Biology, B.S. at Penn State
Build a career at the forefront of the sciences with a degree in Biology.
Biology is the foundation of global innovation. It integrates the natural world with advanced scientific systems—genetics, ecology, physiology, and public health—to solve complex challenges and improve the health of our communities and our planet.
Our program prepares you for a variety of career options, including graduate and medical school.
At Penn State Beaver, you can gain rare, professional-grade experience in various on- and off-campus labs. Our on-campus Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center provides critical resources to enhance animal health, ensure food safety, and support the agricultural industry in western Pennsylvania. Students learn to test animal specimens for disease and work directly with regional farmers to improve livestock health. The hands-on training provides a distinct advantage for our graduates, offering a practical credential in diagnostic science that proves you can identify risks and help prevent pandemic outbreaks before they start.
Students also have opportunities to participate in community research projects that explore sustainability challenges with water, forest canopies, plants, and animals. Current students are working on a horse genetics project, a riparian buffer project, and gaining experience in research labs that prepare them for the critical thinking needed for post-undergraduate degree programs in a variety of areas, such as medical school.
Our faculty research includes plant ecology, restoration ecology, conservation, cancer biology, molecular biology, horse genetics, wildlife disease susceptibility, conservation genetics of threatened and endangered species, and the research of Appalachian native plants.
In addition to having access to faculty conducting ground-breaking research, you’ll participate in "living laboratory" activities to apply and test your knowledge in the field. You’ll collaborate with experts from premier organizations including the National Aviary and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and even work with local health agencies to lead vital public communication campaigns.
What You’ll Learn
- Animal behavior
- Genetics
- Cell structure
- Evolution
- Climate change
- Molecular biology
- Botany
- How to conduct research
Internships, Careers & Graduate Schools
Penn State Beaver students have completed internships or gained employment at many companies and organizations including:
- Allegheny Health Network
- Duquesne Osteopathic Medical School
- Howard University Pharmacy School
- Human Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
- New Brighton High School Science Department
- Oxford University
- Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Quest Diagnostics
- Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center
- University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital
- University of South Dakota
- Supernus Pharmaceuticals
- VetTech 360
- Wayne State University
Career Paths
- Clinical laboratory science
- Agriculture
- Ecology
- Genetic counseling
- Marine science
- Occupational therapy
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Sports medicine
- Wildlife / fisheries science
- K-12 education
