To be well prepared for entry into the Biology B.S. degree program and to graduate in four years (for new freshman) or two years (for transfer students), the following coursework should be completed and passed with a grade of "C" or higher prior to entering CSUMB:
High School Preparation
- Four years of math, including pre-calculus and preferably calculus
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology (2 years recommended)
- Any AP science or calculus class
- 2 or 3 years of language
Preparation for Community College Transfer Students
- Area A: Written and Oral Communication, Critical Thinking, 9 units
- Area B: Natural Science and Mathematics, 22-32 units
Math: Complete Pre-calculus (CAN MATH 16) and Calculus (either CAN MATH 18 or 30), 6-10 units
Chemistry: Complete CAN CHEM Sequence A, entire sequence, 8-10 units
Biology: Complete core biology for biology majors sequence, 10-12 units - Area C: Humanities and Fine Arts (2 different disciplines; recommend one semester of foreign language), 9 units
- Area D: Social Sciences (3 different disciplines), including 1) U.S. History; 2) U.S. Constitution & American Ideals, with California State and Local Government; and 3) any other social science (psychology required for some biology careers), 9 units
- Area E: Vibrancy, 1 course in personal development theory, 3 units
CSUMB Lower-Division
If you enter CSUMB as a freshman and are considering the Biology major, we recommend that you begin taking courses for the major right away. Please consult the Requirements and Course Pathways information on this website, and speak with a Biology advisor (see Contact information) for required lower-division coursework and recommended course sequencing.
You may declare Biology as your major at any time in your college career. Be sure to contact a Biology advisor as soon as you decide to pursue the Biology major, even if you have not yet formally declared the Biology major.