Associate of Science in General Science

Biology lab

Undergraduate Major

Associate of Science in General Science

The Associate of Science Degree in General Science aims to cultivate students’ understanding of the intellectual and philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry while emphasizing applied laboratory skills, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program develops basic laboratory techniques and safety practices, strengthens quantitative literacy, and provides a foundation in the natural sciences through applied coursework in chemistry, biology, statistics, and physical sciences. The program prepares students for the continued study of health and life sciences or entry-level laboratory support roles in clinical, environmental, or regulated laboratory settings. This program is not designed as a primary transfer pathway into a four-year science major.

Biology lab

Program Overview

Career Outlook

After earning your Associate of Science in General Science, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

  • Biologist
  • Traditional laboratory and research settings
  • Chemical or pharmaceutical industry
  • Research assistant
  • Testing and inspection professional
  • Quality control technician
  • Science teacher
  • Health educator
  • Dentistry
  • Scientific editor
  • Associate chemist
  • Analytical chemist

Earning a degree in general science can also prepare you for entrance to graduate school. Science students at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ have been accepted for graduate school at prestigious institutions including Villanova University, Lehigh University, Penn State University and Temple University Dental School.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers obtainable with a Bachelor of Science in General Science (biochemistry, chemistry and material science and biology) are expected to grow up to 19 percent between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average for all occupations. The median salary for the careers in 2024 ranged from $71,000 to $103,000.

Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the  or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu

Opportunities for Majors

Science Association

The object of this club is to afford an opportunity for the students of science to become better acquainted, to secure the intellectual stimulation that arises from professional association, to obtain experiences in preparing and presenting technical material before chemical audiences, to foster a professional spirit among the members, to instill a professional pride in the sciences, and to build an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges facing the modern scientist. Membership of this association is open to students pursuing their study in the area of science and related fields. Contact Rosemarie Chinni (610-568-1492, rosemarie.chinni@alvernia.edu) or Kevin Burns (kevin.burns@alvernia.edu, 610-790-2865) for more information. 

Pre-Health Club

The Pre-Health Professions Club includes, but is not limited to, Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Physician Assisting, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Pre-Veterinary students. It provides a setting in which students who are working toward future careers in the health professions can get together, share information, learn more about the health professions in general, and develop friendships with students who share some of their interests. Members of this organization are composed of students pursuing study in several areas of science and related health fields. 

Environmental Club

The purpose of this student organization is to maintain the temperate deciduous forest, riparian, and freshwater ecosystems about Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and the community it serves. The organization does this by recruiting new members, educating the public, and holding events that draw attention to the environment. Such events are Eco-Fun Day, trail clean-up days, and hosting public speaker seminars. 

Beta Kappa Chi

Beta Kappa Chi is the National Science Honor Society composed of chapters which seek to encourage and advance scientific education through original education, the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the stimulation of high scholarship in pure and applied science. 

Epsilon Gamma Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society

This is a National Scholastic Honor Society for students, faculty, and alumni of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition. 

The Washington Center Experience

Âé¶¹´«Ã½ students have an opportunity to earn college credit by spending a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. where they serve as interns in a congressional office, government agency, major corporation, newspaper or news network, or agencies devoted to legal affairs, international relations, or business and economics. They also may intern with one of several non-profit groups dealing with the environment, women’s issues, the arts, education, science, or labor relations among others. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. In addition to their internship, students select one seminar dealing with the arts and humanities, communication, public policy, the legal system, business, and government. Interested students should see their academic advisor.

Accreditation Statement

Âé¶¹´«Ã½ is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 


Get to Know Your Faculty

For more information about Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s General Science program contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu. Or reach out directly to Science Department Chair Michelle Serapiglia, Ph.D., at 610-796-8427 or michelle.serapiglia@alvernia.edu. To see a list of Science lecturers, click here.

Brad Bauer 2025

Brad Bauer Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610-568-1471
Jamie Becker Headshot

Jamie Becker Ph.D.

Associate Professor Department of Natural and Applied Science
| (610) 796-8271
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ grey logo

Steven Dougherty DC

Assistant Professor of Biology/RH Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610-796-8232
Ondra Kielbasa 2025

Ondra Kielbasa Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610.230.5701
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ grey logo

Darren Koch T. D.C.

Assistant Professor of Biology/RH Department of Natural and Applied Science
| (610) 790-2880
Joseph Kremer Headshot

Joseph Kremer Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610.790.1959
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ grey logo

Emilee Matz

Laboratory Coordinator Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610-790-1934
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ faculty, Eric Recktenwald

Eric Recktenwald Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610.796.8247
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ grey logo

Charles Reed Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610-796-5117
Michelle Serapiglia 2025

Michelle Serapiglia Ph.D.

Department Chair Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610.790.1910
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Joshua Smith Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry Department of Natural and Applied Science
| 610.790.1915
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