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Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS

Explore human biology, disease processes and molecular health mechanisms. You'll build a foundation in chemistry and biology while gaining practical laboratory and research experience essential for success in health-related professions.

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A researcher uses a pipette in a lab, reflecting hands-on discovery in the BS in Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences).

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Moderate program math intensity moderate
First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
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Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) degree description

The Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences provides you with a strong foundation in the biological sciences with a focus on human health and disease. You study physiology, genetics, developmental biology, cell biology and neurobiology to understand the biological complexities of medical science. The curriculum supports preparation for the MCAT and other professional school entrance requirements.

You develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and laboratory skills necessary for success in medical, biomedical research, and health-related fields. Through coursework, laboratory experience, and independent research or internships, you engage in biomedical inquiry and gain hands-on experience in experimental design and data analysis.

The program is available as an accelerated degree option. Students interested in concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences should review The College's website for additional details and requirements.

McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program
This degree qualifies for participation in the McKenna Life Sciences, Business and Entrepreneurship Program, which prepares academically outstanding students to solve health care challenges as leaders in medicine and biotechnology. With industry-informed, customized support and tight-knit 30-student cohorts, the MLSBE Program gives you the tools to become a successful entrepreneur at the intersection of science and business.

The program transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, allowing you to graduate with two degrees --- one in finance and another in a natural science discipline of choice. You also complete a certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation, all in the same amount of time as a typical four-year degree program.

A new cohort is accepted each fall. Incoming first-year students are eligible to apply to the MLSBE Program after they've submitted their application to ASU.

Why specialize in biomedical sciences at ASU?

You'll learn from faculty engaged in genetics, physiology, microbiology and disease biology research at a top-tier R1 research university. Early exposure to hands-on laboratory training and biomedical research opportunities gives you an advantage as you prepare for health professional programs or biomedical careers. The concentration offers flexibility to tailor coursework toward pre-health or biomedical research interests; and prepares you for competitive entry into medical, dental, veterinary, physician assistant and pharmacy programs, as well as careers in biotechnology, clinical research and health care industries.

You'll benefit from internships, interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced laboratory training that build competitive preparation for graduate and professional schools.

In addition, ASU provides experiential opportunities such as undergraduate research, access to state-of-the-art facilities and global learning experiences. Short-term study abroad programs in Panama for field research and health care-focused experiences in Europe distinguish this concentration from traditional biology degrees.

Additional details

You can join research programs offered through the School of Life Sciences to engage in biomedical inquiry and gain experience in experimental design and data analysis.

Get to know the Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) degree at ASU

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Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
BIO 181 General Biology I
BIO 182 General Biology II
BIO 340 General Genetics
BIO 345 Evolution
MAT 117 College Algebra
CHM 113 General Chemistry I

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

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What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
  • Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
  • Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Through study abroad, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students studying biological sciences are able to experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide, expanding their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students can also engage in community service and outreach all around the world, helping their graduate and professional program applications stand out.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Clinical Trial Manager 8.2% $167,220
Dentist 5.7% $170,950
Epidemiologist 18.7% $87,220
Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD) 3.3% $244,180
Laboratory Technologist 2.7% $62,930
Medical Scientist 12.6% $103,410
Molecular Biologist 4.7% $98,920
Pharmacist 5.2% $140,910
Physician Assistant (PA) 21.1% $135,880

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this biomedical sciences concentration prepares you for

Graduates are prepared for professional or graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and related health professions. The degree also prepares students for positions in biotechnology, genetics, immunology, genomics, and physiology, or for advanced study leading to careers in biomedical science, health care and medical technology.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Life Sciences | LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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