Biology and Biomedical Sciences Major

two biomedical science majors carefully perform testing in a lab wearing lab coats and gloves
BS On-Campus Main Campus

DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

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Find your fearless mindset: ask the questions, pursue the answers.

A biomedical sciences major lays the foundation for you to continue to a professional school in medicine or further study for a career in research or laboratory work. Sstudents may select additional electives in virology, immunology, pathogenic bacteriology, epidemiology, comparative anatomy, molecular genetics, health physics, and toxicology.

Where Bold Ideas Take Shape

The biomedical science major curriculum includes supporting chemistry, physics, and mathematics coursework as well as a core of courses that prepares graduates in any area of biology.

  • Engage with faculty mentors who offer research opportunities to help you develop professional skills for a competitive job market.
  • Learn through rigorous coursework in animal physiology and molecular genetics required for most medical schools.
  • Immerse yourself in additional coursework in social science, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics, making you competitive for admission to medical schools.
  • Find peer support and guidance through Alpha Epsilon Delta, American Student Medical Association, and the Student Medical Society.
  • Receive guidance through the Biomedical Scholars Advising Program. Your advisor will meet with you every semester to help as you progress toward professional school.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Biology and Biomedical Sciences?

Most biomedical science major program graduates continue on to some type of professional or medical school or pursue a graduate degree. Southeast alumni have attended some of the most prestigious medical schools throughout the country, including:

  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
  • St. Louis University School of Medicine
  • University of Minnesota
  • Kansas University –Kansas City
  • NYU 

Missouri residents typically matriculate to University of Missouri – Columbia or University of Missouri – Kansas City. Southeast students are eligible for the Bryant Scholars Program at the University of Missouri – Columbia. The program is to encourage rural students to pursue careers in medicine then serve rural communities.

Illinois students typically matriculate to Southern Illinois University or the University of Illinois.

Students interested in osteopathic medicine find opportunities to become physicians at:

  • A.T. Still –Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM)
  • Carey College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Southeast students have access to the KCOM Pre-Osteopathic Scholar Pre-admission Program.

Students interested in chiropractic medicine may matriculate directly to Logan College of Chiropractic medicine through our 3+3 plan.

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Biomedical Sciences (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your biology and biomedical sciences degree.

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Start a Seamless Pathway to Medical School

Southeast Missouri State University and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine have partnered to provide SEMO students with a seamless transition to medical school. Are you exploring osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, or podiatric medicine? This pathway gets you on track for success.
LECOM Early Acceptance Program

Professional Partnerships

Our agreement with St. George’s University guarantees all SEMO graduates from the pre-medical or biomedical sciences programs who meet the requirements gain admission into its accredited School of Medicine.

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Biomedical Science Major Outcomes & Careers

  • $253k

    Physician

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for physicians and ophthalmologists is $253,470.

  • $136k

    Physician Assistant

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a physician assistant is $136,900.

  • $112k

    Medical Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a medical scientist is $112,690.

Turn Ambition Into Action

The biology biomedical sciences major curriculum includes core coursework to prepare you for any area of biology. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

“Critical Courses” are italicized and bolded. Data shows that students who have completed this course in the first two years and have earned the noted grade are most likely to complete this program of study.

Required Courses:

  • BI163 Evolution & Ecology (4)
  • BI173 Cell & Organismal Biology (4)
  • BI283 Genetics (4)
  • BI389 Career Development in Biology (2)
  • CH184 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
  • CH185 General Chemistry I (3)
  • MI101 Introduction to Microcomputer Applications (3)
Choose one math course:
  • MA116 Precalculus A (3)
  • MA137 Precalculus (5)
  • MA139 Applied Calculus (3)
  • MA140 Analytical Geometry & Calculus I (5)
Experiential Learning Requirement: 2 hours
  • BI551-553 Biology Field Studies (2)
  • BI563-565 Experience in Museum Curation (1-3)
  • BI570 Development of Instructional Materials (1)
  • BI582 Internship in Biology (1-3)
  • BI589-591 Biological Research (1-3)

Biomedical Sciences Option Required Courses:

  • BI310 General Microbiology (4)
OR
  • ZO310 Zoology (4)
  • ZO331 Vertebrate Physiology (3)

Choose 3courses (9-12 hrs):

  • BI403 Medical Genetics (3)
  • BI404 Cell Biology (3)
  • BI408 Biological Microscopy (4)
  • BI413 Molecular genetics (3)
  • BI421 Bacterial Genetics (4)
  • BI439 Cellular Mechanisms of Disease (3)
  • BI442 Immunology (4)
  • BI543 Pathogenic Microbiology (4)
  • ZO315 Comparative Anatomy (4)
  • ZO451 Vertebrate Histology (3)
Choose 6 hours:
  • Any BI, BO, ZO, or BT prefix (6)

Non-Biology Requirements:

  • CH 186 General Chemistry II (3)
  • CH 187 General Chemistry II Lab (1)
  • CH341 Foundations of Organic Chemistry (4)
  • CH342 Organic Chemistry Lab I (1)
  • MAxxx Additional math (for which MA116 is a prerequisite) (3)
  • PH120 Introductory Physics I (5)
  • PH121 Introductory Physics II (5)

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year    

Fall Semester (15-17 Hours)     
  • UI100 (1) 
  • BI163/063 (4) 
  • CH184/185 (4) 
  • MA116/137/139/140 (3-5) 
  • MI101 (3) 
Spring Semester (14 Hours)     
  • BI173/073 (4)
  • CH186 (3) 
  • CH187 (1) 
  • EN100 (3) 
  • Additional Math course (3) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.2

Second Year    

Fall Semester (14 Hours)  
  • BI283/083 (4) 
  • BI389 (2)
  • CH341 (4) 
  • CH342 (1) 
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours)    
  • BI310 or ZO310 (4) 
  • CH343* (3) 
  • CH344* (2) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.2

(Summer courses are encouraged to avoid 18-hour semesters)

Third Year    

Fall Semester (17 Hours)    
  • PH120/020 (5) 
  • Biology upper-level elective (3) 
  • Biology Elective (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (16 Hours)     
  • ZO331 (3) 
  • PH121/021 (5)  
  • Experiential Learning Req (2) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)

Milestone: take the admission test and apply to the professional program

Fourth Year    

Fall Semester (16 Hours)     
  • Biology upper-level electives (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours)  
  • Biology electives (3) 
  • Biology upper-level electives (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.2

A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.

 * Recommended for program; consult advisor

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What will it cost?

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Hands-on Learning

You’ll gain hands-on real-world experience through a required 80 hours outside the classroom shadowing doctors and nurses, working in hospitals, or conducting laboratory research with faculty.
Experiential Learning
Closeup of a biomedical science major lab with burner and lab equipment in the foregorund

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, and sell your knowledge and experience—if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. Our boldly supportive faculty will provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
Career Services
A portrait of Biomedical student, Andrew Behrmann.

Andrew Behrmann

Alumnus

Conducting research gave me a sense of which medical programs I am interested in applying to as well as specialties I am considering after my training. I’ve worked in a wide range of labs on campus, which has prepared me for the research I want to do in medical school.

Additional Resources

Office of Admissions
Scholarships
Student Organizations & Teams
Department of Biology
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Related Programs

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Contact Us

Location

Office

Rhodes Hall 224

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
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