The Department of Biology supports undergraduate programs in the areas of pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education as well as a master's degree program.

In the Department of Biology at Pitt State, you may study from a variety of emphasis areas including pre-professional health and clinical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology and genetics, field biology and environment, ecology, and secondary education.

Areas of Study

Degrees and Programs

The Pittsburg State faculty and students are involved in K-INBRE (Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence), a federally-funded effort to enhance biomedical research and training.

An important part of the undergraduate experience is getting involved in the Department of Biology student organizations.

Biology Club

The Biology Club is a social and service organization whose goals are to bring together students with a common interest in biology to foster fellowship through a variety of activities. Typical activities include bi-weekly meetings, guest speakers, movies, local service projects, picnics, and educational excursions.

The Annual Biology Bowl, a part of Science Day held on campus each spring, is sponsored by the Biology Club.This dynamic organization welcomes all undergraduate and graduate students. See the poster board on second floor stairwell for information on meeting days, times, and dues.

Pre-Med Club

Pre-Med students at Pitt State have many opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community with health related volunteer projects. Pre-Med students from Pitt State are contributing to the community through the Pre-Med Club. Many members of the Pre-Med Club volunteer several hours of their time one night a week at a clinic for indigent people. This free clinic offers valuable experience for the students who volunteer their time, and it also allows them to get to know area doctors and nurses.

Your academic advisors are very important to the success of your college career. They are the people many pre-med students turn to for letters of recommendation. They know how the medical school application process works, and they can help guide you successfully through the applications and interviews. One important thing to remember: get acquainted with your advisor and continue to keep in touch. Your advisor may have access to job opportunities or other information which could be used to your advantage.

The Pre-Med Club has sponsored several fundraisers for the free clinic.

Pre-Vet Club

The PSU Pre-Vet Club aims to unite and promote the success of future veterinary professionals, regardless of their undergraduate major. Service projects, fundraisers, trips, vet school visits, educational events, and social events are planned throughout the year. Additional events such as the “Pets and People Parade” and the “Children’s Stuffed Animal Clinic” are designed to contribute to the community, bringing animal lovers throughout campus and the entire community together. The Pre-Vet Club is dedicated to preparing students for all aspects of their transition to veterinary school from their first day at PSU to their acceptance.

Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta)

Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) is an honor society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.

Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 individuals have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 626 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Wildlife and Fisheries Society (WFS)

The PSU Wildlife and Fisheries Society (WFS) helps students gain experience through volunteering, networking, and engagement with resource agencies and NGOs. The WFS is one of the most active clubs on campus, with exciting opportunities to work alongside professional biologists nearly every month. Activities have included volunteering with deer-check stations, prescribed fires, deer spotlight surveys, amphibian counts, habitat restoration projects, electro-fishing, and more. Club members regularly interact with professionals from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri State Parks, and others.

Not Sure about a Specific Field of Study

• Some students do not select particular emphases during their program of study or cannot decide as freshmen.

• One advantage of an undergraduate biology education at Pittsburg State University is the flexibility the curriculum provides to the student. Students without a specific subject matter emphasis can move into graduate schools or employment with business or industry.

• Your interests will probably be one of several areas including: health, ecology, genetics, microbiology, and more. Our programs are briefly described below. Perhaps a more intensive search of career options will help refine your career goals. Visit the Prospective Students website for more information.

• Look for a faculty member with interests you may share to serve as an advisor. If one area doesn't work out, try another. See the Faculty Advisor list below.

• Want to visit? Make arrangements with the Biology Office at 620-235-4748 or visit the PSU Office of Admission website for more information.

These faculty advisors can help!

• Aquatic Invertebrates - Dr. James Whitney (contact | biography)
• Biotechnology - Dr. Anuradha Ghosh (contact | biography)
• Botany and Plant Science - Dr. Neil Snow (contact | biography), Dr. Phil Harries (contact | biography), Dr. Dan Zurek (contact | biography)
• Environmental Education - Dr. Christine Brodsky (contact | biography)
• Fish Biology - Dr. James Whitney (contact | biography)
• Genetics - Dr. Mandy Peak Bryan (contact | biography)
• Informal Education - Delia Lister (contact)
• Insects - Dr. Hermann Nonnenmacher (contact | biography)
• Microbiology - Dr. Peter Chung (contact | biography)
• Natural History - Dr. Hermann Nonnenmacher (contact | biography)
• Natural Resource Management - Dr. Andrew George (contact | biography)
• Nature Reach - Nature Reach
• Plant Ecology - Dr. Neil Snow (contact | biography)
• Pollination Ecology - Dr. Hermann Nonnenmacher (contact | biography)
• Urban Ecology: Dr. Christine Brodsky (contact | biography)
• Water Quality, Stream and Lake Biology - Dr. James Whitney (contact | biography)
• Wildlife Ecology - Dr. Christine Brodsky (contact | biography) or Dr. Andrew George (contact | biography)

The Department of Biology supports undergraduate programs in the areas of pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical laboratory sciences, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education as well as a master's degree program.

The faculty are dedicated to Pittsburg State University and the department, but most importantly, to students. Biology is best learned as a "hands-on" science. Our physical facilities and equipment provide opportunities for both teaching and research involving both undergraduate and graduate students.

The Department of Biology is in Heckert-Wells Hall (Google Map | PDF Map)

BioNews Newsletter

Read about our faculty, students, and alumni. See what research is being done and trips being taken by our faculty and students, photos of student projects, and happenings around the department.

2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009

The academic departments of universities have pasts, presents, and futures that are a mix of the university in which they reside and their faculty, students, and facilities. The faculty are a mix of people of various vintages with different interests ... some stay a few years and others for a professional lifetime. Students are here four years and see the department as a "present", yet their experience is a result of the past history of the department. Lastly, the buildings and facilities also reflect the past - opportunities met and overcome, stumbled into blindly, or others still unfulfilled.

The Department of Biology would like to thank all those who have been so generous with their contributions. Your contributions help us provide quality education, educational opportunities, and financial assistance to those seeking an education through the Department of Biology.

Areas of need include Biology Scholarships, Biology equipment, and the Biology General Fund. You may also contribute to other Biology areas of your choosing.

•  Admission Office / Tuition & Costs

•  Financial Aid / Scholarships

•  Schedule of Classes

•  Pitt State Graduate School

•  International Programs & Services

•  The College of Arts and Sciences

•  PSU Magazine

• Health Professions Handbook

PSU Forms and Links

• Permission for excessive hours for College of Arts and Sciences majors
• Student Disability Services
• Schedule of Classes

Summer is a great time to get more experience - in research labs (both indoor and outdoor), doing service projects, summer classes at other institutions, or other activities. See the links below to get more information.

Research/Education

• National Science Foundation - Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

• Organization of Biological Field Stations (many have both field and lab-related activities)

Experiential/Internships/Jobs

• Environmental Careers

• Student Conservation Association

• The School for Field Studies (Study Abroad)

• Summer Jobs