Get Help

Clarion University's Biology and Environmental Sciences Department focuses on the physical world and the plants, animals and minerals that inhabit it. The department's majors zero in on different disciplines associated with these aspects of the world.

Biology

 Biology Visit Days

Schedule a Biology Visit Day.

Biology is the study of life, from molecular and cellular processes to the physiology and behavior of living organisms, to the functioning of ecosystems. At Clarion, our dedicated faculty provide a rigorous and rewarding curriculum that helps you develop practical, hands-on skills for success in the job market or pursuing advanced studies.

The major requirements for all degrees are similar in the first two years, allowing students to switch between degree options and to readjust career objectives. In addition to the four concentrations of biology, environmental biology, medical technology, and molecular biology/biotechnology, the biology programs also prepare students for a variety of Pre-professional Health careers including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-chiropractic and pre-dentistry.

     Degrees offered:

                     
Office is located - 289 Science & Technology Center (STC)           OPEN:   8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone number
1 814 393 2273                                                        Fax number  1 814 393 2731                 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Geoscience

  
Office is located - 389 Science & Technology Center  (STC)               Open:  8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone number
  1 814 393 2317                                                            Fax number  1 814 393 2004

The component of the department is primarily concerned with the physical realm, and is covered by the discipline of Environmental Geoscience and the Geography Minor.

The Environmental Geoscience Program prepares the students for employment in a number of applied geoscience related fields.  The program includes many fundamental courses which emphasize practical understanding of earth science processes.  Four concentration areas allow students to tailor the degree to meet their individual interests and future career goals.  With growth of the energy and environmental industries in Western Pennsylvania, our graduates are sought after for important professional careers.  Potential careers in the industry/professional field are:  Professional Geologist, Petroleum Geologist, Geological Engineer, Hydrogeologist, Exploration Geologist, Environmental Geoscientist, Environmental Technician, GIS Technician, GIS Analysist, and GIS Developer.   Some positions in the regulatory/government field:  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania State Game Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Geological Survey.

The Geology Program prepares students for employment as professional or academic geologists.  The program is built around the fundamental courses of geology:  Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology, and Stratigraphy & Sedimentary Petrology.   Our emphasis is on the practical understanding of geologic processes.  Again with this degree and with the growth of energy and environmental industries in Western Pennsylvania, our graduates are sought after for important professional careers.

Degrees offered:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Geography


Office is located
- 389 Science & Technology Center (STC)                        Open:   8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Phone number  1 814 393 2317                                                                    Fax number  1 814 393 2004

Many people assume that Geography consists of memorizing place names on maps. Knowing where cities and natural features are located on the planet is but a tiny component of Geography. Instead, Geography is defined as the holistic study of the Earth and humans. The discipline seeks to understand the relationships between the physical world and human cultures. As such, a wide array of interrelated topics are explored as the development of individual human culture is highly affected by physical aspects such as climate, terrain, water resources, soils, and historical interactions with other cultures. Geography, therefore, explores many complex relationships between the physical and human worlds over time.

Geography is increasingly important as technology allows information sharing in an instantaneous fashion. Knowledge of other cultures and their historical development is critical towards eliminating conflict in addition to fostering future collaborations. Geographic Information Science is one means of bridging cultural gaps as this computer system is capable of analyzing huge volumes of physical and human data in a simultaneous manner.

     Degrees offered:

 

Faith Forry

Faith Forry


"As a kid, you could find me playing with the bugs or catching the toads in my backyard. As a junior environmental biology major, I treasure the opportunities and hands-on experiences this major has provided me."

RJ Bouch

ronald "RJ" Bouch


"Earning a degree in my program (BS Molecular Biology/Biotechnology) was so much more than a knowledge-based degree."

Alexis Robison

Alexis robison


"I have always had a love for the outdoors and been intrigued by how our ecosystems work, so getting to combine the geological processes and the living components through the dual major is perfect for me."
Samantha Geyer

Samantha Geyer


"The professors I had within the Environmental Biology major completely changed my life. They encouraged me to be better and seek better every day. They also taught me so much valuable information and data collection tactics that I use every day here in Alaska."

Last Updated 1/4/22