Bachelor of Science in Physiology

The B.S. in Physiology at Michigan State University provides substantial hands-on experience through laboratory-based coursework, faculty-supervised research, and independent study. A key component is PSL 475L – Capstone Laboratory in Physiology, where students work in teams during hands-on laboratory activities, while PSL 490 – Independent Research allows students to conduct faculty-supervised, laboratory-based research. Students can also pursue research opportunities in MSU physiology laboratories and participate in summer research programs, giving them practical exposure to experimental methods and biomedical research.

Students can build practical and research experience through opportunities such as:

• PSL 475L – Capstone Laboratory in Physiology: A hands-on laboratory course where students work with lab partners and complete practical activities, experiments, problem sets, and post-lab assignments.
• PSL 490 – Independent Research: Students can undertake laboratory-based, faculty-supervised research in an approved area of physiology. The experience is recorded on the student's academic transcript and normally involves regular consultation with a faculty mentor.
• PSL 480 – Independent Study: Students can complete faculty-supervised literature-based, computer-based, or inquiry-based projects when the topic cannot be addressed through another course format.
• Undergraduate research laboratories: Physiology students can seek research assistant positions by connecting directly with Department of Physiology faculty, principal investigators, and laboratory managers. Research opportunities span areas connected to human and animal health and biomedical physiology.
• Summer research opportunities: Students can pursue MSU Summer Research Opportunities Programs and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, as well as research opportunities outside MSU. These experiences can provide intensive research training and faculty mentorship.
• Research presentations and scientific communication: Undergraduate research can lead to opportunities to present research findings, including through university research forums. MSU also highlights research experiences where students develop skills in explaining their work and preparing for conferences.
• Research areas: Department of Physiology research covers the connection between molecular and cellular events and human and animal health, giving students opportunities to explore biomedical research through faculty laboratories and research groups.
• Career and internship tools: Handshake is available to MSU students for finding on-campus and off-campus jobs and internships, while the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Office provides research opportunities and programs.
• Department facilities: The Department of Physiology is based in the Biomedical Physical Sciences building, and its research environment includes dedicated faculty laboratories and research groups covering physiology and biomedical science.

Official Facilities & Research Resources: The Department of Physiology's official research section provides access to its Research Groups and Labs, which are the primary program-related research facilities available to students.

The B.S. in Physiology at Michigan State University prepares graduates for careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, clinical settings, and other health-related fields. The program also provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue graduate or professional education in medicine and other biomedical disciplines.

Typical career options: Laboratory Technician, Cardiology Assistant, Disease Control Specialist, Research Assistant, Veterinary Technician.

The program offers several pathways to support students' career development:

• Academic and career advising: The Department of Physiology's undergraduate advising team supports students throughout the degree, while advisors also work with recent graduates applying to professional schools, graduate programs, and jobs. Support can include mock interviews and feedback on personal statements.
• Research experience: Students can gain professional experience through faculty-supervised research and laboratory positions. MSU physiology students have participated in research assistant roles and external research and development internships.
• Employment sectors: Official MSU information identifies alumni working in hospitals and healthcare agencies, pharmaceutical companies, universities, medical schools, research laboratories/clinical settings, and veterinary schools.
• Graduation outcomes: Alumni have progressed into roles including cardiology assistants, disease control specialists, laboratory technicians, nuclear medicine attendants, veterinary technicians, and resource specialists.
• Industry connections: The Department's physiology research and teaching activities are connected across MSU's College of Natural Science, College of Human Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Michigan AgBio Research, providing an interdisciplinary biomedical environment.
• Employment statistics and salary: I could not verify a current program-specific employment rate or starting-salary figure from MSU's official sources, so no unsupported figure is included.
• Accreditation: MSU's official B.S. in Physiology information does not identify a separate professional accreditation for this degree. Its value is primarily in its biomedical-science foundation, laboratory preparation, research opportunities, and preparation for professional or graduate study.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into MSU's Master of Science in Physiology or Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology. MSU also offers a linked B.S./M.S. pathway for eligible physiology undergraduates, while the department's graduate programs support pathways toward research, medicine, industry, and physician-scientist careers, including M.D./Ph.D. and D.O./Ph.D. options.