OVERVIEW

Texas Tech University at Waco resides on the scenic campus of McLennan Community College in Waco, TX and offers upper division level courses toward a Bachelor's of Science in Biology degree. Students complete their core curriculum requirements with the community college and the upper level requirements with Texas Tech University without leaving Waco. By combining quality and affordability, the partnership between McLennan Community College and Texas Tech University offers a unique undergraduate experience. The Biology minor is also available at TTU at Waco.

Learn More About the TTU Biology at Waco Program

History of TTU Biology at Waco

The partnership between McLennan Community College and Texas Tech University began in 2009. A minor in Biology was first offered as part of the Bachelor of General Studies degree in 2009. The Bachelor of Science in Biology was officially offered in the beginning of Spring 2014 and began with six students declaring Biology as their major. As of the Fall 2024, there are over 25 biology majors and another 25+ students declaring Biology as a minor making Biology one of the most selected degree options at TTU at Waco. The Department of Biological Sciences is committed and excited to continue the growth and development of this degree to support the Waco community.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Students interested in biology will gain skills for careers in biological research, science education, or prepare to continue their education toward medical school, pharmacy school, school of veterinarian medicine, or school of physical therapy. Many TTU Waco Biology students have gone on to become physical therapists, physician assistants, medical doctors, optometerists, etc. and several students have gone on to graduate school. We are also very proud of our students who are know passing on their knowledge as science teachers at many elementary and high schools across Texas.

Biology Minor

Students from other departments may minor in biology and must complete 18 hours in biological sciences (includes courses with BIOL, MBIO, and ZOOL prefixes). Either Biology of Plants (BIOL 1401) and Biology of Animals (BIOL 1402) OR Biology I (BIOL 1403) and Biology II (BIOL 1404) must account for 8 of these hours. BIOL 1401 and 1402 are available online from TTU Biology faculty, however, Biology I and II are not offered online through TTU. BIOL 1401, 1402, 1403, and 1404 are offered as face to face or online courses through MCC.

Another 6 hours must come from 3000- and 4000-level courses.  Students have the option of taking 3000- and 4000- level courses through TTU as  face to face courses on the MCC campus or online.