Biology, BS—Biomedical Science Specialization

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central Washington University

Program Overview

The Biology, BS—Biomedical Science Specialization at Central Washington University is designed for students interested in human health, biomedical sciences, and professional healthcare pathways such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant programs, and veterinary medicine. Students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics while developing laboratory, research, critical-thinking, and scientific communication skills.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin by establishing their foundation in biological and physical sciences through courses such as BIOL 181 – General Biology I, CHEM 181 – General Chemistry I, and BIOL 182 – General Biology II. They also develop academic and quantitative skills through ENG 101 – Academic Writing I and MATH 152 – Functions and Reasoning.

Year 2:

The second year moves into more advanced scientific preparation with BIOL 183 – General Biology III, CHEM 361 – Organic Chemistry I, and BIOL 213 – Introductory Biostatistics. Students also complete physics coursework, including PHYS 111 – Introductory Physics I with Lab, PHYS 112 – Introductory Physics II with Lab, and PHYS 113 – Introductory Physics III with Lab, strengthening their quantitative and laboratory background.

Year 3:

Students progress into human-focused and molecular sciences through BIOL 355 – Human Anatomy & Phys I, BIOL 356 – Human Anatomy & Phys II, and BIOL 321 – Genetics. Coursework in CHEM 431 – Biochemistry I, CHEM 432 – Biochemistry II, and BIOL 430 – Cell Biology develops a deeper understanding of the biological and chemical processes underlying human health.

Year 4:

The final year focuses strongly on biomedical and health-related subjects, including BIOL 323 – Microbiology, BIOL 426 – Medical Microbiology, and BIOL 422 – Immunology. Students complete BIOL 487 – Biology Capstone while also studying BIOL 470 – Mechanisms of Evolution, bringing together their scientific knowledge and preparing them for professional or graduate pathways.

Focus Areas:

Human Biology, Biomedical Science, Genetics, Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Chemistry, Physics, Biostatistics, Pre-Health Sciences

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop laboratory and research skills, analyze biological and scientific data, apply chemistry and physics principles to biological systems, strengthen critical thinking and scientific communication, and build the academic foundation required for professional health programs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Biomedical Science Specialization is structured to provide prerequisite coursework for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, and veterinary medicine. CWU also provides pre-health advising to help students plan coursework around their intended healthcare pathway.

Reputation & Employability:

CWU's Biology Department provides undergraduate research opportunities where students can present at professional meetings and potentially contribute to published research. Students also have access to a Biology Job and Internship Board, Biology Club activities, and pre-professional opportunities such as the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Veterinary clubs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Biology, BS—Biomedical Science Specialization at Central Washington University develop practical laboratory skills throughout their degree, with coursework spanning general biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, chemistry, and physics. The program also provides opportunities for undergraduate research, allowing students to work with faculty and apply biological concepts through scientific investigation. These experiences are particularly relevant for students preparing for medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, physical therapy, and other health-profession programs.

Students can build hands-on experience through:

Laboratory-based coursework: Biology courses include practical laboratory components that develop skills in biological observation, experimentation, and scientific analysis.
Undergraduate research: CWU Biology offers opportunities for students to participate in faculty-led research and gain experience with scientific investigation.
Biology Capstone: BIOL 487 – Biology Capstone allows students to integrate knowledge and skills developed across the program.
Biomedical laboratory subjects: Courses such as BIOL 355 – Human Anatomy & Phys I, BIOL 356 – Human Anatomy & Phys II, BIOL 323 – Microbiology, BIOL 426 – Medical Microbiology, and BIOL 422 – Immunology provide focused preparation in biomedical sciences.
Pre-health preparation: CWU provides advising and student organizations supporting students pursuing professional healthcare programs.

Facilities and resources: Central Washington University's Biology Department provides laboratory and research spaces that support undergraduate teaching and faculty research across biological science areas. Students use these environments as part of their laboratory coursework and research experiences, giving them access to practical settings that complement classroom study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology, BS—Biomedical Science Specialization at Central Washington University provides a strong foundation for students planning careers in biomedical research, laboratory science, biotechnology, and healthcare, while also supporting progression into professional health programs. Graduates can pursue roles such as Biomedical Research Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Research Assistant, and Biotechnology Specialist, or use the degree as preparation for advanced professional study:

Career support: CWU's Career Services helps students with career planning, job searches, résumé and cover-letter development, interview preparation, internships, and connections with employers.
Research experience: Undergraduate research opportunities through the Biology Department can help students develop laboratory and research experience relevant to biomedical and scientific careers.
Pre-health preparation: Students pursuing medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, or veterinary medicine can use CWU's pre-professional advising and related student organizations to plan their academic pathway.
Employment outcomes: CWU publishes career and post-graduation outcome information through its institutional career-outcomes resources; program-specific salary figures should not be assumed where the university does not publish them.
Professional preparation: The curriculum's combination of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, and immunology provides coursework relevant to biomedical and health-profession pathways.
Industry connections: Students can gain professional exposure through research and career-development opportunities offered through CWU's academic departments and Career Services.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into graduate-level study in areas such as biomedical sciences, biology, biotechnology, microbiology, public health, or related life sciences. The degree can also serve as preparation for professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and veterinary medicine, depending on the student's prerequisites and admission requirements.