Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
Get a great start on your health care career. Build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and laboratory science to prepare for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
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The Bachelor of Science in Human Biology program at UM-Flint is primarily designed for students planning to pursue professional education to become health care professionals. Many of our graduates go on to become physicians, dentists, physician assistants, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
- Rigorous, hands-on laboratory training in anatomy, physiology, research design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing
- Class sizes averaging around 20 students for close attention from faculty
- One of a handful of primarily undergraduate institutions in Michigan with a fully functional cadaver lab
Clubs & Community
Meet and learn with students who share your career aspirations in clubs like the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Pre-Med Club, Pre-Dental Club, and MCAT Preparedness Club.
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Why earn this degree here?
Hands-On Cadaver Lab
UM-Flint is among a handful of primarily undergraduate institutions in Michigan with a fully functional cadaver lab — an essential tool for students pursuing a professional degree in health care.
Small Class Sizes
Class sizes average around 20 students, so you’ll get lots of personal attention from faculty while you build a rigorous foundation in laboratory science.
Undergraduate Research
Conduct research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, performing paid or volunteer research with faculty on cutting-edge projects.
Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!
UM-Flint students are automatically considered, upon admission, for the Go Blue Guarantee, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the Go Blue Guarantee to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.
Curriculum Overview
All students in the Bachelor of Science in Human Biology curriculum fulfill general education requirements and take six biology courses, two ethics courses, and single courses in oral communication, written communication, health care delivery to diverse cultures, psychology, and statistics. Then they follow one of five concentrations based on career interest:
Pre-Dental & Pre-Medicine
Foundational preparation for dental school or medical school admission.
Pre-Occupational & Pre-Physical Therapy
Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs, including dual-degree options with the Master of Business Administration.
Pre-Physician Assistant
Prepares students for UM-Flint’s Master of Science Physician Assistant program and the dual Physician Assistant/MBA program. Students may also pursue a graduate dual degree program.
All undergraduate biology students are encouraged to consider adding a minor or a second major in another discipline (you cannot major in more than one biology program, nor major and minor in biology). Students who wish to continue their studies can pursue UM-Flint’s Master of Science in Biology program or the professional health care programs listed above.
Career Outlook
Most human biology majors go on to careers in health care, usually after additional professional education. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Physician Assistants
31%
Job growth through 2030
12,200
Job openings annually through 2030
$115,390
Median annual salary
Physical Therapists
21%
Job growth through 2030
15,600
Job openings annually through 2030
$91,010
Median annual salary
Physicians and Surgeons
3%
Job growth through 2030
22,700
Job openings annually through 2030
$208,000+
Median annual salary
Scholarships for Biology Majors
Besides being eligible for financial assistance through the Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for UM-Flint scholarships specifically for biology students, including:
- Fleming A. and Marian E. Barbour Scholarship Fund
- Emmalyn Ellis Freeman Master of Science in Biology Scholarship
- Zelpha E. McKinnon Science Scholarship
- Gary Pace Biology/Ecology Field Study Scholarship
- Holly Sucic Endowed Memorial Scholarship
- John Terrill and Lora Dorland Biological Sciences Scholarship Fund
Admission Requirements
Human biology majors follow UM-Flint’s standard first-year or transfer admission requirements — there are no additional program-specific requirements to declare this major.
Human biology majors have many options and opportunities, so it’s essential to develop a strong relationship with your academic advisor, who can clarify program requirements, help you select courses, and discuss the benefits of different concentrations. If you’re thinking about majoring in human biology, consult with the program’s advisor before registering for your first-semester classes.
Have questions? Contact the program’s dedicated academic advisor.
Academic Advisor
