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You have unlimited possibilities for success at Tennessee State University. We’re a leading institution of higher learning and provide students with the opportunity to experience academic and personal growth. You’ll receive instruction from top-notch faculty and be immersed in research, service learning, and student life activities, including internships, cultural, and study abroad opportunities.
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Our world-class faculty will teach you how to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. As a student, you will become a problem solver and critical thinker. You may begin the admissions process by submitting your application. The university also assists in providing information on financial aid services, work-study, fellowships and scholarships based on eligibility and other rules and regulations established by the agencies.
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Tennessee State University students go by the motto: “Think. Work. Serve.” But we also realize a little fun should be part of the collegiate experience to create a holistic approach to learning. With a variety of social, professional and civic clubs for students to participate in, there are many opportunities for you to share your time and talents and enjoy connecting with your fellow students to create the work-life balance needed for success in college and beyond.
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Tennessee State University counts on the generous contributions of alumni and friends to fulfill our mission of providing a top-notch, affordable education to the best and brightest students. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. When you support TSU, you help provide critically needed scholarships, departmental support and other special project funding that benefits our students.
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Tennessee State University is engaging in cutting-edge research to address critical challenges in our society. Our research arm supports faculty and students by taking their ideas from conception to fruition in critical areas such as biotechnology, homeland security and agriculture, to name a few. Our Centers of Excellence encourage collaborative and experimental learning opportunities and help expand the boundaries of science, education and technology.
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Tennessee State University Athletics is part of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) NCAA Division Ⅰ and offers football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, track and field, golf, tennis, softball and volleyball. We provide student-athletes with a positive academic and social environment to excel on and off the field. Our mission is to blend physical, emotional and intellectual development into one experience. We not only build winning-teams, but leaders in the classroom, in the community and in your profession of choice.

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Tennessee State University is a world-class university known for academic excellence, incredible students, inspiring faculty, exceptional value and an amazing campus and community. We invite you to learn more about TSU and our academic programs, admissions process, tuition and financial aid, campus visits, student housing and more.
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Tennessee State University is dedicated to helping students develop the skills needed for the real world. Our vibrant campus life, leadership opportunities, rigorous academic programs, access to scholarships and student services are just a few of the student services we offer. We are preparing career-ready professionals today for knowledge-based jobs tomorrow. The Tiger legacy continues with you.
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TSU loves parents! And we encourage you to stay involved with your Tennessee State University student. We strive to make the transition to college and beyond flow as smoothly as possible for everyone. We’ll keep you up-to-date on campus happenings through a monthly eNewsletter, a helpful Parent Guide and through many other programs and events. We’re here to help you and your student make the most out of your TSU experience.
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At Tennessee State University, our blood runs blue! We enjoy connecting, socializing and sharing news about the great things our alumni are doing across the globe. From our annual Homecoming celebration to donor events and volunteer activities, TSU alumni always find time to celebrate what it means to be a Big Blue Tiger. We welcome you back to campus anytime to rekindle your most memorable experiences.
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Welcome to Tennessee State University, located in the heart of Nashville, one of the nation’s most progressive cities! Whether you are here for your first visit, planning a campus tour or returning after many years away, TSU welcomes you to enjoy our facilities, hospitality and our unique history and contributions.
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Tennessee State University is proud to have 1,200 distinguished administrators, faculty and staff members as part of our team. With outstanding reputations for teaching, research and service, these professionals make valuable contributions to our community of scholars and ensure that TSU is a thriving public institution of higher learning.

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3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37209
Tel: (615) 963-5000

Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Tennessee State University. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: EEOAA Director, tcox9@tnstate.edu, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209, 615-963-7494. The Tennessee State University policy on nondiscrimination can be found at www.tnstate.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Tennessee State University has been designated a certified “Vets Campus” by the THEC, and “Military Friendly” by G.I Jobs and Victory Media.

Tennessee State University

Jul 12, 2025

2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Catalog

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2025 - 2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) | Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)

Suggested Four Year-Plan (Total 120 Hours)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 1110, 1111 - General Biology I and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I (3)
ENGL 1010 - Freshman English I (3)
Humanities or Social Science (3) General Education Requirements B.S. and/or B.A. Degrees
UNIV 1000 - Service to Leadership (1)

Total: 15 Hours

Spring Semester

BIOL 1120, 1121 - General Biology II and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 1120 - General Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 1121 - General Chemistry II Laboratory (1)
ENGL 1020 - Freshman English II (3)
MATH 1910 - Calculus I (4)
Note: * Students will have to take MATH 1710 and MATH 1720 if they are unprepared for 1910.

Total: 15 Hours

Note:

*Students will have to take MATH 1710 and MATH 1720 if they are unprepared for 1910.

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 2110, 2111 - Cell Biology and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 2010 - Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHEM 2011 - Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
Sophomore Literature (3) General Education Requirements B.S. and/or B.A. Degrees
History (3)
COMM 2200 - Public Speaking (3)

Total: 17 Hours

Spring Semester

BIOL 2120, 2121 - Principles of Genetics and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 2020 - Organic Chemistry II (3)
CHEM 2021 - Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (1)
Humanities (3)
History (3)
Social and Behavioral Science (3)

Total: 17 Hours

Junior Year

Fall Semester

BIOL Physiology Elective (4)
(BIOL 3200, 3201 , BIOL 3210, 3211 , BIOL 3400, 3401 , or BIOL 4300, 4301 )
CHEM 3410 - General Biochemistry I (3)
CHEM 3411 - General Biochemistry I Laboratory (1)
PHYS 2010 - Non-Calculus Based Physics I (3)
PHYS 2011 - Non-Calculus Based Physics I Laboratory (1)
BIOL 3110 - Biometrics (3)
OR
AGSC 3120 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I (3)
OR
AGSC 3130 - Sample Survey Theory and Techniques (3)

Total: 15 Hours

Spring Semester

BIOL 4120, 4121 - Principles of Ecology and Laboratory (4)
CHEM 3420 - General Biochemistry II (3)
CHEM 3421 - General Biochemistry II Laboratory (1)
PHYS 2020 - Non-Calculus Based Physics II (3)
PHYS 2021 - Non-Calculus Based Physics II Laboratory (1)
Biology Elective (3000-4999) with Lab (4)

Total: 16 Hours

Senior Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 4170 - Senior Seminar I (1)
BIOL Elective 3000/4999 (3)
Social Science Elective (3)
General Elective 3000/4999 (3)
General Elective 3000/4999 (3)

Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology Concentration, B.S.

Suggested Four Year-Plan (Total 120 Hours)

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Total: 15 Hours

Spring Semester

Total: 15 Hours

Note:

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Total: 17 Hours

Spring Semester

Total: 17 Hours

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Total: 15 Hours

Spring Semester

Total: 16 Hours

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Total: 13 Hours

Spring Semester

Total: 12 Hours