BS Biomedical Sciences

2 Years Online Bachelors Program

University of North Texas

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at UNT Health is a flexible, 100% online degree designed for students seeking careers in healthcare, biomedical research, laboratory science and related scientific fields. The program focuses on applied biology and human health, with coursework in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, scientific literature and communication, while also providing electives that can support preparation for medical, dental, physician assistant, public health and other advanced programs.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students build their core biomedical foundation through BMSC 3301 – Biomedical Statistics, BMSC 3321 – Biomedical Ethics and BMSC 3401 – Biochemistry in the fall. The spring semester develops knowledge of the human body through BMSC 3101 – Analysis of Scientific Literature, BMSC 3402 – Human Anatomy and BMSC 3403 – Human Physiology, followed by BMSC 3404 – Applied Microbiology during the summer. Students also select electives that allow them to explore areas aligned with their interests.

Year 2:

Students strengthen their professional and interdisciplinary preparation through BMSC 3322 – Scientific Communication for Health Professions, BMSC 3323 – Introduction to Health Disparities and BMSC 3324 – Fundamentals of Psychology. Elective choices can further specialize the degree through subjects such as BMSC 4303 – Genetics, BMSC 4304 – Pharmacology, BMSC 4306 – Immunology, BMSC 4307 – Applied Molecular and Cell Biology, BMSC 4322 – Epidemiology or BMSC 4328 – Genetic and Genomic Medicine.

Focus Areas:

Applied biology, human health and disease, biochemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, biomedical statistics, scientific literature, scientific communication, biomedical ethics, health disparities, genetics, pharmacology, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, epidemiology and genetic/genomic medicine.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop knowledge of human biology and disease, skills in analyzing scientific literature, scientific writing and communication abilities, quantitative skills through biomedical statistics, and an interdisciplinary understanding of health and biomedical science. The program also prepares students for new health-related career opportunities and admission to advanced science or professional programs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

UNT Health Fort Worth is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. SACSCOC accreditation is institutional rather than specific to the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences; UNT Health's official accreditation information does not list a separate programmatic accreditation for this bachelor's degree.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes):

UNT Health reports that the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences is designed for careers in healthcare, public or private laboratory research, scientific industry and other science careers. The university also publishes career salary examples associated with the degree, including $62,870 for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians and $112,380 for medical scientists, while noting that some careers may require additional training or an advanced degree.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at UNT Health uses an active-learning approach within a 100% asynchronous online format, allowing students to develop biomedical knowledge while studying human health and disease. Students work with experienced faculty mentors, analyze scientific literature, develop scientific communication skills, and can tailor their studies through electives such as genetics, pharmacology, immunology, molecular and cell biology, epidemiology and biomedical entrepreneurship.

The program also connects students with UNT Health’s broader research and academic environment, including specialized research centers, institutes, the Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library and research resources.

Key opportunities and resources include:

Scientific literature analysis: BMSC 3101 – Analysis of Scientific Literature develops skills in evaluating and interpreting scientific research.
Biomedical data skills: BMSC 3301 – Biomedical Statistics provides quantitative preparation relevant to biomedical research and health sciences.
Scientific communication: BMSC 3322 – Scientific Communication for Health Professions develops communication skills specifically for health-professional contexts.
Specialized biomedical electives: Students can gain focused knowledge through BMSC 4303 Genetics, BMSC 4304 Pharmacology, BMSC 4306 Immunology, BMSC 4307 Applied Molecular and Cell Biology, BMSC 4322 Epidemiology and BMSC 4328 Genetic and Genomic Medicine.
Faculty mentorship: Students receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced faculty, with a program-dedicated Academic Support Navigator providing additional guidance.
Research environment: UNT Health faculty conduct research addressing major health challenges including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research centers and institutes: Students are part of an institution with resources including the Center for Human Identification, North Texas Eye Research Institute, Institute for Health Disparities, Center for Anatomical Sciences and Institute for Translational Research.
Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library: Online students can access scholarly resources, e-journals, e-books, biomedical databases, citation-management support and librarian consultations remotely.
Career preparation: UNT Health provides application and skills workshops, mock interviews, MCAT preparation courses and faculty advising, supporting students preparing for professional health programs.
Online learning tools: Courses are eight weeks long and delivered asynchronously, with students accessing course materials and completing assignments according to their own schedules within the course timetable.

Facilities & Resources:

Although the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences is 100% online, students can access UNT Health's digital academic and research resources remotely. The Gibson D. Lewis Health Science Library provides worldwide access to scholarly and clinical resources, including more than 28,000 electronic journals, approximately 35,000 books and 181 searchable databases, while UNT Health's wider research environment includes specialized research centers and core laboratories supporting biomedical research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Sciences at UNT Health prepares graduates for careers across healthcare, laboratory research, biotechnology and scientific industries, while also providing a foundation for advanced professional or graduate study. UNT Health specifically identifies pathways into medical, dental, physician assistant, public health and biomedical graduate programs.

Possible career roles: Laboratory Technician, Biomedical Researcher, Clinical Research Coordinator, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

Key progression and career-support opportunities include:

Career preparation: The curriculum includes BMSC 4125 – Career Readiness in Health Professions, covering interviewing, application processes, essay writing, study skills, time management and preparation for future career paths.
Academic support: Students have access to online advising and an Academic Support Navigator, while faculty provide mentorship throughout the program.
Salary figures: UNT Health lists average annual salaries of $62,870 for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, $77,172 for pharmaceutical sales representatives, $78,021 for biomedical research scientists, and $112,380 for medical scientists. UNT Health notes that some of these careers may require additional training or an advanced degree.
Research environment: Students benefit from being part of a biomedical institution with 69 faculty members, $8.4 million in FY2024 research awards, and eight research disciplines, including genetics, cancer biology, pharmacology and neuroscience, and integrative physiology.
Industry and professional pathways: The degree is designed for careers in healthcare, public or private laboratory research and scientific industry, while UNT Health also provides pathways toward its medical, pharmacy, public health and other advanced health programs.
Graduation outcomes: UNT Health highlights graduates progressing into advanced education. For example, a recent B.S. graduate was accepted into UNT Health's Master's in Drug Discovery and Development program, while another became the first B.S. graduate accepted to medical school.
Accreditation value: UNT Health's institutional accreditation provides recognition for the university's degree-awarding authority; students pursuing regulated professions should separately verify the professional-school or licensing requirements applicable to their intended career.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into medical school (MD/DO), dental school (DDS/DMD), physician assistant programs, Master of Public Health programs, or master's and Ph.D. programs in biomedical sciences and related fields. UNT Health also offers graduate options within the biomedical sciences and related disciplines, creating opportunities to continue from undergraduate study into advanced biomedical or health-focused education.