The B.S. in Integrative 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.
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 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree:
- focuses more on laboratory work and has a more chemical focus.
- is ideal for students who want to work in pharmaceuticals and bioctech.
- is the typical path for students who want to study medicine.
The Biology degree:
- fosters a broad understanding of biology without as intense a focus on chemistry.
- is ideal for students who want to work as park rangers and environmental specialists.
- is usually pursued by veterinary students.
The Integrative Science degree:
- provides a flexible major to allow students to tailor their own 400-level coursework.
- is a the ideal pathway for students pursuing careers as physician assistants.
- is perfect for students who transfer to Penn State or who do not know exactly where they want to work choose Integrative Science.
You will work closely with your adviser 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:
Minors
Students can pair the following minors with this degree program:
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
