BS in Human Biology

The BS in Human Biology at Michigan State University gives students hands-on exposure to human biology through laboratory-based coursework, research experiences, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. Students can explore human structure and function through the university’s biomedical and biological science facilities while developing practical skills in areas such as human anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology. The program also provides opportunities to work with faculty on research and gain experience that can support careers in healthcare, biomedical research, and related fields. These opportunities include:

• Human Anatomy Laboratory: Students gain practical experience studying human anatomy and anatomical structures through laboratory-based instruction.
• Research opportunities: Students can participate in faculty-mentored undergraduate research, allowing them to contribute to ongoing biological and biomedical research projects and develop laboratory and research skills.
• College of Natural Science research: The program connects students with research opportunities across MSU’s College of Natural Science, where undergraduate students can gain experience in areas including cell biology, genetics, physiology, neuroscience, and molecular biology.
• Biomedical research facilities: Students have access to MSU research environments supporting work in human biology, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, and related disciplines.
• Internships and experiential opportunities: MSU provides students with opportunities to gain internship and career-related experience through the university’s career resources and connections with organizations in biological, healthcare, and scientific fields.
• Student organizations: Students can participate in Natural Science and health-related student organizations, providing opportunities for collaborative activities, professional networking, and exposure to career pathways.
• MSU Libraries: Students have access to MSU Libraries and its scientific research resources, supporting literature research, academic projects, and preparation for research-based coursework.
• Advanced research environment: Students can benefit from MSU’s broader research infrastructure, including facilities and institutes supporting biomedical research, human health, genetics, and life sciences.

The BS in Human Biology at Michigan State University gives students a broad foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics/statistics, human health, and biomedical science. It is particularly suited to students considering healthcare, public health, biomedical research, or health-related industries, while still providing career options directly after graduation.

Typical job roles: Laboratory Technician, Clinical Researcher, Public Health Specialist, Medical Science Liaison.

Career support and opportunities:

• Academic and pre-health advising: Human Biology advisors help with course planning, career preparation, and professional-school requirements, including preparation for medical, dental, and physician assistant programs.
• Career services: Students can use the Career Services Network for internships and work-based learning, while Natural Science provides career exploration workshops and resources.
• Research experience: Students can pursue faculty-directed research and off-campus summer research programs, with the Undergraduate Research Office providing additional support.
• Employment settings: MSU identifies healthcare systems, laboratories, research organizations, exercise science organizations, dental schools, and medical schools among settings where Human Biology alumni work.
• Employment statistics: MSU's Career Services Network reports bachelor's-level outcomes within six months of graduation and allows outcomes to be explored by year, college, program, and internship participation; MSU does not publish a specific employment percentage for the Human Biology BS on the official program page.
• Salary figures: A Human Biology-specific starting salary is not stated on MSU's official program pages, so no program-specific salary figure is provided.
• Industry connections: The program prepares students for biomedical and health-related employers including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, medical-device organizations, independent laboratories, hospitals, health networks, and government health departments.
• Professional development: Students can build practical experience through internships, volunteering, undergraduate research, laboratory experience, and student organizations, strengthening preparation for both employment and professional-school applications.
• Long-term accreditation value: Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor, with the university's next reaffirmation scheduled for 2034–35.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates have pursued healthcare, public health, biomedical research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, medical-device research and development, and health-related business and law.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can continue into medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, physical therapy, genetic counseling, public health, master's, or PhD programs, depending on their career goals. The degree is specifically designed as a strong foundation for professional and graduate education in medicine, health sciences, biomedical sciences, public health, and related research fields.