The Biology Department offers a wide assortment of courses in health science-related disciplines and in other areas of biology that help provide students with a good breadth of understanding of the biological sciences while at the same time allowing them to select electives that help prepare them for success in their chosen professional program.
In each of the last several years, approximately 30-35 students matriculated to health professional programs in disciplines such as medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, radiologic sciences, nursing, chiropractic, medical technology, nuclear medicine technology, pathologist's assistant, physician's assistant, pharmacy, and others (see our recent placement record). Students who are successful in their course work as biology majors at Shippensburg find they are very well prepared for success in their professional studies.
At Shippensburg University, small class sizes foster close faculty to student interaction. Laboratories rarely exceed 18 students and upper-division course lectures typically enroll no more than 20 students. Our faculty take time to know their students, and we encouraged our students to get to know faculty. Students have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research projects that are often awarded funding through various sources such as the SU Undergraduate Research Fund and the Miklausen-Likar Research Fund. Students in the health professions programs obtain first-hand exposure to health careers by shadowing local care practitioners. Many of our students have gained volunteer experiences at local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health care sites. Student research and internships may be taken for academic credit, but it is the hands-on experience that provides the greatest reward in academic growth and accomplishment.