Our Biology Major

Early, Hands-on Research Experience in Nature-rich Environment

We have a state-of-the-art science center perfectly equipped for workshop-style classes, an 87-acre field station right on campus, a dedicated laboratory for freshwater research... and did we mention the Susquehanna River is in our backyard?

The university is perfectly located for the study of biology—in a valley ecosystem rich with fish, birds, plants, and other animals and organisms.

And you won’t be limited to the Selinsgrove area. You’ll get a global perspective on a totally new biome on study abroad trips in Australia and the Galapagos Islands. Students intern at zoos, cancer research centers and win Fulbright awards.

Hands-on research is a hallmark of Susquehanna’s biology program. Most undergraduate biology programs limit you to a semester-long senior research project, but here you can choose to study for a full year alongside a faculty expert.

Our faculty frequently co-author research papers with students, who nearly all have a chance to present their work at regional and national conferences—such as the Ecological Society of America, National Conferences on Undergraduate Research or Pennsylvania Academy of Science.

You'll be ready to go right into the workforce, pursue graduate study in the sciences or attend a medical professional school.

Our graduates work for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, join governmental organizations like the Department of Environmental Protection, work as doctors or veterinarians, and become teachers.

The most sought-after job and professional school candidates excel at writing, teamwork, presentations, critical thinking, interpersonal relationships and leadership. Because our bold curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, you'll develop all of these essential skills.

Everything in the major is designed to help you define and explore your passion. Our interdisciplinary minors, like biochemistry, ecology and environmental studies, help you gain a better understanding of important topics in today’s world.

Our students go on to graduate school at:

Cornell University
Duke University
Drexel University
Dartmouth University
Georgetown University
Thomas Jefferson University
University of California Davis
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of Pittsburgh
University of Virginia

Our students go on to health professional programs at:

Thomas Jefferson University Medical College
Drexel University Medical School
West Virginia University Medical School
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Penn State University College of Medicine
University of Buffalo School of Medicine
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Pacific Northwestern School of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Virginia- Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Temple University School of Pharmacy
Temple University School of Dentistry
University of Sciences Physical Therapy Program
Temple University School of Pharmacy
Salus University Optometry Program
Thomas Jefferson Physician Assistants Program

Our students find jobs right out of school at:

Smithsonian Institute
Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Boehringer Ingelheim
Hershey Medical Center
Geisinger Medical Center
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Fresh Water Research Initiative
OraSure Technologies
Compass Professional Health Services
Spinal Concepts

Our students pursue other opportunities in:

Peace Corps
Americorps
Fulbright Fellowships
Law School
Science Writing
Science Policy
Business
Public Health
Genetic Counseling
Medical Advertising

Tammy C. Tobin, Ph.D.

Department: Biology
Professor of Biology

Email Address tobinjan@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4067

Jack Russell Holt, Ph.D.

Department: Biology
Professor of Biology

holt@susqu.edu
570-372-4205

Margaret T. Peeler, Ph.D.

Department: Biology
Professor of Biology

Email Address mpeeler@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4207

Matthew Persons, Ph.D.

Department: Biology
Professor of Biology

persons@susqu.edu
570-372-4526

David S. Richard, Ph.D.

Department: Biology
Professor of Biology

Email Address richard@susqu.edu
Phone Number 570-372-4206