program is an intensive, eight-week program that introduces selected students to the scientific method, research design and data analysis, data presentation, use of sophisticated laboratory instruments, and independent research. Each student conducts a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This research is at the "cutting edge" of science and several publications have resulted from these projects. Normally, cadets are selected to participate in this program between their second and first class years.
Since 1994, approximately 40% of our graduates have entered post-graduate degree programs. Twenty-four percent of our graduates have entered the health professions (medical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy, physician assistant programs) and 16% have enrolled in M.S. or Ph.D. programs in graduate school. Additionally, 43% of our majors have accepted a commission in a branch of the military following graduation. Our graduates have been highly successful in competing for health profession scholarships from the armed services to pay for their health profession schooling or for graduate teaching or research assistantships and fellowships to support their graduate degree programs.
