B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.S. in Biology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Biology at Lycoming College provides a robust scientific education with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research. Students benefit from access to advanced instrumentation in specialized labs for cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, advanced microscopy, and environmental analysis from their first year. The department boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an aquarium room, greenhouse, cadaver lab, and animal lab. Students can choose from four distinct tracks—Anatomy and Physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Comprehensive Biology, or Ecology—allowing for specialization based on career aspirations. The program's intimate class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio ensure personalized mentorship and valuable lab experiences.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology at Lycoming College is definitively a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it allows graduates to qualify for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension can potentially enable them to work in the United States for up to three years after graduation in a field directly related to their major, acknowledging the program's rigorous training in scientific principles, technical skills, and quantitative analysis.
Curriculum: The Biology curriculum is designed to provide a thorough grounding in biological sciences. Core requirements typically include introductory biology courses (e.g., BIO 110, 111) and foundational courses in chemistry, mathematics, and often physics. Students then delve into specialized coursework depending on their chosen track. For example, the Cell and Molecular Biology track might include courses like Genetics (BIO 222), Cell Biology (BIO 435), and Molecular Biology (BIO 437), along with biochemistry. The Comprehensive Biology track ensures breadth across various biological sub-disciplines. The curriculum heavily integrates laboratory work, ensuring students gain practical skills in research, data analysis, and experimental techniques. All junior and senior majors are required to complete Biology Colloquia (BIO 349/449), culminating in an oral presentation on a research topic during their final year.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the Biology program at Lycoming College. Students are invited to become involved in active research labs as early as their freshman year, allowing them to develop their skills over all four years. The department supports extensive collaborative student-faculty research across various fields. Examples of student research opportunities include examining and testing water quality of local streams through the Clean Water Institute, studying tropical marine biology in the Bahamas, or desert ecology in Arizona. Students are strongly encouraged to present their independent and collaborative research at local, national, and even international conferences, providing invaluable experience in scientific communication and inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College places a strong emphasis on practical industry engagement for its B.S. in Biology students, preparing them for a wide range of professional opportunities. The Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences (CEAE) actively supports students in securing competitive internships and fellowships with respected organizations. Past internship partners include UPMC Susquehanna, The Atlantis Project, Lycoming Physical Therapy, and the Department of Environmental Protection. The Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE) also offers paid internships locally. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks, and gain insights into potential career paths in healthcare, research, environmental science, and biotechnology. Opportunities also exist to gain valuable teaching experience as a course tutor or teaching assistant.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into Lycoming College's B.S. in Biology through various avenues. The curriculum may include courses that explore global health challenges, biodiversity conservation, and environmental issues on an international scale, such as the "Medical Microbiology" course which examines how past pandemics changed societies across the world, or "Global Public Health." The program facilitates study away experiences, such as studying tropical marine biology in the Bahamas or desert ecology in Arizona, providing firsthand exposure to diverse ecosystems and conservation efforts. Lycoming College's broader commitment to fostering a global worldview through partnerships like Verto Education, which encourages international travel before starting on campus, further enhances students' preparedness to address global biological and environmental challenges.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology from Lycoming College provides graduates with a highly versatile and rigorous scientific foundation, emphasizing analytical thinking, problem-solving, and experimental design across the vast spectrum of living systems.
Research Assistant/Laboratory Technician: This is a common entry point into scientific careers. Graduates support ongoing research in academic labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or government research institutions (e.g., NIH, CDC), assisting with experiments, data collection, and analysis in areas like molecular biology, genetics, or cell biology. Many Lycoming biology graduates are placed in research associate roles.
Medical Laboratory Scientist / Clinical Technologist: Graduates work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, or public health facilities, performing complex tests on biological samples (blood, tissue, urine) to help diagnose diseases, monitor treatments, and contribute to patient care. This often requires specific certification after the bachelor's degree.
Environmental Scientist / Conservation Specialist: Leveraging Lycoming's strong ecology track and the Clean Water Institute, graduates can work for environmental consulting firms, government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental protection departments), or non-profit conservation organizations. They conduct field research, monitor ecosystems, assess environmental impact, and develop conservation strategies. Lycoming alumni work as conservation specialists.
Biomanufacturing/Bioprocess Technician: In the burgeoning biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, graduates can work in manufacturing facilities, assisting with the large-scale production of biologics, vaccines, or other biopharmaceutical products, ensuring quality control and adherence to protocols.
Quality Control/Quality Assurance Analyst: In the pharmaceutical, food, or chemical industries, biology graduates ensure products meet strict quality and safety standards. They perform analytical tests, maintain documentation, and adhere to regulatory guidelines.
Science Educator/Teacher (High School Biology): With additional teacher certification, graduates can teach biology and other sciences at the high school level. Lycoming offers the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship for those committing to teaching STEM in high-need districts.
Biotechnology Sales/Technical Support: Combining scientific knowledge with communication skills, graduates can work for companies that sell laboratory equipment, reagents, or scientific software, providing technical support or sales to researchers and institutions.
Wildlife Biologist/Zoologist: For those interested in organismal biology, graduates can pursue careers studying animals in their natural habitats, conducting research on populations, behaviors, and conservation strategies for government agencies (like the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which offers relevant internships), or wildlife organizations.
Forensic Scientist (Biology Focus): Applying their knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, and anatomy, graduates can analyze biological evidence (e.g., DNA, blood, fibers) from crime scenes for law enforcement agencies.
