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  1. Home
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  3. Bachelor's Degrees
Students and faculty studying biology in the field

Biology

Explore Penn State Altoona's Biology program by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click on the "Open" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the Biology Program Coordinator to learn more

Why major in Biology?

With a degree in Biology from Penn State Altoona, you’ll be well prepared for your future, whether you are interested in a career in medicine or other health-related professions, looking to pursue an advanced degree through graduate study, or interested in working with various governmental agencies or industries having biological responsibilities. Importantly, you’ll understand the world of living things and gain practical experience through laboratory and fieldwork in small classes taught by faculty.

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Options

At Penn State Altoona, three options are available for study.

  • The General Biology option focuses on all aspects of modern biology.
  • The Vertebrate Physiology option focuses on animal physiology and anatomy and prepares students for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, and animal physiology.
  • The Ecology option explores the evolution, behavior, and population and community biology of plants and animals, preparing students for environmental management and conservation careers.

Opportunities

Undergraduate research opportunities are available at Penn State Altoona and will help you achieve your career goals. Students performing research with our faculty have traveled to field sites and conferences worldwide. Their work has been presented at local, regional, national, and international meetings and, in some cases, has led to student-coauthored publications in scientific journals.

Penn State Altoona is part of the Early Acceptance Program at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). It has the first active Penn State chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society. Students may join the Biology Club and Science Club to enhance their classroom experiences.

Unique to Penn State Altoona, the Human Dimensions of Health Care course provides students on-site experience with patients, their families, and health care providers. Our Health Professions adviser can provide personalized guidance in advancing a career in health care, which can require careful planning for successful applications to secondary schools.

Biology

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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

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See Also

  • Penn State's Biology Minor
  • Health Care Professions Information
  • Sustainability Council
  • Out-of-Class Learning Opportunities
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  • Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
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