B.S. in General Science Overview

 

If you enjoy science and math and are interested in pursuing a science-related career, general science could be an ideal major. Alvernia’s general science program offers students insight into the intellectual and philosophical natures of science, and helps you develop the ability to select, adopt, evaluate and employ strategies and materials.

 

In this major, you’ll acquire a broad background in the sciences, enabling you to develop skills that relate to a variety of topics, ideas and experiences. You’ll study biology, chemistry, physics and earth science, and learn how science intersects with society.

 

We are extremely proud of our science programs and facilities at Alvernia. Science courses are taught in the O’Pake Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility with two floors of laboratory and classroom space, all offering the latest in educational technology.

 

As a general science major at Alvernia, you’ll learn much more than what is contained in textbooks. You’ll experience “real-world learning” that will enable you to link your classroom experiences to the larger community and, indeed, the world.

 

Careers in General Science

Earning a degree in general science from Alvernia University can help to prepare you for a number of careers, as well as entrance to graduate school. If you’re interested in a health-related career, general science can prepare you for further study in medicine, dentistry, medical technology or occupational or physical therapy.

 

Science students at Alvernia have been accepted for graduate school at prestigious institutions including Villanova University, Lehigh University, Penn State University and Temple University Dental School.

 

Because general science provides a broad scientific background, it is beneficial to those who are interested in the neurosciences, environmental sciences or biophysical sciences. Combined with a minor or second major in English or communication, general science can prepare you for a writing career in science, natural history or technology. The major also can benefit students who want to teach elementary or middle school science.

 

Check out these websites for more information about science-related careers, career opportunities and news of the scientific community.


Student Perspective

"Forensic science goes beyond combining chemistry and biology; it requires critical thinking and a desire to challenge what the eyes see.  At Alvernia, my professors taught me the true value of research and how the results can change how we see the world around us.  In the 17 years I've been in school, I've never learned a more valuable lesson."

- Kelsey Schubert '16, PSU Graduate Student

 


 

Curriculum

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Courses required for general science majors are:

  • BIO 103 Principles of Biology I
  • BIO 104 Principles of Biology II
  • CHE 104 General Chemistry I
  • CHE 105 General Chemistry II
  • CHE 107 Laboratory Safety
  • CHE 110 General Chemistry I Lab
  • CHE 111 General Chemistry II Lab
  • CHE 402 Seminar
  • MAT 131 Precalculus Mathematics
  • MAT 209 Probability and Statistics
  • PHY 103 Earth Science
  • PHY 110 General Physics I
  • PHY 111 General Physics II
  • CIS 114 Microcomputer Applications
  • 3 credits in research and independent study

General Science Elective Requirements:

You must complete between 10 and 14 credits in the area of either biology, chemistry or physics as an area of concentration.

General Science Minor Requirements (19-23 Credits):

Choose two of the following:

  • BIO 103 Principles of Biology I
  • BIO 104 Principles of Biology II
  • BIO 109 Human Biology
  • BIO 203 Biosphere

Choose two of the following:

  • CHE 102 Physical Science
  • CHE 103 Science and Contemporary Society
  • CHE 106 Fundamentals of Chemistry

Choose two of the following:

  • PHY 103 Earth Science
  • PHY 106 Ideas of Physics
  • PHY 110 General Physics I
  • PHY 111 General Physics II
Experiential Learning 

Through internships, students have opportunities to apply theories and knowledge learned in the classroom in a variety of professional settings. In addition to providing exposure to the activities and expectations of a real-world workplace, internship experiences help students develop their network of professional contacts.

Tuition

To determine the cost of this program, please visit our Tuition page.  For a personalized estimate, please contact an admissions counselor at 610-790-8269 or at admissions@alvernia.edu.

Financial Aid

100% of Alvernia students receive some form of scholarship and/or aid. Our admissions counselors can help you identify the aid that is available to you and for your program. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.

Accreditation

All programs offered by Alvernia University are approved by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

 

 


Learn More

For more information about Alvernia’s General Science Program, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu, or reach out directly to:

 

Dr. Eric Recktenwald

Interim Science Department Chair

Bernardine Hall 120

610.796.8247

eric.recktenwald@alvernia.edu

 

General Science

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