Biology, B.S. or B.A.

Introduction

The Biology Major is a Gateway to Careers in the Sciences and Healthcare

Biologists are inquisitive professionals who seek to learn about the nature of life.  We use tools from physics, chemistry, psychology, and even economics when trying to explain and understand the structure and function of living things. Earning a biology degree at Saint Francis University can lead to exciting opportunities in the sciences, biotechnology, or health-related fields. 

Offered: On-Campus

Research & Fieldwork

Undergraduate Research in the Lab and Field: Students are encouraged to explore a significant research question in their area of interest as early as their freshman year. They work under the close guidance of our faculty who offer expertise in a full range of disciplines within biology, including molecular biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.  

The Office of Student Research offers grants to SFU students to support undergraduate research in the summer. Students write these grants with their faculty research mentor and receive research supply money, campus housing support, and a stipend.

Raystown Immersion Experience: "Live by the lake" at the beautiful Raystown Field Station, which is nestled at the edge of Raystown Lake near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. In a cooperative agreement with Juniata College, SFU and Juniata students engage in hands-on science courses and related activities, all while living at the field station for the entire semester.

Lake Saint Francis Water Shed Trail: Located on the edge of campus, the recreational trail provides access to the University's quieter, more natural areas and increases knowledge of our local ecology. The trail and surrounding ecosystem are used by the Dr. Wayne and Elizabeth Takacs Biology Department and others to conduct scientific research and promote environmental education.

Study Abroad

Field Biology Course: The BIOL 322 Field Biology course has allowed students to study biological systems around the world, including Australia, the Galapagos, and Belize.  Students prepare with readings and assignments throughout the semester, and then travel to destinations either during spring break or immediately following spring semester.

Marine Science in Caribbean: Students can take SCUBA courses while abroad.  There, they can gain SCUBA certifications, or take advanced research courses such as Coral Reef Ecology of Research Diver Methods.  SCUBA courses are open to all majors, not just those in biology or aquarium programs.

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities.

Club & Honor Society Involvement

SCUBA: Students learn to scuba dive or continue to build diving skills while exploring the fascinating underwater world. Activities are sponsored by the Scuba Club throughout the year to keep divers actively involved in the sport. Courses in SCUBA are offered in both fall and spring semesters.  Students taking SCUBA courses can earn a Biological Diving Minor.

Environmental Action Society: This organization promotes environmental education and outreach to the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Francis University as well as to the community at large. Members also have fun in the environment while preserving it!

Biology Club: This club welcomes students who major in Biology or other majors with an interest in biology.  Activities, trips and guest speaker invites are designed to help students prepare for their future in the sciences as well as to offer opportunities to participate in fellowship and networking activities.  

TriBeta Biological Honor Society: Saint Francis is home to the Upsilon Beta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society. Numerous student members have received research scholarship grants from the TriBeta national office and presented their research at the District Convention. 

The best way to explore what the student experience really looks like is to schedule a visit!

Career Outlook in Biology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for jobs in Biology is strong https://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm. “Employment of life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, which will result in about 97,400 new jobs. Increasing demand for expertise in the sciences, particularly in occupations involved in biomedical research, psychology, energy management, and environmental protection, is projected to result in employment growth.” Similarly, employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow 14 percent through 2028. Salaries can vary significantly, depending on one’s field, location, and education level.

Biological Sciences is a diverse field of study, with a wide range of career opportunities.  Below are the major career paths our graduates follow. 

Research: Basic and Applied

Researchers work for universities, government agencies, and private research institutes. Entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree, while graduate school is required for greater control and management of research projects.

Health care

Biologists pursue careers as dentists, medical laboratory scientists, optometrists, pharmacists, physicians, podiatrists, and veterinarians.

Environmental Science

Biologists who focus on environmental issues find jobs in the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Environmental Assessment & Monitoring, Fisheries, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, and the U.S. Park Service.

Education

Educators with a biology background teach classes in schools from elementary through post-secondary levels.  Environmental educations work at zoos, aquariums, museums, aviators, theme parks and resorts, and in the ecotourism industry.

Animal Care & Training

Biology majors can work as animal trainers, aquarists, zookeepers, and wildlife rehabilitation and care specialists.

Law, Business & Writing

Biology majors find careers in environmental law, patent law, science policy advising, business management, marketing, pharmaceutical sales, technical instrument sales, science writing, and science journalism.