Penn State Harrisburg will offer a new biology baccalaureate degree. The program, which will offer degree options in general biology and developmental biology, is currently enrolling students and will begin spring 2015.
The introduction of an undergraduate biology degree will expand the portfolio of baccalaureate programs available for science students in south-central Pennsylvania and will promote regional economic development.
“Penn State Harrisburg is pleased and excited to offer this new biology bachelor’s degree program,” said Dr. Ray Bachnak, director of the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology. “The program will meet the significant demand for this major in the Harrisburg area and further increase the visibility of our campus as a destination for science students. It will also provide flexibility for current students to meet their academic goals.”
Biology is the academic discipline most commonly held by students applying to medical school.
According to Bachnak, the program will be especially attractive to the region’s location-bound students who are unable to relocate to pursue their degree.
The Pennsylvania College-Bound Seniors Report consistently identifies a biology degree as one of the top five intended majors of high school students planning for college. The degree is in high demand partly because career opportunities in science and health-related fields are plentiful and growing. Biology majors typically complete the degree with highly marketable skills. These graduates often seek admission to post-baccalaureate study, including graduate school, dental school, medical school and other programs.
The program is a collaboration between Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State York.
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