Message for prospective Science students

The Eberly College of Science offers a variety of majors. Ten majors lead to the B.S. degree and two (Mathematics and Science) lead to either the B.S. or B.A. Many majors include choices among options that emphasize a particular area of study. Some graduates continue their education in graduate or professional schools; others go on to careers in industry, government, or education.

Your first step is deciding if Penn State is for you and completing the admissions process.

Before you start classes at Penn State, you'll go through Freshman Testing, Counseling, and Academic Placement (FTCAP) to help you make a successsful transition to college and develop an appropriate schedule for your first semester of classes.

The first four semesters of classes for all Science majors emphasize basic Biological and Physical Science, Mathematics, and English. During these first semesters, students are classified as 'common year' majors. This means you have been admitted to the College of Science, but are not yet admitted to a specific major. Since the initial requirements for many of the majors are similar (Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, English), the time as a common year major lets you explore a bit before choosing a specific major. For example, you might know that you like the life sciences, but may need some time to focus on which major - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Premedicine - is the best fit.

During the fourth semester, you'll declare your major. Your records are reviewed by the College, and, if you've met the requirements for admission to the major, you'll be officially admitted into that major.

Penn State Mont Alto is a very good place to start a Science major. Most classes are small and professors are easy to reach if you need help. You will get to know your professors, your advisor, and your fellow students as individuals and not get lost in a crowd. If you are interested in pursuing special opportunities beyond the science classes that are offered routinely, you may be able to develop independent study (296) or "special topics" (297) courses with a professor, get involved with a research project,  or participate in our campus' honors program.

Find out more about Penn State Mont Alto.

Find out more about the Eberly College of Science.

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