Misericordia University Offering Four New Specializations for Biology Majors
Misericordia University Offering Four New Specializations for Biology Majors
DALLAS, PA - Misericordia University is pleased to announce the addition of four innovative specializations within its Biology major, providing students with targeted academic pathways to meet their career goals. These new specializations—Pre-medical Health Professions, Conservation Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Integrated Organismal Systems—reflect the University’s commitment to preparing students for dynamic and emerging fields in science, healthcare, and environmental stewardship.
1. Pre-medical Health Professions Specialization
The Pre-medical Health Professions specialization is tailored for students aspiring to enter the health professions, including careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic medicine, and dentistry. This program equips students with a robust foundation in biological sciences, with required courses such as Anatomy, Microbiology, and either Cell Biology or Genetics. Graduates will be well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees in various healthcare fields.
2. Conservation Biology Specialization
In response to the growing need for experts in ecological preservation, the Conservation Biology specialization focuses on protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Students will learn to apply biological principles to address ecological challenges and will be prepared for careers as wildlife ecologists, park rangers, or wildlife biologists with state and federal agencies or private firms. Required courses include Genetics and Conservation Biology, and graduates can also pursue advanced studies in conservation biology, ecology, or wildlife biology.
3. Cell and Molecular Biology Specialization
The Cell and Molecular Biology specialization delves into the structure, function, and interactions of molecules to understand life’s fundamental cellular processes. Ideal for students interested in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medicine, this program offers courses such as Cell Biology or Genetics and Microbiology or Endocrinology. Graduates will be equipped for careers in cutting-edge scientific industries or advanced graduate studies.
4. Integrated Organismal Systems (IOS) Specialization
The Integrated Organismal Systems specialization provides an in-depth understanding of how organisms function and interact with their environments, from cellular to ecological levels. Students in this program will gain the skills needed for careers in wildlife biology, paleontology, natural history, or education. Required courses include Anatomy and either Invertebrate Zoology or Plant Physiology. Graduates will also be well-prepared for graduate programs in these fields.
“Biology is a very broad field of study with many subdisciplines, from cell biology to landscape ecology. Equally, there are so many ways to build a career from a biology degree, from health professions, to research and teaching, to combining biology with other disciplines, like law, data science, and engineering, just to name a few,” said Cosima Wiese, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Biology Department at Misericordia University. “Our new Biology specializations help students to identify which area of Biology they are interested in and which elective courses will best support their preparation for careers or graduate studies in their area of interest.”
Misericordia University invites prospective and current students to explore these specializations and discover how they can customize their Biology major to achieve their professional goals.
For more information about the Biology program and its specializations, click here.