The Biology pathway requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 hours of courses appropriate to the pathway. For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

What does it cost?
Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.
How long will it take?
The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.
Where can I take classes?
Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, Online (some courses)
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1
Biology Pathway, A.S.
Email: cmcallister5@gsu.edu
Phone: 678-891-3768
What Is Biology?
Biology is the science of life, from simple bacteria to complicated organisms. Biologists pursue a wide range of interests, among them researching diseases, exploring the evolution of organisms, modeling the complexity of ecosystems and examining the distribution of living organisms.
Why Study Biology?
Why do people get old and die? Why do seeds grow up, not down? How does injecting someone with a virus prevent them from catching it? Biologists learn the answers. Students of biology develop an understanding of how living things work and affect each other. They work to answer new questions about the natural world, whether it is about environmental impact or human health and well-being. Will building a new dam destroy a rare flower or increase populations of parasites? Where did the latest Salmonella outbreak originate? Why are some cancers resistant to chemotherapy? How do we make a vaccine for AIDS? Biologists perform research to discover answers to these questions, apply their research and teach the discoveries to a new generation.
A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
Biology Pathway, A.S.

Email: cmcallister5@gsu.edu
Phone: 678-891-3768
What Is Biology?
Biology is the science of life, from simple bacteria to complicated organisms. Biologists pursue a wide range of interests, among them researching diseases, exploring the evolution of organisms, modeling the complexity of ecosystems and examining the distribution of living organisms.
Why Study Biology?
Why do people get old and die? Why do seeds grow up, not down? How does injecting someone with a virus prevent them from catching it? Biologists learn the answers. Students of biology develop an understanding of how living things work and affect each other. They work to answer new questions about the natural world, whether it is about environmental impact or human health and well-being. Will building a new dam destroy a rare flower or increase populations of parasites? Where did the latest Salmonella outbreak originate? Why are some cancers resistant to chemotherapy? How do we make a vaccine for AIDS? Biologists perform research to discover answers to these questions, apply their research and teach the discoveries to a new generation.
A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.
How much does it cost?
Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.
How long will it take?
The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.
Where can I take classes?
Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, Online (some courses)
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1
Students should consult with advisers to confirm availability of online courses and requirements or additional costs that may be associated with courses. Students should check with advisers about which campuses offer the courses they need. Typically, core courses required for pathways can be taken at most locations and online, while pathway-specific courses may require attendance at a particular location.
Pathway Highlights
Careers
Biology opens the door to a variety of careers and leads to roles such as:
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Check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ listings for biological scientists and other biology careers.
Pathway Details
As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.
Description
Contacts
Admissions
For help with applying or admissions, please review our website, visit a campus office, or contact us at 404-413-2500.
Dr. Carl McAllister
Department Chair of Life and Earth Sciences
cmcallister5@gsu.edu
678-891-3768
Alpharetta Campus
Science (LES and PS) Department
Contessa Paige
cpaige@gsu.edu
678-240-6037
Physical Sciences Department Chair
Dr. Solomon Fesseha
sfesseha@gsu.edu
404-413-2387
Clarkston Campus
Administrative Assistant
Jessica Reuter
jreuter1@gsu.edu
678-891-3766
Life and Earth Sciences Department Chair
Dr. Carl McAllister
cmcallister5@gsu.edu
678-891-3768
Decatur Campus
Science (LES and PS) Department
Linda York
lyork@gsu.edu
678-891-2600
Associate Chair for Science
Dr. Pamela Leggett Robinson
pleggett1@gsu.edu
678-891-2602
Dunwoody Campus
Life and Earth Sciences Department
Kris Chandler
kchandler@gsu.edu
770-274-5037
Associate Chair for Life and Earth Sciences
Dr. Sheryl Shanholtzer
sshanholtzer@gsu.edu
770-274-5067
Newton Campus
Science (LES and PS) Department
Jill Heft
jheft@gsu.edu
770-278-1263
Associate Chair for Science
Dr. Mike Sakuta
msakuta@gsu.edu
770-278-1268
The information shared here provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.