College of Sciences
Bachelor of Science/Arts in Biology
Work side by side with expert scientists. Develop comprehensive laboratory science skills and conduct research. Customize your path with concentrations, tracks, minor options, or dual majors.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Science/Arts
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 132
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4 Years
Why Get Your Biology Degree at DeSales University?
Customize your Biology degree at DeSales. Enroll in a dual degree or a bachelors to master’s pathway. Add a concentration or choose the track that fits your goals. Whatever you choose, you’ll get hands-on experience through internships, research, student groups and more.
Program Highlights
Multiple Pathways to Success
- Choose a track or concentration to customize your Biology degree. Work toward a pre-medical major, dual major, or pursue a bachelor’s to master’s pathway. There are so many biology career options. Our counselors can help you figure out the right pathway for your goals!
Professional Development Opportunities
- As a student in the Biology program, you can participate in undergraduate research fellowships with faculty mentors. You’ll also be guided with career preparation and help finding internships. Advisors will help you prepare for graduate school admissions exams, including the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or GRE.
Proven Outcomes
- Biology graduates have begun careers in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical research, forensics, environmental science, and education.
What Will You Study?
At DeSales, you will study and work in incredible, state-of-the-art labs. Unlike many other schools, at DeSales, your laboratories will be led by faculty.
The Priscilla Payne Hurd Science Center offers state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories in chemistry, biology, and physics. Campbell Hall houses our neuroscience major, general biology, ecology, environmental science, and field biology labs.
Courses you may take include:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biostatistics
- Microbiology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Animal Behavior
Meet the Faculty
Program Tracks & Concentrations
Swipe below to discover more!
Tracks
Learn MoreBachelor of Arts Track
Pre-Physican Assistant
The Pre-PA track is for students interested in completing a four-year Biology degree as a pathway to a graduate Physician Assistant program. This track has been tailored to match the admissions requirements of DeSales’ PA program and other competitive PA programs in our region.
Courses You May Take Include:
Bachelor of Science Track
Pre-Med/Dental
If you are interested in attending medical school or dental school, follow the Pre-Med/Dental track. You’ll be well prepared for a career in medicine.
Courses You May Take Include:
Bachelor of Science Track
Pre-Vet
For students interested in attending veterinary school, we offer a Pre-Vet track. Gain knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in graduate school.
Courses You May Take Include:
Bachelor of Science Track
Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP)
Choose this path if you want to teach biology in secondary school. You will receive strong preparation in both teaching methods and biology content. Be prepared for teacher certification in Pennsylvania or other states of your choice.
Courses You May Take Include:
Forensics Concentrations
Learn MoreBachelor of Science Concentration
Forensics
This concentration combines the strengths of DeSales' biology and criminal justice programs. Centered in biology, this is an interdisciplinary path with courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, and criminal justice. Be prepared for a wide range of career and graduate education opportunities.
Courses You May Take Include:
Minor
Learn MoreMinor
Biology
A Biology minor is not available to biochemistry-molecular biology or medical studies majors. The biology minor is a complement to other science, healthcare majors.
Courses You May Take Include:
Outcomes & Careers
The Biology program at DeSales prepares you for various biology career options as well as continued education. Gain a competitive advantage for graduate programs through specialized course work; volunteer and internship experiences; and help from the Pre-Professional Advisory Committee, who will assist you through the application process.
DeSales has affiliation agreements with the following institutions. These agreements guarantee priority interviews, reserve seats and/or allow early admission for DeSales students who meet the necessary prerequisites:
- The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- The Medical School of Temple/St. Luke’s University Health Network
- DeSales University’s graduate programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Physical Therapy
Biology graduates have had successful careers in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical research, forensics, environmental science, and education.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application
- High School transcripts
- Entrance essay
- Optional SAT score submission
Program FAQs
No. You can choose to major in Biology and pursue your BS or BA degree without choosing a track or concentration.
The BS option will prepare you to attend medical, dental, podiatric, veterinary, or graduate school in the sciences.
The BA option is usually chosen by those pursuing a physician assistant graduate degree or an accelerated nursing program after completing your four-year degree. It's also an excellent choice if you want a liberal arts program with a solid background in biology or want to combine your biology study with another area of study—such as business, environmental studies, law, or science writing.
The flexibility our Biology program offers can seem overwhelming! Don’t worry, we have counselors who will walk you through it and figure out what’s best for you and the trajectory of your next four years and beyond.
Gain experience with the latest experimental techniques, such as CRISPR and DNA barcoding, and cutting-edge technology such as fluorescence microscopy and plasmid electroporation.
Complete fieldwork in courses such as field biology, ecology, and evolution — past courses have included the Florida Everglades, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Texas.
Biology alumni are employed in a variety of settings, including:
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Allentown School District
- Azzur Labs
- B. Braun Medical Inc.
- Bethlehem Area School District
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Charles River Labs
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- CVS
- Delaware County Schools
- Eurofins
- Johnson & Johnson
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Merck & Company, Inc.
- National Institutes of Health
- New Jersey State Police
- Notre Dame of Bethlehem School
- New Horizon Animal Hospital
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Reading School District
- Sanofi Pasteur
- St. Luke’s University Health Network
- West Valley Animal Hospital
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