Organismal Biology and Ecology Track

B.S. in Biology

The Organismal Biology and Ecology Track at Kutztown University offers a wide variety of courses that involve hands-on experiential learning to train students for a wide range of career options that include applied ecology, botany, conservation, entomology, environmental education, mycology, ornithology, wildlife biology, and habitat restoration.  It is a track for individuals who enjoy the outdoors and is curious about better understanding how the natural world functions, and why.  We prepare students for graduate school to further advance their careers by obtaining an M.S. or Ph.D. in these fields.  We are proud that our small program achieves great success in placing students in competitive graduate programs throughout the area and the country.  The success of our student is thanks to faculty in the Department developing a close relationship with students to create a collegial and non-competitive atmosphere.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

We are very proud of the success that our graduates have achieved.  The abbreviated list below highlights some of the recent universities where Organismal/Ecology track students have been accepted into graduate programs.  Also shown below is a sampling of jobs that our graduates have obtained after completing our program.

Graduate Programs
Drexel University
Northern Arizona University
Oregon State University
Penn State University
Southern Illinois University
University of Arkansas

Employment
National Park Service
PA Department of Agriculture
PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
PA Fish & Boat Commission
Penn State Extension
US Department of Agriculture
US Fish & Wildlife Service
US Forest Service
Wildlands Conservance

RESearch, internships and other Program services

Successful applicants to graduate programs or employment pursue hands-on experiences while completing our Organismal Biology and Ecology Track.  We offer many opportunities for student independent research with faculty and internships for real world experiences with local organizations.  Many students go on to present their research results at regional, national, and international conferences, and some successfully publish in peer-reviewed academic journals.  Students become involved in extracurricular educational activities with their peers in clubs, such as the Ornithology Club, and through community service projects, such as tree plantings and trash cleanups.  We provide students with information and assistance with academics, career planning, and preparation for the graduate school application process.

The top 10 sites where our students have completed internships include:
Berks Nature
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Lehigh Valley Zoo
PA Dept. of Agriculture
PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources
Philadelphia Zoo
PA Fish & Boath Commission
PA Game Commission
Red Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Suburban Testing Labs
Wildlands Conservancy

GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS

If you wish to go to graduate school, it is a good idea to start to plan as early as your Freshman year. By your Junior year, you should have achieved or made progress on achieving the following:

• Maintain excellent grades
• Continue to serve your university and/or community
• Seek external letters of recommendation
• Complete a research project and/or internship
• Prepare your personal essay
• Prepare for and take a standardized entrance exam (GRE)
• Visit graduate schools to which you intend to apply
• Prepare for graduate school interviews

Student Learning Outcomes