Biology Major

Gain advanced knowledge of contemporary biology with the Bachelor of Arts in Biology or the聽Bachelor of Science in Biology in 51动漫鈥檚 College of Science and Technology. The Biology BA and BS degree curriculum explores the principles that regulate living organisms, from molecules and cells to humans and ecosystems. Learn about the links between disciplines, including cell biology, evolution, genetics and molecular biology, and their places within biological principles.

Many Biology students become clinical workers, dentists, educators, nurses, optometrists, physical therapists, physician assistants, physicians, podiatrists and veterinarians. You can work in the biotechnology, environmental or pharmaceutical fields, or choose to pursue a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in Biology or a related field.

Coursework for the Biology BA and BS emphasizes

  • bioinformatics, cell biology, genetics, ecology聽and neuroscience;
  • critical evaluation of experimental data;
  • expertise in laboratory procedures; and
  • identification of the biochemical and biophysical principles of living organisms.

The Biology Department is a hub for leading research centers, institutes and facilities, including the Center for Biodiversity, the Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, and the Biology Imaging Facility. Department faculty members encourage firsthand experiences with cutting-edge technology in the classroom. You鈥檒l have opportunities to take part in advanced research, scientific breakthroughs and new discoveries that benefit society.

Choosing between聽a BA and a BS

The Bachelor of Arts in Biology requires between 60 and 63 credit hours with three electives versus six. You鈥檒l have the flexibility to take courses in the College of Liberal Arts while gaining the necessary background in biology for your chosen career path or graduate degree. The Bachelor of Science in Biology is recommended for those who know they want to pursue a career in science upon completion of the program. It requires between 69 and 75 credit hours, including six advanced electives.

Related Graduate Degrees

*Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
** Lewis Katz School of Medicine
*** School of Pharmacy

Related Graduate Certificates

+1 Bachelor-Master Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers +1 Accelerated Bachelor-Master Programs. Students can earn a BA or BS and, at the end of the fifth year, an MA or MS. Coursework is completed over five years instead of taking the usual six-year course of study.

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Biology Major / Master of聽Education

You can also earn a Biology Major from the College of Science and Technology and a Master of聽Education from the College of Education and Human Development. Qualified students can earn a master鈥檚 degree in five years, instead of taking the usual six. .

Dual Bachelor-Master Program for International Students

International students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree from their home institution and a graduate degree from 51动漫 over five years. This multidisciplinary program includes undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework at 51动漫. Students are prepared for professional careers in today鈥檚 global economy and job market.

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3+4 Accelerated Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs in a seven-year course of study, instead of the usual eight years. Qualifying undergraduate students can obtain the Biology Major from CST and a

  • Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the Kornberg School of Dentistry,
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the School of Podiatric Medicine,
  • Doctor of Medicine from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, or
  • Doctor of Pharmacy Medicine from the School of Pharmacy.

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3+3 Accelerated Program

Qualified students can earn the Biology Major and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the College of Public Health over a five-year course of study, instead of taking the usual six years.

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Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program

The College of Science and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is designed for students planning to apply to medical school or pursue other health-related professions. The program offers the following two tracks.

  • The Basic Core in Health Sciences is intended for professionals who need the required science courses to apply to medical school.
  • The Advanced Core in Health Sciences is a program for current students who have met the premedical requirements and who seek advanced science coursework.

Both tracks include classes聽in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the College of Science and Technology. .

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.聽You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident:聽$23,112.00聽per year
Out-of-state: $38,160.00聽per year

ST-BIOL-BS

Additional Program Information

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