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B.S. in Science

The B.S. in Science provides a broad education in the sciences. The degree allows students flexibility in choosing upper-level coursework that can be tailored to long-term goals.  Students can focus on physics, chemistry, and mathematics or focus on the biology of the human body. Both options provide student with a strong foundation in all scientific areas: biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.

Students gain an understanding of critical ideas in science while developing skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and communication. Students will also learn a variety of laboratory techniques that will translate to the real world of science.

Download the degree flyer

Skills for the Real World

Penn State Berks offers three degrees related to the life sciences. All three degrees lead to similar outcomes but the focus of the degrees vary slightly. The BMB degree focuses more on laboratory work and has a more chemical focus; Biology fosters a broad understanding of biology without as intense a focus on chemistry; Science provides a flexible major to allow students to tailor their own 400-level coursework. Medical students usually choose BMB, veterinary students usually choose Biology, and Physician Assistant students choose Science.

Students who want to work in Pharmaceuticals and Bioctech often choose BMB; students who want to work as park rangers and environmental specialists usually choose Biology; students who transfer to Penn State or who do not know exactly where they want to work choose Science. You will work closely with your advisor to choose the most appropriate degree for your long-term goals.

Concentrations or Academic Tracks

Learn more about the Academic Tracks, or view the Suggested Academic Plans for each.

  • General Option
  • Life Science Option

Research Opportunities

Students can work in a number of labs of faculty as well as doing an internship with Dr. Jen Arnold studying tern migration.

  • Drosophila genetics
  • bacteriology
  • parathyroid-hormone related proteinl biology
  • polyamine biology
  • molecular modeling
  • microfluidics

Double Majors

Students can pair the following programs with this degree program for a double major:

  • Psychology
  • Business

Minors

Students can pair the following minors with this degree program:

  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Communication Arts and Sciences

After Graduation

The Science major prepares students for work in a technical fields such as laboratory work, clinical research, and quality assurance in the food industry. The degree also prepares students for graduate study, and some graduates have continued into advanced schooling for medical, veterinary, pharmacy, optometry, or dental school.

Graduates from this degree program have gotten the following jobs:

  • Laboratory technicians in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnical fields
  • academic positions working as lab techs for research labs
  • monitoring for food, water, and sewage

Graduates from this degree program have gone on to graduate school at:

  • University of Houston
  • Drexel
  • Arcadia
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • Cornell
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Pittsburgh

B.S. in Science

  • B.S. in Science Overview
  • B.S. in Science Program Goals
  • B.S. in Science Curriculum Checklist
  • Life Science Option
  • B.S. in Science Faculty
  • Request Information about Science
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See Also

  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Undergraduate Bulletin
  • Degree Flyer
  • Curriculum Checklist - General Science Option
  • Curriculum Checklist - Life Science Option
Locations of Penn State's campuses throughout Pennsylvania with Penn State Berks highlighted

Penn State Berks

Nestled on 258 beautifully landscaped acres in Berks County and easily accessible from anywhere in eastern Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
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