Major in biology and make your own discoveries
As a Biology major at Carlow University, learn the scientific principles of living organisms, conduct student research, and prepare for your dream career or graduate studies in the healthcare, research or environmental fields.
Concentrations are available in:
- Cardiovascular Perfusion: learn to operate heart-lung machines during surgery (dual-degree program)
- Environmental Science & Management: study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues (dual-degree program)
- Human Biology: examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields
The biology major and its concentrations are offered in an accelerated format, giving you the opportunity to graduate with a dual-degree in as few as five years.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
Bachelor of Science in Biology Curriculum
The biology major curriculum covers the entire scope of biological sciences from the structure and function of genes, proteins and cells to the ecology and evolution of organisms. Specializations have been designed to align with your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology).
Before graduating you will have the opportunity to conduct student research and/or complete a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity through the Senior Capstone course. Both provide an advantage for you as you pursue a career or graduate studies.
Choose your concentration
Environmental Science
You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.
Cardiovascular Perfusion
As you work toward your bachelor’s degree in Biology through Carlow University, you will complete requirements at UPMC Shadyside, while beginning your clinical training. In this accelerated Cardiovascular Perfusion program, you will pursue Biology within the tradition of the liberal arts while accumulating the technical proficiency and professional skills required of health care professionals.
The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered in coordination with the UPMC School of Perfusion. Up to 15 students per year are accepted into the Master of Science program. Admission to the graduate program is NOT guaranteed for those pursuing the cardiovascular perfusion concentration at the undergraduate level.
Human Biology
Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields. Be prepared to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry.
Quick Facts
- Pursue a concentration that interests you (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology)
- Be prepared to pursue a career or graduate studies
- Apply for an early acceptance program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Alternate degree completion option
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in Biology
Biologists find jobs in such fields as ecology, wildlife and zoology, molecular and cellular biology, and education. A Bachelor of Science degree in biology sets the foundation for graduate programs in the healthcare, research or environmental fields.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth between 3% and 5% in a range of biological occupations from 2019 to 2029.
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
- First-year students applying to the cardiovascular perfusion concentration must have a minimum 3.500 cumulative high school GPA. Transfer students must have a minimum 3.500 cumulative college GPA and a minimum 3.500 GPA in college-level science courses.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Alternate degree completion option
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Biology faculty
Joseph Acierno Assistant Professor
Mark Barsic Lab Manager & C.H.O.
Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology
Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor
Marissa Nocera Assistant Professor
Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology
Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.
