
Biology
Prepare for a fulfilling career in life sciences with our comprehensive biology program.
- Degrees & Offerings
-
- B.A.
- B.S.
- Location
-
- Bloomsburg
- Lock Haven
- Mansfield
- Department
- Program Contact
-
Associate Professor of Biology & Chair of the Biological and Health Sciences Department
Start Your Scientific Journey
泡芙视频 graduates are employed in a wide spectrum of careers or continue their studies in professional, medical, and graduate schools following their undergraduate studies in biology. Each concentration in the biology department emphasizes hands-on experience in the laboratory and off-campus field settings beginning your freshman year.

- Program Concentrations: The biology program offers concentrations in cellular biology and molecular genomics, ecology and environmental conservation, fisheries, marine biology, and natural history. No matter the path you choose, your future in the biological sciences awaits!
- Accelerated 3+2 M.S. Biology Program: Our 3+2 Accelerated M.S. Biology Program is designed for students who wish to fast-track their education and graduate with both a bachelor of science and a master of science degree in just five years. The M.S. Biology Program culminates in a scholarly research project, which serves as a great preparation to enter the job market or continue onto a Ph.D. program or medical school.
Course Delivery Format
Bloomsburg
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Lock Haven
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Mansfield
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Clearfield
Face-to-Face
Online
Hybrid
Courses and Curriculum
The Biology Program strives to provide high-quality undergraduate instruction through a rigorous curriculum that fosters opportunities for students to learn and apply basic biological concepts, make connections between those concepts and real-world situations, and critically evaluate information for its biological validity. We take pride in helping students recognize opportunities to apply their biological knowledge and skills to serve the community.
This program is available at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.
泡芙视频's Bachelor of Science in Biology program provides a rigorous background in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. This program meets your needs if you plan to enter graduate or professional school in the natural sciences, and wish to seek employment in the private sector and government agencies.
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .
This program is available at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.
泡芙视频's Bachelor of Arts in Biology program provides a firm background in Biology and cognate sciences while allowing for other interests to be pursued. Biology (B.A.) majors may select a concentration in Natural History that prepares students for a career in zoos, aquaria, science museums, and environmental education centers. This program includes a strong background in organismal and field biology with supporting coursework in geology and anthropology.
The flexibility in this degree allows you to select courses that will prepare you to interact with the public. Students earning a degree in Secondary Education Biology may earn a B.A. in Biology as well. This degree, which provides a strong background in the biological sciences, has considerable flexibility and is a good choice for students who want to double-major or minor in another academic discipline.
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .
This concentration is available at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.
This concentration focuses on the relationship between living things and their surrounding environment to prepare you for a career in an array of fields including: environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife biology, public health, pollution abatement, conservation, environmental education, and others. The natural habitats surrounding our campuses in central and north central Pennsylvania provide an excellent 鈥渓aboratory鈥 for hands-on field experiences.
You will also experience field trips to area rivers, class A wild trout streams, and wetlands where you will research the freshwater life of our area. The requirements and electives are tailored to develop skills in ecology, field biology, and environmental sciences. This program prepares students for careers in environmental protection, natural resource management, and conservation with state and federal agencies and conservation organizations.
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .
This concentration is available at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.
This concentration emphasizes laboratory studies to prepare you for a career in molecular biology, forensics, genetics, or other laboratory-related fields or to continue your studies in graduate school.
Our students have a high rate of acceptance into professional studies at schools such as Johns Hopkins University, University of New Hampshire, University of Tennessee, Temple University, and others. The upper-level classes include a variety of specialized courses such as: immunology, developmental biology, and bioinformatics and genomics just to name a few.
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .
This concentration is available at the Mansfield campus.
泡芙视频 - Mansfield's Biology (B.S.) with a concentration in Fisheries prepares students to meet the highest professional standards in the field of fisheries sciences. Our curriculum is designed to achieve certification as Associate Fisheries Professional by the by placing a high value on individual-based learning, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Graduates have successful careers with Federal, State and non-governmental agencies and organizations.
Learn more about our Fisheries program.
This concentration is available at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.
The extensive hands-on experiences at Chincoteague Bay Field Station (CBFS) combined with classroom study and laboratory research will prepare you for a career as a marine biologist. CU is a member of a Marine Science Consortium on the Delmarva Peninsula in Virginia. The Consortium maintains a brand new, modern teaching/research campus and several ocean-going vessels with modern oceanographic equipment for use by faculty and students.
This location provides ready access to wetlands and barrier islands as well as inshore and offshore ocean habitats. In this track, you will be required to spend a minimum of three summer sessions (three weeks each totaling nine semester hours) at the CBFS facility where you will collect data and perform research on a diverse variety of aquatic life. Other resources near CBFS for student use include Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague National Seashore. You may complete all nine hours in one summer, but it is recommended that you spread this experience over two or more summers.
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .
This concentration is available at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.
Prepare for a career in zoos, aquaria, science museums, and environmental education centers. This program includes a strong background in organismal and field biology with supporting coursework in geology and anthropology. The flexibility in this degree allows you to select courses that will prepare you to interact with the public.
Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .
The minor in biology is designed to broaden and expand the knowledge of students especially those in biology-related curricula. The requirements for a minor are a total of at least 18 hours of semester credit.
General Biology (B.S.)
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical, analytical, and integrative thinking to biological problems
- Apply the scientific method to design and conduct biological research, including analyzing and interpreting biological data
- Demonstrate skill and proficiency using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form
- Demonstrate the ability to select and use technology appropriate to the work of the discipline.
Ecology and Environmental Conservation (B.S.)
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical, analytical, and integrative thinking to biological problems
- Apply the scientific method to design and conduct biological research, including analyzing and interpreting biological data
- Demonstrate skill and proficiency using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form
- Demonstrate the ability to select and use technology appropriate to the work of the discipline.
Cellular Biology and Molecular Genomics (B.S.)
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)
- Advanced knowledge of molecular and cellular biology and genetics
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical, analytical, and integrative thinking to biological problems
- Apply the scientific method and concepts from Molecular Biology and Genetics to design and conduct biological research, including analyzing and interpreting biological data
- Demonstrate skill and proficiency using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form
- Demonstrate the ability to select and use technology appropriate to the work of the discipline.
Fisheries (B.S.)
- Demonstrate knowledge of fishery science, with a particular emphasis on the biology, husbandry and management of aquatic organisms.
- Identify and use appropriate tools for data collection in fisheries science.
- Apply theoretical and technical knowledge of quantitative (mathematical and statistical) sciences to fisheries research and management problems.
- Design and conduct quantitative fisheries stock assessments.
- Write and communicate fisheries management recommendations using quantitative assessment results and management strategy evaluations
Marine Biology (B.S.)
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension in five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical, analytical, and integrative thinking to biological problems
- Apply the scientific method to design and conduct biological research, including analyzing and interpreting biological data
- Demonstrate skill and proficiency using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form
- Demonstrate the ability to select and use technology appropriate to the work of the discipline.
General Biology (B.A.)
- Describe and synthesize the five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)
- Apply critical and analytical thinking to biological problems.
- Use the scientific method to design, conduct, and analyze biological research.
- Demonstrate skill using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form
Natural History (B.A.)
- Describe and synthesize the five core concepts of biology at varying scales (molecules to ecosystems)
- Apply critical and analytical thinking to biological problems.
- Use the scientific method to design, conduct, and analyze biological research.
- Demonstrate skill using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas with scientists and the general public in both written and oral form
Biology Minor
Upon completion of the minor students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts in biology (molecules to ecosystems)
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical, analytical, and integrative thinking to biological problems
- Demonstrate skill using appropriate scientific methods and instruments
- Clearly communicate biological ideas in both written and oral form
Explore Biology
Internships
One of the best ways to take your Biology education a step farther is to participate in a wide range of internships during the semester or break. The Biology faculty has established many contacts with numerous organizations and institutions that range from environmental to medical to molecular research. Internships allow our students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life work environments while making valuable connections and gaining a competitive edge in the job market.
Internships are taken for variable credits that count towards your major. Some recent internship positions held by our students have been with:
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Lamar National Fish Hatchery
- Clinton and Bradford County Conservation Districts
- Senior Behavioral Health Program at Mercy Suburban Hospital
- Medical technology labs at Evangelical Community Hospital (Lewisburg, PA)
- PA Department of Environmental Protection Black Fly Program
- PA Department of Agriculture
- GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Company
- PA Fish and Boat Commission
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- Hershey Medical Center
Undergraduate Research
Recent student independent studies have included research in cytotaxonomy, microbiology, entomology, ornithology, aquatic ecology, molecular biology and wildlife management. Some of these projects have been so successful that the results have been published in scientific journals.
As a Biology major, you will be encouraged to pursue an independent research project. Students who complete these projects work closely with a faculty member on a project they develop together.
This is an opportunity to apply practical skills that you learn in lectures and laboratories to a project that is your own. Students who successfully complete a project often present it at our annual Celebration of Scholarship, a day dedicated to highlighting and recognizing all works of scholarship across the campus. Some students present their work at other venues as well. Students and faculty have recently presented work at the American Society for Microbiology branch meeting and at the annual meeting of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB). Undergraduate research plays a large role in our students鈥 futures and often is the first step towards graduate school and career goals.
Some project titles include:
- Toxicity of Fracturing Mixture on Mayfly Larva
- Bacterial Adhesion on 1-Decanethiol SAM on Au
- The Effect of Light Quality and Quantity on the Morphological Development on Rhododendron Catawbiense
- Sex Determination and the Role of the SRY and SOX9 Genes
- Assessment of Insecticide Efficacy against Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Aldeges
tsugae) - Molecular Genetic Pathways: Investigating the FGF Gene Family
- The Embryonic Development of Danio rerio (Zebrafish) and the Effects of Retinoic Acid on the Developing Embryos
- Bio-prospecting for Novel Antibiotic Compounds produced by Fungal Endophytes: from Isolation to Assaying for Activity
Accelerated Program (3+2)
The M.S is rapidly becoming the professional working degree in biology. Answering the growing need for advanced graduate-level preparation for students, the accelerated, combined bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 curriculum in biology implements a focused career development tract emphasizing advanced laboratory, field, and career skills.
At 泡芙视频, we offer a seamless progression of coursework from our undergraduate to graduate level, culminating in both a bachelor鈥檚 and a master鈥檚 degree. Pursue graduate work early in your academic career and enter the job market with the credentials most likely to help you secure a position and advance in your career. Pursuing these credentials in traditional, stand-alone bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs would require a minimum of six years of study. In contrast, the accelerated program at Commonwealth U can be completed in only five years.
Facilities
泡芙视频鈥檚 state-of-the-art biology lab facilities across all campuses provide students with access to the tools and technology needed for advanced scientific discovery. From modern molecular biology labs to fully equipped ecology and anatomy labs, our campuses support a wide range of hands-on learning and research. No matter where you study within our university, you'll benefit from high-quality lab experiences that bring biology to life.
泡芙视频鈥檚 state-of-the-art biology lab facilities across all campuses provide students with access to the tools and technology needed for advanced scientific discovery. From modern molecular biology labs to fully equipped ecology and anatomy labs, our campuses support a wide range of hands-on learning and research. No matter where you study within our university, you'll benefit from high-quality lab experiences that bring biology to life.
- Hartline Science Center (Bloomsburg)
- East Campus Science Center (Lock Haven)
- Grant Science Center (Mansfield)
Shape the future of Biology
Research
We strive to provide hands-on, real-world science experience to our students. This includes many opportunities to work in a real laboratory or field-based setting, experiencing how scientific investigation really works. Students work side-by-side with faculty, other undergraduate students, and graduate researchers to design, execute and analyze real-life experiments and studies.
Undergraduate students can volunteer in research laboratories, do research for academic credit as part of the focused elective selection, and in some cases as a funded professional experience opportunity. BAHS students are encouraged to explore research opportunities with faculty as early as their first semester, as part of their freshman seminar course, and can explore faculty research fields of study and potential projects through our online gallery. Research experiences provide students with analytical and problem-solving skills which are not only valuable for future researchers, but also for any student planning for careers in STEM, including the health sciences.
Clubs and Organizations
Biology Club
The objectives of the Biology Club include advancing the level of biology knowledge, providing an opportunity for interaction for students with an interest in biology, and facilitating discussion on topics and careers in this field. The 泡芙视频 Biology Club is made up of science and non-science majors desiring to strengthen their scientific backgrounds. Members of this club have the option to participate in many activities, including field trips to places such as the Baltimore Aquarium and the Smithsonian Institution.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Club
The purpose of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Club is to plan and provide educational programs and activities for fish culture and biology students.
Bass Fishing Team
The Bass Fishing Team serves to bring together students who have a common interest in bass fishing. The team also competes in local and regional tournaments.
Future Healthcare Professionals Club
The mission of the Future Healthcare Professionals Club is to promote education in the medical field to explore career opportunities. The club also promotes community service projects.
Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society
Membership in Sigma Zeta is open to Science and Math majors with 3.00 overall Q.P.A. and 30 earned credits. Sigma Zeta encourages and fosters high academic standards in science and mathematics, as well as involvement in local research projects and community service.
Careers
The professional outcome of a degree in Biology can be overwhelming, simply because there are so many paths to choose from! Our Biology graduates have found success in the following areas:
Potential Job Opportunities
- Research
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary practice
- Forensics
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Environmental services
- Medical and research laboratories
Biology Program Contacts
Applying to This Program
Apply
-
Application Process
Review the step-by-step process whether you're a first-year student, transferring to CU, or more.
-
By starting your application, you gain access to your personalized application portal to view your progress.
-
Scholarships
As the largest comprehensive university in north central and northeastern Pennsylvania, CommonwealthU works hard to provide a world-class education that consistently rates among the best values in the nation.
Explore More
-
Explore 泡芙视频
There's no better way to learn more than to experience 泡芙视频 for yourself! Set up a campus tour or connect with us virtually.
-
Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Applying to college is a big step. You have questions, and we have answers!
-
Understanding Financial Aid
Financial Aid can be a complex topic. Our Financial Aid team is here to tell you what you need to know and help you navigate the financial aid process.