James Madison University Liaison: Heather Griscom
Phone: (540) 568-5525
Email: griscohp@jmu.edu
This dual degree program makes it possible for the student to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biology from James Madison University and a Master of Forestry (M.F.) degree from Virginia Tech in five years.
During the first three years at JMU, the student must complete 89 credit hours, including all JMU general education requirements, the cognate courses in chemistry and mathematics, a course in geology and at least 24 semester hours in biology courses, as shown below.
During the fourth year of study, when the student is in residence at Virginia Tech as an undergraduate student in an accelerated advanced degree program, the student will take further courses (31 credits) approved by the JMU Department of Biology for credit toward the B.S. in biology from JMU.
A total of 38 semester hours of biology and biology-related courses (taken at JMU and Virginia Tech) will be required for the JMU B.S. in biology, which will be conferred after the fourth year of study. If the student’s academic record is satisfactory, they will be admitted into the graduate program of the Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech, where they will spend an additional year taking forest biology and natural resources courses to obtain the degree of Master of Forestry. To apply for the dual degree program, the student must have the permission of the dean of the College of Science and Mathematics . Information about the program can be obtained from the faculty liaison. Students are encouraged to inquire as early as possible in their undergraduate careers.
