A large number of supporting credits permit students to readily include significant breadth or specialization into their undergraduate curriculum. Some examples include minors in business, computer and information science, education, kinesiology, or other fields. The degree allows students throughout the Commonwealth to become familiar with both the theory and the practice of science. It can help prepare students for various careers in pharmaceutical, biotechnical, chemical, medical, and agricultural industries. The degree can also be tailored to meet the specific requirements of professional programs such as medical, dental, or pharmacy schools. The General Science option of the B.S. Science degree allows for the most flexibility. Achievement in a more specialized set of goals can be met by selecting one of the other three B.S. options. The General Science and Life Sciences options are offered at Penn State Harrisburg.
In order to be eligible for entrance to the Science major, a student at any location must have:
- attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average
- completed MATH 140 (GQ) Calculus With Analytic Geometry I (4) with a grade of C or better
- completed at least two of the following courses with a grade of C or better:
- BIOL 110 (GN) (4)
- CHEM 110 (GN) (3)
- PHYS 211 (GN) (4) OR PHYS 250 (GN) (4)
TWO-YEAR PREPROFESSIONAL PREPARATION:
The first two years of the Science major (62 credits) can meet the preprofessional needs of those interested in admission to some schools of pharmacy, physical therapy, optometry, nursing, and physician assistant training. Successful students can then transfer after two years of undergraduate study to the professional school to which they are admitted. Note, however, that no Penn State degree can be awarded after only two years (62 credits) of study in the Science major. Also, note that the abbreviated two-year curriculum alone does not prepare students for admission to professional schools of general medicine, veterinary medicine, or dental medicine. Consult with your college's health sciences professional adviser for additional information.
For the B.S. degree in Science, a minimum of 124 credits is required, with at least 15 credits at the 400 level.
This page is not a part of the official Penn State University Bulletin.