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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
  4. Biology

Prospective Biology Students

Want to receive more information about Biology at Penn State Altoona, meet with a faculty member, or observe a class?
Contact biology faculty at [email protected].

Jobs in Biology

There are many jobs available to individuals with degrees in biology. A Ph.D. is usually required for independent research. Still, a bachelor's or master's degree is sufficient for many careers in applied research, product development, and health care, as well as many nonresearch jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job competition can be quite high for doctoral degree holders seeking independent research positions. However, those with bachelor's or master's degrees generally have ample employment opportunities.

Many jobs for biologists are in fields such as Health Care, Research and Development, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Education, Public Health, Government Agencies, and Forensic Science.

Where Biologists Work

The U.S. Department of Labor statistics indicates that about 40% of biological scientists work for the government in some capacity, while most of the rest work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology establishments, hospitals, or research and testing laboratories. Many biologists also go on to hold teaching positions in universities, colleges, and secondary schools. Here is a list of some employers of biologists:

  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Biotechnology Firms
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Hospitals
  • Public health facilities
  • Zoos and Aquariums
  • Arboretums
  • Fish and Wildlife Service
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Government Laboratories
  • Research Laboratories
  • Environmental Agencies
  • Conservation Agencies
  • Inspection Agencies
  • Control Boards
  • Agricultural Industry
  • Manufacturers of lab equipment
  • Manufactures medical supplies
  • Research foundations
  • Cosmetic companies
  • Chemical manufacturers
  • Dental Health facilities
  • Museums

The Future of Biology

Although no one can predict the future, job growth in biology continues to be higher than the national average. The biological sciences experienced rapid growth in the 80s and 90s, mostly because of the growth of major biotechnology companies. Unfortunately, job competition will remain high for those seeking independent research positions. However, the future is brighter for those looking for science-related jobs in sales, marketing, and research management or as engineering technicians, health technologists, and technicians. (U.S. Dept of Labor) Biology Job Links

  • American Institue of Biological Sciences: Careers in Biology
  • BiologyJobs.com

Biology

  • Prospective Biology Students
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  • Biology Degree Requirements
  • Advising Information for Biology Students
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Suggested Academic Plan

Suggested Academic Plans (SAPs) are sample semester-by-semester guides you can use to meet degree requirements.

Biology SAP for Prospective Students

View the SAP for the B.S. in Biology (General Biology, Vertebrate Physiology, and Ecology Options).

Biology SAP for Current Students

To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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Student Success Center

Located in room 125 on the lower level of the Eiche Library, the Student Success Center supports two main functions:

  • To GET HELP for those students who need academic and non-academic assistance, and
  • To GET AHEAD for those students ready to take the next steps in their education.
Learn more about the Student Success Center

Out-of-Class Learning

Out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including:

  • Study Away Programs
  • Academic Internships
  • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
Learn more about Out-of-class Learning

See Also

  • Penn State's Biology Minor
  • Health Care Professions Information
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
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
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    • Financial Aid Information
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