Biology Major

Biology Major

Biology Major

Major

The most important “system” in the Army is the human soldier. Because the soldier is a biological system, life science, biotechnology, and medicine offer unique potential for enhancing the performance of this most complex, critical, and costly of the Army’s systems. Biologists study the structure and processes of living organisms using the unifying principles of life: cell theory, evolution, genetics, and homeostasis.

Offered by the Department of Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering.

Are you fascinated by how the human body works, how diseases spread, or how living systems adapt and survive? Do you want to apply that knowledge to make a difference as a future Army officer, medic, researcher, or environmental leader? The Biology major at the United States Military Academy (West Point) offers a dynamic and impactful path for cadets who are passionate about life sciences and service.

Biology is the study of living organisms, from the smallest cells to complex ecosystems. At West Point, the Biology major blends core scientific knowledge with military relevance - preparing cadets to understand human health, biotechnology, environmental systems, and more.

It’s a great fit for cadets interested in medicine, public health, environmental leadership, or research - all while developing the leadership skills to serve their country. Study life. Serve others. Lead the future. That’s the Biology major at West Point.

Why Choose Biology at USMA?

  • Army-Relevant Applications
    Biology directly supports military roles in combat medicine, environmental protection, biosecurity, and public health. This training helps prepare the Army for biological threats and humanitarian missions.
  • Strong Pathway to Medical Careers
    If a cadet wants to become an Army doctor, nurse, or health care provider, Biology provides the ideal academic foundation for the premedical track or graduate study.
  • Research Opportunities and Leadership
    Conduct undergraduate research on topics like disease, biotechnology, or ecosystems - and present findings at conferences or Army research labs.
  • Flexible and Career-Ready
    Biology at West Point opens doors to careers in health care, science, environmental policy, bioengineering, and leadership roles across the Army.

What To Do with This Major?

With a Biology degree from West Point, graduates will be prepared to:

  • Serve as an Army officer in medical services, environmental science, or public health
  • Apply to medical, dental, veterinary, or graduate school
  • Conduct scientific research in military or civilian labs
  • Work with agencies like the CDC, NIH, or Army Medical Research labs
  • Lead efforts in health care, sustainability, or science policy

Interested Cadets

The Biology major includes 11 required courses and 2 optional courses. It also offers an honors track.

Required Courses - Choose 4

  • CH383 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
  • CH384 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II
  • CH385 - INTRODUCTION TO CELL BIOLOGY
  • CH387 - HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
  • CH388 - GENETICS
  • CH457 - MICROBIOLOGY
  • CH473 - BIOCHEMISTRY

Electives - Choose 2 

  • CH362 - MASS & ENERGY BALANCES
  • CH371 - INTRO TO ANALYTICAL CHEM
  • CH376 - ADV. TECH IN LIGHT MICROSCOPY
  • CH399 - TOPICS IN CHEM/LS/CHMENG
  • CH450 - BIOENGINEERING MDLING & ANLSIS
  • CH460 - HUMAN ANATOMY
  • CH471 - POLYMER CHEMISTRY
  • CH474 - INSTRU METHODS OF ANALYSIS
  • CH481 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
  • CH499 - TOPICS IN CHEM/LS/CHMENG W/LAB
  • GE341 - GEOGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA
  • KN355 - FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY
  • NE474 - RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY
  • PH365 - MODERN PHYSICS
  • PL390 - BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Complementary Support Courses - Choose 3

The CSCs provide foundational math and science support for cadets in this major.

  • CH102 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
  • MA204 - CALCULUS I AND II
  • MA205 - CALCULUS II
  • MA255 - ADV MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS
  • PH202 - PHYSICS II
  • PH252 - ADVANCED PHYSICS II

Integrative Experience for the Major

  • CH479 - METHODS & APPS OF BIOTECH
  • Science Depth
    • CH375 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
  • STEM Depth - Cadets in this major must take CY305/355 to satisfy the STEM Depth requirement. This also fulfills the IT/CYBER requirements.
    • CY305 - CYBER FOUNDATIONS
    • CY355 - CYBER FOUNDATIONS - COMPUTING

Core Engineering Sequence

Cadets in this major may take any approved core engineering sequence.

Writing in the Major

Cadets in this major satisfy the West Point Writing Program requirement by successfully completing writing requirements in the core curriculum and this course in the major.

  • CH479 - METHODS & APPS OF BIOTECH

Learn More

Cadets have numerous opportunities to participate in activities that will expand their intellectual and social interests within their field, including medical school scholarship opportunities, Projects Day participation, and the summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a USMA-run academic enrichment experience.

The goal of the Biology program is to prepare cadets to become complex problem solvers as second lieutenants on active duty, excel at the graduate school level in the life sciences, or apply, gain entry, and succeed in medical school. In addition to a curriculum that focuses on all aspects of living organisms from the smallest molecule to individual organisms as well as organisms in the environment, the program places heavy emphasis on conducting research. 

The “education through research” model provides cadets with opportunities to become better problem solvers, understand the scientific process, and prepare for graduate and medical schools. The Biology program has a track record of providing opportunities that lead to cadet scholarships, such as the Stamps, Goldwater, and Rhodes Scholarships, as well as scholarships for the best medical schools in the country.

Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering or the Center for Molecular Science.