Houghton biology student working with professor during dissection lab.

Biomedical Sciences Major

Prepare for a career in the medical field in a Christ-center community.

In this flexible program, switch seamlessly between your interests within pre-health. All classes within Biomedical Sciences are lab courses, giving you hands-on experience through research opportunities and practicum. This major should meet all the prerequisites for most pre-health graduate programs.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BS

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Through Houghtonโ€™s degree in Biomedical Sciences you will:

  • Participate in labs and hands-on experiments
  • Collaborate with faculty on research projects
  • Shadow local practitioners
  • Gain real world experience through our pre-health practicum
  • Receive EMT training through the local fire department
  • Prepare for pre-health graduate programs (Pre-Med,ย Pre-Vet,ย Pre-Nursing, Pre-PA, Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Dental,ย Pre-Pharmacy)

Why study Biomedical Sciences at Houghton?

Integrated Experiences

Take lab classes in a range of disciplines to get hands-on experience. Participate in guided dissections, solve open-ended research problems, and practice and apply critical medical and molecular techniques. Gain experience with the latest in biomedical techniques including CRISPR, ELISA, and Western Blotting.

Explore biology facilities

Experiential Learning

This program's coursework and integrated experiences also let you explore your interests out in the field. Enroll in the pre-health practicum and live with an alum and shadow them at work. Or opt for the free EMT basics training through the fire department and volunteer your time on ambulance calls. Lastly, experience clinical medicine by being in the room with patients and helping with diagnoses as part of your coursework.

This majorsโ€™ emphasis on experiential learning will increase your competitiveness in graduate school applications.

Collaborative Research

At least one semester of collaborative research is required for all students. Work one-on-one with a faculty member to design, conduct, analyze, and present your findings. Research often results in poster presentations or published, first-authored, peer-reviewed journal articles. Additional research opportunities include paid summer research at Houghton or participating in Science Honors.

Learn about the research institute

Personalized Mentorship

At Houghton, small classes allow you to work one on one with your professor. Professors are excited to work with you, helping you develop critical thinking and content mastery. Professors make specific suggestions and offer advice based on your background, experience, interests, location, and sense of calling. This includes required course work in professional development, training and feedback on written and oral communication, and personalized course selection.

Meet the Faculty

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses


BIOL 217 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Study the anatomy and physiology of the human body including microanatomy, body organization, and body systems. These systems include: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems.

BIOL 232 Epidemiology

Discover how human diseases spread through a population. Explore the relationship between the infectious agent, the genetic makeup of the community and social, behavioral, economic, and cultural factors. Learn about the history of public health and epidemiology. This includes cost/benefit analyses, public health policy, and the implications of case reporting to the CDC and local public health departments.

BIOL 394 Research in Biology

Research in collaboration with a faculty member focusing on current research in areas of immunology, smooth muscle rehabilitation, molecular genetics, animal behavior, and forest/water ecosystem analysis. Youโ€™ll work in small teams to review literature, design projects, perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and write up your work in manuscript form.

Degree Options


BS - 124 credits

66-70 credits
Required Courses

54-58 credits
Elective courses + general education

BS Degree Requirements

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What can I do with a degree in biomedical sciences?

Career Opportunities

Students earning a BS degree in Biomedical Sciences from Houghton University are prepared for many areas of the medical field, including but not limited to:

Graduate School

Master's degree options for biomedical sciences majors:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Audiology & Speech Pathology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Epidemiology
  • Laboratory Science
  • Nursing
  • Optometry/Vision Science
  • Pharmacology
  • Physician Assistant
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Medicine

27%

Career growth for Physician Assistants.

From 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Plan Ahead For Your Postgraduate Studies

Houghton University has collaborative agreements with D'Youville University and Messiah University for a select group of students to gain entry to Doctorate and Master programs upon graduation from Houghton.

Learn more about partnership agreements
Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2023

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

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Houghton biology major working in biology lab dissecting specimen.

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Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Biomedical Sciences from Houghton University is right for you.


Questions?