Biology degree with hands-on research

A hallmark of Susquehanna’s biology program, hands-on research opportunities are available as soon as your first year. Spend a summer conducting research in Susquehanna’s nature-rich environment or study for a full year alongside a faculty expert. Our faculty frequently co-author research papers with students, and 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 and Pennsylvania Academy of Science.

And you won’t be limited to Susquehanna’s campus or the Selinsgrove area. You’ll gain a global perspective on a totally new biome while on a study-abroad experience, like those offered in Australia and the Galapagos Islands. You can also complement your research with one or more internships in places like zoos, cancer research centers and more.

At Susquehanna, you’ll gain the skills and experiences that give you the confidence to pursue your own projects and research.


100%
of majors do research with faculty for course credit
13
faculty research labs for various areas of study
75%+
of majors present at regional and national conferences
87 acre
field station adjacent to campus

Diverse research, labs and field facilities

Susquehanna University is perfectly situated for the study of biology, in a valley ecosystem rich with fish, birds, plants and other organisms. Our state-of-the-art Center for Environmental Education & Research (CEER) is perfectly equipped for workshop-style classes, and we also offer an 87-acre field station adjacent to campus and a laboratory dedicated to studying freshwater biomes. 

 

CEER Facility

Freshwater Research Institute

“As a STEM major at Susquehanna, I spent hundreds of hours in the lab applying the important techniques that are vital to performing at a high level in my field.” 

Vincent Kopysciansky ’23


Potential Careers

  • Research Scientist
  • Physician
  • Public Health Professional
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Science Writer

Recent Employers

  • Hershey Medical Center
  • Smithsonian Institute
  • Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania
  • Fresh Water Research Initiative

Average Salary

$80,150

2021 median pay for genetic counselor

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Susquehanna biology majors set new records

Susquehanna’s emphasis on research opportunities and interdisciplinary studies helps prepare our biology students for success. Sydney Salas ’23 won a prestigious NSF internship to study the neurobiology of aging and degenerative diseases. She was the youngest person to work in Cornell’s high-tech molecular biology lab that summer.

Read More

Sydney Salas '23

Studying for a Degree in Biology

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in biology at Susquehanna.


Explore other Programs and Opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Natural and Social Sciences page. 


Virtual Tour of the Natural Sciences Center

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Contact Us

Biology

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

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Location

Natural Sciences Center

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Alissa Packer, department head
570-372-4217
packer@susqu.edu