Why Biology?

Biologists work at the front lines to solve the world’s great challenges, from climate change to pandemics, addiction to Alzheimer’s.

Many have used the label Bio Revolution to describe the innovations emerging from the newly combined power of biology, computing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. In this revolution, biology and biologists are reaching beyond traditional realms like health, ecology and agriculture to play a larger role in shaping fields such as advanced materials, regenerative and precision medicine, and green energy.

Your interest in biology can lead to high-paying careers in healthcare, public health, environmental science and more.

National Science Foundation Scholarship Support

First-year Carlow students majoring in biology, chemistry or data analytics can qualify for an annual, needs-based $10,000 C-STEM Scholars Program scholarship, along with specialized support services. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Carlow + LECOM (Pharmacy, Dental Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine)

Qualified Carlow undergraduates may apply to LECOM’s Early Acceptance Programs and gain provisional early acceptance to LECOM’s School of Pharmacy, School of Dental Medicine or College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Cardiovascular Perfusion

Carlow partners with the UPMC School of Perfusion at UPMC Shadyside to offer this BS/MS dual degree program. You complete your bachelor’s degree in Biology at Carlow University and gain 18 months of clinical training at UPMC Shadyside to earn your Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion. Graduates work in surgical settings operating sophisticated heart-lung machines.

Environmental Science & Management

Carlow partners with the Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences to offer this BS/MS dual degree program in Environmental Science and Management. Graduate career-ready to enter environmental consulting, government, parks and recreation, teaching, research, and environmental law.

Human Biology

Graduates receive a solid foundation in the study of life, preparing you for professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy, podiatry and public health.

Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience with Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

Carlow University offers a one-of-a-kind B.S. Behavioral Neuroscience with Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring concentration, in cooperation with UPMC Procirca. IONM involves a continuous, protective surveillance of a patient’s nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) during surgery. Graduates report salary ranges from $75,000-$90,000 per year and 100% employment. The clinical component enables you to participate in enough surgical procedures to take the certification exam upon graduation. Estimates call for a more than 20% increase in IONM employment opportunities across hospitals, specialized sleep and epilepsy labs, and research. The Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a Concentration in Intraoperative Monitoring program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of CoA-NDT.

Behavioral Neuroscience: Neuropsychology Major

Carlow University offers a Behavioral Neuroscience/Neuropsychology degree that explores the physiological, genetic and developmental mechanisms of the brain, behavior and disorders. Potential career paths include neuropsychology and clinical psychology, health (nursing, physician’s assistant, speech & language therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, audiologist), and scientific research (PhD in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Clinical Psychology). Behavioral Neuroscience encompasses a range of disciplines including experimental psychology, anatomy, biology, cellular physiology, genetics, cognitive functional imaging, pharmacology, and computational and statistical modeling.

3,107,000

Americans employed in biology-related jobs.

$65,000

Median annual wage for biology graduates.

Biology + Health Careers

A biology degree from Carlow University prepares you for graduate study and success in many promising health fields.

Speech and Language Pathology
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Physician Assistant
Athletic Training
Public Health

Pittsburgh #1 for Healthcare

The U.S. Labor Department projects that the country will add 2.4 million healthcare jobs between 2019-2029. A national survey ranks Pittsburgh #1 for the top five cities for healthcare jobs.

“These cities include a combination of robust job markets for the healthcare field with a relatively lower cost of living to make for a great place to live and work in the medical field.”

(Source: Grand Canyon University, 2022)

Pittsburgh Life Science At a Glance

Research: $714 million in NIH research funding and 1,000 Principal Investigators
Start-ups: 56 active venture and angel-funded firms with nearly $1 billion invested
Jobs: Emerging lifesciences employ more than 1,000 people in the region.

(Source: Life Sciences Pittsburgh)

Creating Diverse and Equitable Health Futures

A 2021 Journal of American Medicine study finds that nearly all of the 10 leading diagnosing and treating occupations lack adequate Black, Hispanic and Native American representation.

America’s Public Health Needs

The Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health reports a 40% increase in applicants for both undergraduate and graduate public health degree programs since the Covid-19 pandemic.The increase will be needed to replace retiring workers. The 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey finds that 40% of the governmental public health workforce intends to leave their jobs within the next five years.