Biomedical Sciences Major (BA, BS)

NA On Campus Bachelors Program

North Park University

Program Overview

North Park University’s Biomedical Sciences major combines biology and chemistry with hands-on biomedical training, preparing students for careers in research, medical innovation, healthcare, or further professional study. Students develop a strong foundation in areas such as human anatomy, cell biology, microbiology, physiology, genetics, molecular biology, and specialized biomedical subjects while gaining practical experience through North Park’s cadaver lab and advanced science facilities.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin with foundational biomedical sciences and chemistry, including BIOL 1250 – Introduction to Human Anatomy, BIOL 1260 – Introduction to Cell Biology, and CHEM 1150 – General Chemistry I, building an understanding of human structure, cellular processes, and chemical principles. The curriculum establishes the scientific foundation needed for more advanced biomedical coursework.

Year 2:

Students progress into subjects such as BIOL 2910 – Microbiology and BIOL 2930 – Advanced Human Physiology, developing a deeper understanding of microorganisms, human physiological systems, and their relevance to health and disease. Depending on the degree pathway, students can also study BIOL 2270 – Introduction to Zoology or BIOL 2280 – Introduction to Botany.

Year 3:

Upper-level study moves toward molecular and genetic mechanisms through courses such as BIOL 3210 – Genetics or BIOL 3230 – Molecular Biology. Students can tailor their studies with biomedical electives such as BIOL 3140 – Histology, BIOL 3610 – Medical Microbiology, BIOL 3620 – Immunology, and BIOL 3290 – Bioinformatics.

Year 4:

Students consolidate their biomedical knowledge through advanced electives, research or internship opportunities, and the BIOL 4901 – Comprehensive Examination. Specialized options such as Cancer Biology, Biological Nanomedicine, Neuroscience, Medical Parasitology, and Immunology allow students to align their final studies with research, healthcare, or professional-school interests.

Focus Areas:

Human anatomy and physiology, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, medical microbiology, immunology, histology, bioinformatics, cancer biology, biological nanomedicine, neuroscience, medical parasitology, biomedical research, healthcare and pre-professional preparation.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop skills in biological and biomedical investigation, experimental planning and evaluation, scientific analysis, laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, research, and communication, with preparation for biomedical research, medical innovation, healthcare professions, graduate study, and related biological-science careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

North Park University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has been continuously accredited since 1926; its institutional accreditation was most recently reaffirmed on September 8, 2025. North Park’s accreditation page does not list a separate specialized accreditation specifically for the Biomedical Sciences B.A./B.S.

Reputation (Employability/Rankings):

North Park University was ranked #46 (tied) among Regional Universities in the Midwest and #13 in Best Value – Regional Universities (Midwest) in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university's 2023 career-outcomes report also lists Biomedical Sciences among the majors represented among graduates with reported employment outcomes, with graduates working at organizations including Cardinal Health, Labcorp, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Health Care.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Sciences, B.A./B.S. at North Park University is strongly focused on hands-on learning from the beginning of the program. Students work with advanced technology and gain practical laboratory experience in the Nancy and G. Timothy Johnson Center for Science and Community Life, a 101,000-square-foot facility with 30 state-of-the-art laboratories and technology-enhanced classrooms. The program also provides opportunities for faculty-guided research, internships, field experiences, and specialized anatomy training using the university’s cadaver lab.

Students can develop practical biomedical and research skills through:

Cadaver Lab: BIOL 1250 – Introduction to Human Anatomy includes laboratory work with cadaver demonstrations, giving students direct experience studying human organ systems.
Faculty-mentored research: Students can participate in one-on-one research with faculty, allowing them to gain experience planning, conducting, and evaluating scientific experiments.
Directed research: The Biomedical Sciences curriculum includes BIOL 4930 – Directed Research in Biology, providing a structured opportunity to conduct research under faculty guidance.
Internships: BIOL 4970 – Internship in Biology provides an on-site apprenticeship with an area business or organization; up to four semester hours can count toward the major, subject to the program's requirements.
Biomedical laboratory work: Courses such as BIOL 3610 – Medical Microbiology include laboratory work involving the identification of pathogenic organisms and interpretation of laboratory tests.
Bioinformatics: Students can take BIOL 3290 – Bioinformatics, developing exposure to computational approaches used in biomedical and biological research.
Advanced science facilities: The Johnson Center houses 30 smart laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and approximately $850,000 in state-of-the-art science equipment, with facilities supporting areas including anatomy, molecular genetics, zoology, and microscopy.
Technology-enabled collaboration: Johnson Center laboratories use smart technology that supports lecture capture, distance learning, real-time data sharing, collaboration, and group activities.
Field experience: North Park’s Division of Sciences provides field-learning opportunities in Chicago, nationally, and internationally, giving science students opportunities to apply their learning beyond campus.
Student laboratory roles: Students can gain additional practical experience by working as teaching assistants, tutors, writing advisors, or laboratory assistants.
Research internship example: North Park highlights a Biomedical Sciences graduate who completed a research internship at Northwestern’s Center for Synthetic Biology, demonstrating the program’s pathway into external research experiences.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Sciences, B.A./B.S. at North Park University prepares students for careers in biomedical research, medical innovation, laboratory settings, and healthcare-related fields, while also providing a strong foundation for professional or graduate school. The program is particularly well suited to students planning careers in medicine and other health professions, with North Park offering dedicated pre-professional tracks and advising alongside the major.

Typical career roles: Biomedical Researcher, Laboratory Technician, Clinical Research Assistant, Pharmaceutical Research Associate

Students can build their professional pathway through:

Career Development Office: North Park provides career support from the first year through graduation, including personalized career counseling, career exploration, resume and cover-letter support, interview preparation, and access to Handshake for jobs, internships, networking, and experiential-learning opportunities.
Biomedical Sciences employment outcomes: In North Park's Class of 2023 career-outcomes data, 9 Biomedical Sciences graduates were included among graduates with reported employment information. The university reports that 100% of the 204 alumni with reported outcomes were working or had an employment-related status; the university does not publish a Biomedical Sciences-specific salary figure on this outcomes page.
Relevant employers: North Park's reported graduate-employer list includes biomedical and healthcare organizations such as Cardinal Health, Labcorp, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Rush University Medical Center, Advocate Health Care, Endeavor Health, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Research and industry exposure: Biomedical Sciences students have opportunities to connect with external research environments. For example, North Park highlights a Biomedical Sciences graduate's research internship at Northwestern University's Center for Synthetic Biology, while the university has developed academic connections with Northwestern's biotechnology program.
Pre-health advising: Students pursuing medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other health professions can work with North Park's Advisor for Advanced Education in the Health Professions, who helps students plan prerequisite coursework and prepare for graduate/professional-school applications and interviews.
Long-term accreditation value: North Park University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1926, with its institutional accreditation most recently reaffirmed on September 8, 2025. HLC accreditation provides institutional quality assurance and is often important for graduate admission and federal financial-aid eligibility.
Research achievements: Biomedical Sciences graduates are also gaining recognition for undergraduate research. In 2026, Biomedical Sciences graduate Joshua Brito BS '26 won first place at the TriBeta North Central-1 District Research Conference and was invited to present at the national convention.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A. or B.S., students can continue into medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary, or other professional programs, depending on the prerequisite coursework required by their chosen institution. Students interested in research can also pursue graduate-level study in biomedical and biological sciences, while North Park's pre-professional tracks provide advising and course planning to support applications to advanced programs.