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Biology (B.A., B.S.)

The study of living systems prepares students for an exciting variety of professions. Bloomsburg University graduates who major in the biological and allied health sciences find employment in a wide spectrum of careers or continue with their studies in professional school or graduate school. Many enter the work force as allied health professionals, as laboratory or field technicians, or as teachers. They work in private industry, research centers, health care facilities and government agencies.

The Department of Biological and Allied Health Sciences offers a small school's personal attention while providing a large school's opportunities. Since upper-level class size averages between 12 and 24 students, there is ample opportunity for individualized interaction between faculty and students and for hands-on experience. Opportunities for independent studies and internships are also available.

Each of the 21 full-time faculty holds a Ph.D. The areas of faculty specialization include animal behavior, anatomy, botany, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, environmental microbiology, physiology, genetics, herpetology, human genetics, immunology, marine biology, medical microbiology, molecular biology, mycology, ornithology, parasitology, and plant pathology. The collective experiences and training of the faculty afford each student the opportunity to develop under a highly competent tutelage.

Research and Internship

In addition to course work, students have opportunities to learn biology in a hands-on setting outside of the classroom. This can be done through an independent study project or internship.

The faculty maintains active research programs in which students may be involved at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students pursue biological research under the direction of a faculty member, earning biology elective credit.

Internship experiences allow students to earn university credits while working as a biologist. Experiences have included assignment with the National Park Service; the Smithsonian Institution; the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Fish and Wildlife Commission; Children's Museum; Macneil Pharmaceutical Company; Philadelphia Zoo; Geisinger Medical Center; Pennsylvania Power and Light; and many other private and government agencies.

Biology (B.S., B.A.)

Students may elect to earn either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology. The B.S. program provides a rigorous background in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. The program meets the needs of students who plan to enter graduate or professional school in the natural sciences and of those seeking employment in the private sector and government agencies. B.S. students may choose to specialize, taking an option in Environmental Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology (formerly Biotechnology), or Pre-Medical Sciences.

The B.A. program provides a firm background in biology and cognate sciences, while allowing for other interests to be pursued. B.A. students may select an option in Natural History, Pre-Physical Therapy, or Pre-Physician Assistant.