This undergraduate degree program can be tailored to your unique needs and interests. The broad biology curriculum includes courses in anatomy, microbiology, histology, cell biology and genetics, and is supplemented with courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics. You can add electives that range from animal histology to Immunology and biochemistry.
Expert faculty will become your mentors as you learn and grow. Our top-notch facilities provide hands-on experience using up-to-date methods, instrumentation and technology specific to your field. You will study the practical application of the course content by directly applying it in the field and through case studies in the classroom, and have excellent opportunities to participate in independent research projects and present your results in a professional setting.
You’ll graduate ready to pursue advanced studies in biology and related fields, for industrial and government research, or to take on a career in public health and other health-related fields.
Credits: 120
Contact:
Chadwick Hanna
hanna@pennwest.edu
724-938-5989
Student-to-faculty ratio at PennWest California
Help you acquire additional expertise and hands-on experience.
Our biology students frequently win awards for their research at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists (CPUB) annual conference.
Credits: 120
Location: California In-Person, Clarion In-Person, Edinboro In-Person
Prepare for an exciting career as a researcher in leading-edge fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and medical and clinical diagnostics, or get ready to enter graduate-level programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or the life sciences.
You’ll explore the structure and function of biological molecules, employ techniques for isolating, studying and manipulating biological molecules, and learn how to apply those skills to research in areas such as vaccine development, DNA editing and creation of genetically modified organisms.
Small class sizes allow you to receive individual attention from highly experienced faculty. You will also have the opportunity to participate in PennWest’s robust undergraduate research program and the faculty-led study abroad programs in Madagascar and Costa Rico, where you can practice field research techniques and experience new environments cultures.
Credits: 120
Location: California In-Person, Clarion In-Person, Edinboro In-Person
The mortuary science program at PennWest is a cooperative program between PennWest University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS), located in downtown Pittsburgh.
You’ll complete six semesters of study at PennWest, where you will receive a liberal science background in biology, focusing on zoology, botany, cell and molecular biology, microbiology, human anatomy and human physiology. Your senior year will be spent at PIMS, where you will learn how to become a funeral director and embalmer. The credits earned at PIMS transfer back to PennWest and count towards your Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with a concentration in mortuary science.
Our collaborative program is accredited through the American Board of Funeral Service Education, National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science and National Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards of the United States Inc.
Credits: 120
Location: California In-Person, Clarion In-Person, Edinboro In-Person
If you're passionate about a career in medicine, you know that you'll be constantly learning and growing over a period of many years. It makes sense to enroll in this rigorous pre-medical science concentration that prepares you for the journey to medical school and beyond.
In this concentration you will follow a curriculum that is heavy on the sciences, including those that are required and recommended for medical school, as well as those that prepare you for the newest version of the competitive Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Balance these classes with general education and core courses that improve your critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making, and you'll be a qualified candidate for any medical school.
Small classes taught by faculty members with a wide array of research interests will enable you to participate fully in your education and appreciate the importance of evidence-based medicine. Faculty mentors will ensure you're equipped to do well in your undergraduate program and be poised for success in medical school.
You will have many opportunities for hands-on research and internships, as well as building rapport with like-minded students and networking with medical professionals.
PennWest’s Early Acceptance Program agreements with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) create pathways to careers in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy or dental medicine. Qualifying pre-professional biology students who complete a successful interview and meet academic requirements can be assured of provisional acceptance – in essence, a reserved seat at LECOM.
Credits: 120
Location: California In-Person, Clarion In-Person, Edinboro In-Person
Do you have a love for animals and a passion for keeping them happy and healthy? PennWest’s challenging pre-veterinary science concentration prepares you for entry-level positions working in a veterinarian’s practice, a zoo, or in a wildlife or conservation agency—or for success in a rigorous veterinary school.
You’ll follow a demanding curriculum that includes courses required or recommended by well-known veterinarian schools. Small classes taught by faculty members with a wide array of research interests will enable you to participate fully in your education and appreciate the importance of evidence-based medicine. Faculty mentors will ensure you're equipped to do well in your undergraduate program and meet the competitive requirements for veterinary school.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be an 18% increase in job opportunities for veterinarians by 2026. The pre-veterinarian science concentration provides you with hands-on research opportunities, internships and a capstone experience that builds your resume and your confidence so you can succeed in this high-needs field.
Graduates with a biology degree have many career options, from continuing their education to finding employment in various types of laboratories or with private industry, government or nonprofit organizations. About 40% of all biological scientists are employed by federal, state and local government organizations.
Biological scientists work for the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Interior and Defense, and for the National Institutes of Health. Many graduates also find rewarding opportunities in scientific research and testing laboratories, the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, or educational institutions.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.