Eberly College of Science Majors

This field attracts students who wish to learn about the nature, origin, and evolution of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the cosmos. The discipline applies physics and mathematics to understand these systems. This program offers students exposure to the most recent astrophysical theories, the momentous discoveries of space science, the newest reduction techniques for computer data analysis, and hands-on telescope viewing and instrumentation experience. Many undergraduate students conduct forefront research with faculty. Two options are offered in Computer Science and Graduate Study.

Career Opportunities - While many astronomy graduates go on to earn advanced degrees, some immediately begin careers in teaching, space related industries, computer firms, and government research labs.

For the B.S. Degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics, a minimum of 124 credits is required.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Home Page

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (B M B)

Biochemistry and molecular biology are sciences that seek to understand how cells and molecules function to make life possible. Growth, development, reproduction, genetics, sensory function, memory, immunological responses, disease, and , in fact, every variety of biological response can be explained in terms of the structures and interactions of cells and molecules. Biochemists and molecular biologists use analytical and quantitative methodologies in the chemical and physical sciences, including recombinant DNA or gene splicing techniques.

Career Opportunities - Many biochemistry and molecular biology students enter graduate, medical, or other types of professional schools, while others find employment in industrial, pharmaceutical, government, or university research laboratories.

For the B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, a minimum of 125 credits is required.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Home Page

BIOLOGY (BIOL)

One of the most popular majors in the college, the Biology major focuses on the study of life. This major emphasizes understanding species and their genetics, development, evolution, and interaction with an ever-changing environment. Five options are offered in Ecology, General Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Plant Biology, and Vertebrate Physiology.

Career Opportunities - Students generally find career opportunities in four main areas. They include 1) attending professional schools(i.e., medical, dental, veterinary, optometry), 2) entering a graduate program, 3) accepting jobs related to biology in industry, government, K-12 education or universities, 4) accepting jobs unrelated directly to biology in a wide variety of governmental or industrial occupations.

For the B.S. degree in Biology, a minimum of 124 credits is required.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY (BIOTC)

The Biotechnology major was created primarily for students who want to work in industry after graduating, but it also provides an appropriate background for graduate study in science. Students choose from either a General option or Clinical Laboratory Science option.

The curriculum of the General option supplies the foundation on which the specialized biotechnology laboratory courses are built. These courses expose students to the principles, techniques, and skills that are important in the biotechnology industry. A cooperative education experience is strongly encouraged as a component of this option.

The Clinical Laboratory Science option is offered for students interested in a career as clinical laboratory scientists. Graduates find employment in hospital and private physician laboratories, as well as commercial reference, state and federal, industrial, and research laboratories.

For the B.S. Degree in Biotechnology, a minimum of 125 credits is required.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Home Page

Career Opportunities - Students majoring in chemistry typically go on to graduate study in chemistry, medical school, jobs in the chemical industry, or to teaching at the secondary school level. Because of chemistry's wide application throughout modern technology, jobs in chemistry tend to remain available, even when the economy is down.

For the B.S. degree in Chemistry, a minimum of 125 credits is required.

Chemistry Home Page

FORENSIC SCIENCE (FORSC)
Students will learn state-of-the-art laboratory methods from experienced educators who are experts in their fields. The principles of crime scene investigation, presentation of physical evidence, laboratory analysis, interpretation of results, and scientific writing are taught in Penn State' own crime scene house. Course work combined with practical training will provide the academic knowledge, laboratory skills, and interpretive abilities required for a career in this rapidly growing area. This major provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences and physical sciences, specifically in the areas of forensic chemistry, forensic anthropology, forensic biology, and other related social sciences.

Career Opportunities - Graduates can pursue employment as scientists in federal, state, or private crime laboratories associated with law enforcement or other government agencies. Opportunities also exist in such public and private areas as insurance, homeland security, and the judicial community. Students may pursue graduate study, specializing in areas such as forensic psychology, anthropology, pathology, odontology, entomology, or toxicology. Graduates may also choose to attend medical or law school.

Forensic Science Home Page

MATHEMATICS (B.A. or B.S.)

Modern mathematics consists of far more than the algebra, geometry, and trigonometry taught in high school. At Penn State, mathematics students focus on a variety of mathematical topics, including algebra, analysis, topology, number theory, logic, and numerical analysis. Their are seven options that lead to the B.S. Degree: Actuarial Mathematics, Applied Analysis, Computational Mathematics, General Mathematics, Graduate Study, Systems Analysis, and Teacher Certification. Students may also earn a B.A. in mathematics.

Career Opportunities - In addition to traditional employment opportunities in science, technology, and industry, jobs in actualrial sciece, systems analysis, and financial mathematics are expected to grow rapidly. Students are strongly encoraged to participate in the Co-op program to gain work and research experience.

For the B.A. or B.S. Degree in Mathematics, a minimum of 120 credits is required.

Mathematics Home Page

MICROBIOLOGY (MICRB)

For students interested in genetic engineering, bioremediatiion, immunology, or commercial development of microbial products, or who would like to address fundamental question of genetics and molecular biology that can be most easily studied in bacterial and viral systems, Microbiology is the major to choose.

Career Opportunities - The curriculum prepares students for positions in industry and research as well as graduate study. With many course offerings relating to human health (such as immunology, general virology, medical virology, tumor virology, and medical microbiology), Microbiology is also a popular major for students considering professions in medicine, dentistry, and optometry.

For the B.S. Degree in Microbiology, a minimum of 125 credits is required.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Home Page

PHYSICS (PHYS)

Physics is the quest to discover the basic principles or laws that govern the natural world. Physics students are curious about nature and usually enthusiastic about mathematics as a tool to describe nature.

At Penn State, physics majors may choose from five options: Acoustics, Electronics, General Physics, Medical Physics, and Teaching. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research in several areas, including gravitation, modern physics, surface physics, and elementary particle physics.

Career Opportunities - The B.S. degree in physics provides a solid program of technical and general education appropriate for research and development positions in industry and government. It is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in physics or other fields, including engineering, law, and business.

For the B.S. Degree in Physics, a minimum of 124 credits is required.

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PREMEDICINE (P M)

Nationally, Penn State ranks among the top twenty schools in the number of students admitted to medical schools. The four-year program is the college's most popular premedical course of study. Under the three-year alternative, students can earn a B.S. degree in premedicine after only three years at Penn State and one year at an accredited medical or dental school. There is also an early admission option with Penn State's College of Medicine at The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Our alumni report that the Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Science majors also provide excellent preparation for medical and dental school.

An accelerated six-year PREMEDICAL-MEDICAL MAJOR is also offered by Penn State in cooperation with Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. This program is open to outstanding students selected as high school seniors.

For the B.S. Degree in Premedicine, a minimum of 126 credits is required.

Premedicine Home Page

PREMEDICAL - MEDICAL PROGRAM

Special Admit Program: Eberly College of Science and the College of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University.

An accelerated six-year PREMEDICAL-MEDICAL MAJOR is offered by Penn State in cooperation with Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Students can earn both the B.S. and M.D. degrees in six calendar years after graduation from high school. They will spend the first two years at Penn State's University Park campus, then proceed to Jefferson Medical College for their regular four-year curriculum. The Penn State B.S. is awarded after successful completion of the second year at Jefferson Medical College, and the M.D. is awarded after successful completion of the fourth year. Students in this program have an option to extend their undergraduate experience by a year or two and defer ther matriculation to Jefferson.

Premedical-Medical Program Home Page

SCIENCE (SC)

This interdisciplinary major aims to provide a broad, general education in science. Students may pursue either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. The B.S. degree program includes options in General Science, Life Science, Mathematical Science, and Physical Science. The curriculum is designed specifically for students who have educational goals not readily met in one of the other Eberly College of Science majors or those who need a higher degree of flexibility to meet their educational objectives. After completing foundation courses in calculus, chemistry, physics and the life sciences, students select additional science courses from designated areas. A large number of supporting credits permits students to include a minor or course sequences in business, education, exercise science, technical writing, or other fields. In the B.A degree program, students can combine the science portion of the curriculum with a strong emphasis on the Liberal Arts.

Career Opportunities - Many students use this program to prepare for graduate school, professional schools, or employment in science-related disciplines.

For the B.A. or B.S. Degree in Science, a minimum of 124 credits is required.

Science Major Home Page

SCIENCE/BUSINESS (B.S./MBA)

An accredited five-year Science B.S./MBA program offered in cooperation with Penn State's College of Business Administration is available for select students who wish to combine an undergraduate program in science with a graduate program in business administration. Students incorporate three semesters (usually two summers and one fall or spring semester) of cooperative education work experiences into the undergraduate portion of their program in order to better prepare them for entrance into Smeal's MBA program. Students in this program also participate in a range of professional development activities throughout the completion of both degrees, developing the skills and network needed to succeed. Students admitted with Advanced Placement credits(AP) may be able to complete their dual degree requirement in five years. Other students will take six years to complete both degrees - still saving two to five years compared to students who take the traditional path leading to admission in Smeal's internationally recognized MBA program.

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STATISTICS (STAT)

This major is for students interested in mathematics, computation, and the quantitative aspects of the sciences. The options available to students include Biostatistics, Graduate Study, Statistics and Computing, and Applied Statistics.

Career Opportunities - Careers are available in industry and government or for graduate study in statistics. The major provides students with the background needed to enter pharmaceutical research divisions, quality-control areas of manufacturing companies, clinical research units of drug companies, and other data-intensive areas.

For the B.S. Degree in Statistics, a minimum of 120 credits is required.

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