Discovering the Diversity of Life

Majors: Biology
Minor: Biology | Environmental Science
Tracks: Anatomy and Physiology | Cell and Molecular Biology | Comprehensive Biology | Ecology

In the ever-changing field of biology, Lycoming College provides a cutting-edge curriculum that actively engages students in studying the diversity of life, while giving them the analytical skills to answer tomorrow’s questions. From the moment they step into their first biology class, students benefit from experience with advanced instrumentation in labs for cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, advanced microscopy, and analysis of water quality and stream health. Freshmen are invited to become involved in our active research labs so they can develop their skills over all four years. Our teaching and research facility houses an aquarium room, greenhouse, cadaver lab, and animal lab. The biology program’s innovative coursework, framed within a liberal arts curriculum, prepares our students for a variety of professions in the fields of research, education, healthcare, neuroscience, biotechnology, and the environment. At Lycoming, our biology majors thrive on the wide array of opportunities provided to them through internships and co-curricular professional experiences, collaborative student-faculty research, and exposure to first-rate biological instrumentation.

Student Opportunities

  • Work closely with faculty on independent research projects and publications.
  • Obtain faculty support for students applying to nationally recognized summer research programs, such as National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).
  • Pursue a competitive internship or fellowship with UPMC Susquehanna, The Atlantis Project, Lycoming Physical Therapy, The Department of Environmental Protection, and many other respected organizations.
  • Present research at local, national, and international conferences.
  • Apply for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship to receive a two-year, $20,000 scholarship when you commit to teaching STEM in a high-need school district post-graduation.
  • Experience learning outside of the classroom Lycoming Biology Field Station, or at the Waterdale Environmental Education Center.
  • Examine and test the water quality of local streams, learn about conservation, and complete local surveys through our own Clean Water Institute.
  • Study tropical marine biology in the Bahamas or desert ecology in Arizona.
  • Gain valuable teaching experience as a course tutor, a teaching assistant, or a study group facilitator.

Why Lycoming?

  1. Students take courses with distinguished and dedicated faculty who provide a depth of knowledge, close mentorship, and individualized advising.
  2. Intimate class sizes in both the classroom and the laboratory allow for engaging discussion and valuable lab experience.
  3. Our biology program offers four tracks, allowing students to focus on the areas of biology most relevant to their career aspirations.
  4. Because our undergraduate students do not have to compete with graduate-level students for access to advanced equipment and one-on-one attention, a high percentage are accepted into graduate and medical school programs.
  5. The Williamsport area is ideal for both pre-med and health professions with two hospitals and strong ties to world-class health systems, including UPMC Susquehanna and Geisinger Medical Center.
  6. Environmental biology students benefit from the College’s close proximity to abundant natural resources, such as the Susquehanna River, the Waterdale Environmental Education Center and the Lycoming Biology Field Station, located just a few miles from campus in Northcentral Pennsylvania.
  7. Students can supplement their studies by getting involved in biology-focused student organizations, such as the Pre-Health Society or the Lycoming Environmental Awareness Foundation (LEAF).

Why Lycoming is the Right Choice →