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Biology and Conservation Biology Tracks (B.A., B.S.)

Majors: Biology, Conservation Biology

Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Total credit hours: N/A

Internship/Practicum opportunities: Visit the Career Development Center for internship information.

About the program

A student majoring in biology or conservation biology will receive a broad background in various areas of biology and will understand and use biological principles and methods. The relevance of biology to other disciplines is emphasized. The program promotes participation in laboratory and field studies. Students are prepared upon graduation to enter graduate school, professional school or careers in biologically-related areas.

The requirements for the biology major are structured so that students take at least one course in each of several areas of biology and related sciences.

Visit our Academic Catalog (2021-2022) for course listings.

Major Features

1. Understand biological principles and their implications from the molecular to the ecosystem levels of organization.
2. Discover how the social sciences and traditional combine in the most effective conservation strategies.
3. Study, analyze experimentally and interpret biological problems.
4. Communicate effectively about biological and ecological matters.

Scholarship Opportunities

Thiel College offers scholarships to students for reasons such as academic success, community service or involvement, exemplary leadership and more! The scholarships available to biology and conservation biology majors are:

• Marion G. Resch Science Scholarship at Thiel College
• Dr. Florence West Tribute to Dr. Bly
• Ruth and Sheridan Brown Allied Health Scholarship
• The Dr. Judith A Crissman '64 Endowed Scholarship Fund
• The Maenpa Family Biotechnology Endowed Scholarship Fund at Thiel College
• Elizabeth McElhaney Scholarship
• J. Scott Morrison Endowment for Science and Religion
• Arthur E. Smith Scholarship Fund
• TWC Amelia Earhart Scholarship
• The Ethel Smith Vierheller Award Fund
• Irene Wintersteen Memorial Science Scholarship

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the types of aid available to students.

Clubs & Organizations

It's easy to get involved on campus! Joining a student club or organization is an excellent way to meet others and gain leadership experience. A biology and conservation biology major might be interested in the following clubs and orgs:

• Environmental Club
• Outdoor Recreation Club
• Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society)
• Beta Beta Beta (National Biology Honorary)

Visit our Campus Life page to see a full list of student clubs and organizations.

Alumni and Careers

Thiel College alumni have gone on to become pharmacy technicians, veterinary technicians, laboratory technicians and much more! Here are just a few post-graduation opportunities available to biology and conservation biology majors:

• Research Biologist: Work in research and you can expect to earn an average $70,790 per year. Some industries pay more. Biologists working in governmental institutions earned an average of $74,980 and pharmaceutical firms pay $79,220.*
• Biological Technicians: These jobs pay an average of $42,520. The top 10% of these jobs pay over $69,000.*
• Conservation Scientists plan ways to utilize natural resources but still protect the environment. Median salary is currently $61,110 per year.*
• Zoologists who specialize in conservation biology study endangered species and research methods of protection. Median salary is currently $59,680 per year.*

*Job and salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Study.com.