This program provides rigorous biological training, focused on biomedical science. Students will research, study, and analyze natural systems, their components, and how they work. This program prepares students for entry-level biomedical jobs or further graduate/professional programs in the biomedical sciences.
Are you compassionate and hard-working? Do you dream about helping ill people or animals, or preventing them from becoming ill in the first place? If so, our Biomedical Science program can prepare you for success in your chosen field.
You'll receive plenty of personal attention from faculty--in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science. Our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences is for students intrigued with the biological underpinnings of medical and health sciences. This well-rounded degree equips students to engage in complex challenges at the intersection of science and medicine.
Our BS in Biomedical Sciences program consists of a Life Sciences Core with a broad range of flexible elective options. The core courses are designed to provide students with a strong grounding in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Students, in consultation with an academic advisor and using a basic course schedule as a guideline, may select from elective courses relevant to a range of disciplinary areas and career fields, such as Human Genomics, Immunobiology, Medical Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, or design their own set of electives approved by one of the program academic advisors. From anatomy and physiology to human microbiology, students will develop an understanding of the biological and chemical systems of the human body - and develop a foundation for a career in a range of health professions.
Students who seek research opportunities can engage with our biological research faculty and/or our associated research centers, such as the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI).
Our BS in Biomedical Sciences graduates are prepared for biomedical and health-science-related careers or they may work as technicians in research laboratories in universities or in industry. Graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 69 - 80 units.
Take 69 - 80 units including at least 41 units of Biology and Biology-related coursework with a Grade of "C" or better:
All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a Grade of 'C' or better.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.