Science Major Overview

The Science major, offering both B.S. and B.A. degrees, aims to provide a broad, general education in science with options for emphasis in the general, life, mathematical, or physical science areas. 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 for those who need the widest possible flexibility to attain their educational objectives. In addition to General Education requirements and core courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and life science, students take a distribution of other science credits from designated areas. A generous block of supporting credits permits students to take additional science courses or to include course sequences in non-science areas such as education, business, foreign language, technical writing, allied health, etc. For either the B.A. or B.S. degree in Science, a minimum of 124 credits is required with at least 15 credits at the 400-level.

Many students from this major go on to graduate school in some specific science discipline or to professional school in areas such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, law, or business. Other students seek immediate employment in a wide variety of science-related disciplines, such as sales or service in chemical or drug companies, technical assistants in biological laboratories, research in industry or government, science writing, education, etc.

Some professional school programs, such as pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant, and other allied health areas, only require two years of undergraduate schooling for admission. The first two years of the Science major can often meet the preprofessional needs of these programs. Interested students can complete the necessary prerequisite courses here and then, if admitted, transfer to the desired professional school. Note, however, that no Penn State degree can be awarded after only two years of the Science major. Also, the abbreviated two-year curriculum alone does not prepare students for admission to professional schools of general medicine, veterinary medicine, or dental medicine. In considering this major, a student should consult the most recent Baccalaureate Degree Bulletin for a description of the course requirements.

For additional information on the Science major, contact the program office at 213 Whitmore Laboratory at 865-7620.