Biology is the science that investigates living organisms. This broad field extends from the study of the inner-workings of a cell to the interactions between organisms and their environment.
What Will I Learn?
In addition to small classes taught by highly trained professors with expertise in their fields, the program offers students the opportunity to participate directly in research with faculty members. Students can receive small research grants from the Shippensburg University Foundation to purchase supplies or to help cover the cost of attending professional meetings. Biology students are assigned a faculty advisor from the department to help guide course selection and career goals.
In the Bachelor of Science in Biology program, you will:
Analyze and compose scientific research effectively through oral and in written methods, including the ability to prepare scientific papers, posters and short oral presentations in standard scientific format.
Be able to apply fundamental understanding of biological systems and processes at all levels (molecules to ecosystems)
Engage in and explain experiential or service learning, including research, internships, shadowing, service, community involvement, and/or leadership activities
You will receive a strong core in biology, you will also take a number of courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry.
What Types of Careers Could I Get With This Degree?
• Actuary/Insurance
• Medicine
• Veterinary science
• Optometry
• Dentistry
• Chiropractic
• Pharmacy
• Environmental
• Physical therapy
• Health professions in neuroscience
and clinical science
• Teaching
What Kinds of Experiences Could I Have?
Expect to find success because of:
Close proximity to many federal and state research labs, state forests and parks, and medical institutions for unique class visits and research or internship opportunities
Charter membership of the Marine Science Consortium located at Wallops Island, Virginia, which leads to great opportunities for oceanographic study and research opportunities
Small class sizes and personalized attention from highly qualified professors
We have laboratories containing a variety of computers and sophisticated instrumentation such as:
Scanning electron microscope
DNA sequencer
Molecular imaging system
Fluorescent microscope
Microplate readers
Refrigerated centrifuges
Micro-video systems
Automated autoclave
Environmental chambers, a pond, a thriving greenhouse, herbarium, animal care facility and a vertebrate museum add to the variety of educational experiences.
You may choose to get involved in student groups like the Biology Club, Health Sciences Club or Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society.
4+1 Program Available
With careful planning, you may be able to complete a BS in Biology and a MS in Biology with only one additional year of study through a 4+1 program. For more information, contact the Biology Department.
Course work for Biology, B.S.
The program requires 120 credits including the university's general education curriculum. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate. This program includes17-18 credits of free electives. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
Course work for Biotechnology Concentration
Individuals with training in biotechnology can work in a variety of jobs in industrial, government, and academic settings. These careers may be in research, product development, production, quality control, technical writing, sales, education, or administration. Students in the biology program at Shippensburg University may choose the concentration in biotechnology. Students enrolled in this program will obtain a broad background in biology, chemistry, and physics as well as gain substantial biotechnology laboratory experience that includes the cloning and manipulation of DNA, immunochemical analyses, and cell culture. Students interested in pre-forensics should take 7-8 credits of suggested Criminal Justice courses.
Course work for Clinical Sciences Concentration
The Clinical Sciences concentration enables students who are interested in Medical Technology, Histotechnology, Cytotechnology or Respiratory Therapy to include their clinical training as part of their B.S. in Biology degree requirements. Students in this concentration may enter a clinical program in medical technology (aka: medical laboratory science), histotechnology, cytotechnology, or respiratory therapy after their junior year of college and then transfer credits back to Shippensburg University following successful completion of their clinical education.
Course work for Ecology, Environment and Conservation Concentration
Students interested in ecological and environmental fields may choose the ecology, environment, and conservation concentration within the biology program.
Course work for Health Professions Concentration
Students in biology may pursue studies in a number of health sciences including pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-optometry, pre-podiatry, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-chiropractic, and pre-physical therapy. The Health Professions Committee, consisting of members of the Biology and Chemistry departments, provides students with advisement on such matters as course selection, professional school admission test information, and professional school interviews.