Biology

Bachelor of Science in Biology

�鶹��ý's biology program and its enthusiastic faculty are dedicated to providing students with a framework to excel in any biological field. Students work closely with faculty to develop critical thinking skills and analytical techniques to be successful in their future careers as scientists. The biology program takes a multidisciplinary approach to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of fundamental scientific principles in mathematics, chemistry and physics. The laboratory spaces expose students to equipment and instrumentation for examining cells and tissues, isolating and manipulating DNA and protein, growing and analyzing microbes, and analyzing metabolites in plants and other organisms.

Students within the program can experience real-world research by completing an internship at a company directly in line with their career goals or by completing an independent research project with a faculty mentor. The program also offers coursework that can give qualifying students an opportunity to enter the Reading Hospital Medical Laboratory Science program after completion of their third year at �鶹��ý. Students accepted into this program acquire their Bachelor of Science in Biology from �鶹��ý after successful completion of a year of clinical study.

Biology majors can also enter into the 3+2 Physician Associate Program and have the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years.

In This Section

Biology

Career Outlook

After earning your Bachelor of Science in Biology, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

Biologist
Agricultural technician
Quality control technician
Health educator
Science teacher
Physician liaison
Dentist

Biology graduates from �鶹��ý have pursued further study in podiatry, immunology, dentistry, optometry, medicine and education. They are employed by such reputable companies and research facilities as Pfizer Inc., Drug Scan, Johnson & Johnson, Church & Dwight, GlaxoSmithKline, Carpenter Technology Corporation, Thomas Jefferson University and The Graduate Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as by virtually every hospital in Berks County and many in Lebanon, Lancaster, York, Pottsville and Philadelphia. They serve society as physicians, dentists, teachers, pharmacists, research associates and technologists.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in biology are expected to grow up to 19 percent between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual salary is $71,000.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

As a biology major at �鶹��ý, you’ll learn more than what is contained in textbooks. You’ll experience “real-world learning” that will enable you to link your classroom experiences to the larger community and, indeed, the world.

In addition, �鶹��ý partners with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to offer an early acceptance program for students who quality to enter the college’s School of Dental Medical, School of Pharmacy or Medical College following completion of their degree at �鶹��ý.

Internship opportunities include the Alliance for a Clean Environment American Association for the Advancement of Science, Berks County Conservancy, Berks Nature, Bristol-Myers Squib Capital Internship Program Chicago Botanic Garden, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Echo Hill Outdoor School Environmental Protection Agency, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Institute for Experiential Learning, Institute of Paper Science & Technology, Lehigh Valley Hospital, National Science Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources the Philadelphia Zoo, the Rainforest Action Network and Reading Public Museum.

Opportunities for Majors

Science Association

The object of this club is to afford an opportunity for the students of science to become better acquainted, to secure the intellectual stimulation that arises from professional association, to obtain experiences in preparing and presenting technical material before chemical audiences, to foster a professional spirit among the members, to instill a professional pride in the sciences, and to build an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges facing the modern scientist. Membership of this association is open to students pursuing their study in the area of science and related fields. Contact Rosemarie Chinni (610-568-1492, rosemarie.chinni@alvernia.edu) or Kevin Burns (kevin.burns@alvernia.edu, 610-790-2865) for more information.

Pre-Health Club

The Pre-Health Professions Club includes, but is not limited to, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Physician Assisting, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Pre-Veterinary students. It provides a setting in which students who are working toward future careers in the health professions can get together, share information, learn more about the health professions in general, and develop friendships with students who share some of their interests. Members of this organization are composed of students pursuing study in several areas of science and related health fields.

Environmental Club

The purpose of this student organization is to maintain the temperate deciduous forest, riparian, and freshwater ecosystems about �鶹��ý and the community it serves. The organization does this by recruiting new members, educating the public, and holding events that draw attention to the environment. Such events are Eco-Fun Day, trail clean-up days, and hosting public speaker seminars.

Beta Kappa Chi

Beta Kappa Chi is the National Science Honor Society composed of chapters which seek to encourage and advance scientific education through original education, the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the stimulation of high scholarship in pure and applied science.

Epsilon Gamma Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society

This is a National Scholastic Honor Society for students, faculty, and alumni of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition.

The Washington Center Experience

�鶹��ý students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women’s issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. �鶹��ý’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Accreditation Statement

�鶹��ý is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about �鶹��ý’s Biology program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Science Department Chair Michelle Serapiglia, Ph.D., at 610-796-8427 or michelle.serapiglia@alvernia.edu. To see a list of Science lecturers, click here.