Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

Arizona State University (Tempe campus)

1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, United States Arizona, Tempe, USA Visit web page

Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS LABSCMBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

Available online

Additional information

Program description

The BS program in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences is tailored for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions or biomedical research.

Curriculum aligns with the broad scientific competencies recommended for premedical students. Students will be well prepared for the MCAT and medical school admission and well versed in the core concepts, competencies and critical intellectual skills necessary for success in medical school or biomedical research.

In addition to coursework, students gain hands-on experience with world-renowned faculty with opportunities to engage in independent research projects or internships to jump-start their professional careers.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

Concurrent program options

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

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Biology (Biology and Society), MS
  • Biology, MS
  • Computational Life Sciences, MS
  • Global Management, MGM
  • Microbiology, MS
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. 

Global opportunities
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 and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students can also engage in community service and outreach all around the world, which can help their graduate and professional program applications stand out.

Career opportunities

The biomedical sciences concentration within the biological sciences major provides students with a mastery of the competencies and prerequisite requirements valued by graduate programs in medical, dental and optometry fields as well as other programs that prepare students to become physician assistants or physical therapists.

The Bachelor of Science degree program also prepares students with an understanding of the process of science, knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics, and the ability to understand and apply core biomedical concepts. This groundwork prepares students for direct entry into biology research careers in a vast number of areas, including genetics, genomics, evolution, physiology and immunology.