Biology

Biology Major Requirements

Students in the Biology degree program build a broad foundation in biological sciences through a series of major-specific and elective courses. An optional concentration area pathway allows students to investigate a specific area of the field more deeply.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Biology include:

• Core Major Courses
• Research Series: BIO 392 Biology Inquiry I and BIO 393 Biology Inquiry II
• Concentration Courses or Biology Electives
• General Electives

Study areas include environmental science and ecology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, and organic chemistry and biochemistry. Research and inquiry are integral to the Biology major, and laboratory and research opportunities begin in the first few courses students take.

Concentration Areas

Biology majors either continue pursuing the general study plan or specialize in one of the following concentrations:

• Biotechnology: Hands-on experience applying studies to biomedical and health-based industries. 
• Cell and Molecular Biology: In-depth examinations of how genetic information impacts organisms.
• Ecology and Conservation: Immersions in ecological challenges through data collection and analysis.
• Pre-Professional Medicine: Prepare for medical and professional program entrance examinations with faculty guidance.

Admissions and Aid

Emerge from your Biology degree program ready and confident to take on the challenges of STEM careers and rigorous graduate study. To take the first step, we are here to assist you in completing the seamless, rolling-deadline undergraduate admissions process.

Learn about costs and financial aid at York College to understand tuition and reach out with any questions.

Earn a B.S. in Biology at York College of Pennsylvania

If you’re curious about the world around you and just reading about it isn’t enough, York College’s bachelor’s in Biology program empowers you to make real discoveries in each course you take.

Get started with a request for information. Or begin an online application.

Career Preparation

The tailored coursework, research, and internship opportunities in the bachelor’s in Biology program open many possibilities for future careers. Biology majors can pursue roles in health and medicine, biotechnology, writing and journalism, microbiology, ecology, or environmental science or opt for graduate school in biomedical fields, public health, physical therapy, optometry, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. Popular pathways include:

• Working in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry labs
• Research at educational institutions or research institutes
• Measuring and analyzing chemical and biological data for quality assurance or ecological health
• Environmental education and community outreach
• Natural resource management

The analytical, laboratory, and critical thinking and communication skills practiced throughout the program ensure graduates can contribute to the scientific field as laboratory technicians and research assistants, with the groundwork for taking on further responsibilities and more complex research throughout their careers.

Salary and Outlook

The field of biology offers competitive entry-level salaries and a variety of workplaces and industries from which to choose. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects that scientific occupations will grow faster than other occupations on average through 2032.

With a bachelor’s degree in Biology, students can expect to pursue roles with average annual salaries that look like the following from the BLS:

• Biological technicians—$52,000/year
• Forensic science technicians—$67,440/year
• Agricultural and food science technicians—$78,770/year
• Environmental scientists and specialists—$80,060/year
• Microbiologists—$87,330/year

While wages vary depending on the location and exact job description, the BLS reports biological scientists earn the most in scientific research, federal and local government settings, and colleges and universities.

Undergraduate Research

Each Biology major at York College completes a two-semester research course and has consistent opportunities to complete in-class projects, where they can ask novel questions and advance knowledge in cutting-edge areas. Many students also complete independent research alongside faculty mentors.

Past student research projects have focused on:

• The CRISPR-Cas9 system for gene editing cancer treatments
• Disease prevalence in amphibian and reptile populations
• Migratory patterns of owls
• Molecular mechanisms of retinal development
• Viral entry into host cells

Students in the Biology degree program have studied the stream that runs through campus, worked in conservation in York County Parks, performed clinical research with WellSpan Health, and even presented research findings at international conferences such as the National Diversity in STEM Conference in Puerto Rico.

Internships and Assistantships

Our Biology major program stands out for how our students regularly participate in optional summer internships and paid, unpaid, and credit-bearing work experiences. After your first Biology course, paid lab assistant jobs open up under expert York College faculty, and our unique study abroad programs include ecology internships in Greece and taking classes at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Summer internships also include working with local organizations like West Shore Wildlife Center and Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories. 

Professional Laboratory Facilities

As a Biology student, you’ll have access to the same equipment used in professional research laboratories. Facilities include a state-of-the-art tissue culture suite, a large aquaria space, and modern labs. This ensures your work is authentic and meaningful as you carry out explorations based on a question — not just cookie-cutter lab projects — in preparation for research and lab management careers.

Career Support and Mentorship

Students in the B.S. in Biology degree program appreciate the time and effort the professors put into getting to know each individual’s career goals. Personal advising ensures coursework supports diverse aspirations and satisfies expansive curiosities. York College’s Biology majors who are interested in pursuing medical school or other careers related to the field of medicine, such as physical therapy, dentistry, veterinary care, or optometry, can follow a well-rounded pathway of coursework and clinical experiences before taking exams or applying for a professional or graduate degree program.

Academic and Extracurricular Clubs and Organizations

York College has a wide variety student clubs and organizations of various interests, sizes, and purposes. Organizations range from academic honor societies to Greek living, from drama to publishing, from exploring cultures to joining student government. 

• Biology Club
• Pre-Medical and Allied Health Society
• Tri-Beta (Beta Beta Beta) National Biological Honor Society
• Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)

Skill Outcomes 

The valuable skills learned in the B.S. in Biology degree program encompass careers ranging from environmental science to health and medicine, whether students immediately enter laboratory roles or pursue further education for high-level research careers and medical practice. Graduates demonstrate:

• Proficiency in laboratory and field techniques, including PCR, cell culture, and bioinformatics 
• Experimental design and data collection
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting in a research setting
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Effective written communication and presentation
• Deeper understanding of ecology and conservation biology across career applications
• Ethics in the laboratory and in STEM research
• Safe use of up-to-date laboratory equipment 

Biology Minor and Related Programs

York College offers a variety of options for students interested in STEM. For example, you can pursue a Biology minor alongside a different bachelor’s program to acquire valuable experience related to the biological sciences. Alternatively, consider seeking a double major or another minor to complement your studies as a Biology major:

• Chemistry
• Neuroscience
• Professional Writing
• Psychology

Yes, a biology degree is a common undergraduate major for aspiring medical students. It provides a strong foundation in the essential sciences and helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, all vital for medical practice. Biology programs often include courses in human biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry, and many offer a pre-med track wi

Biology majors apply their skills in practical and impactful ways in scientific, medical, and commercial settings. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions such as lab technician, quality control analyst, or research assistant in settings including pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, universities, and government agencies, where they conduct experiments and support research projects. This degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate studies in specialized fields, from medicine to molecular biology or public health.

If you are interested in the molecular and chemical makeup of the natural world and are ready to take more advanced chemistry courses, biochemistry degree programs can help you develop skills for a career in the chemical aspects of science. On the other hand, biology programs provide a broader understanding of biological organisms and processes, covering areas such as chemistry,