Program(s) Available: B.S.
Do you love all things science-related? A major in biology with an emphasis in biomedical sciences is broad enough for you to pursue several career paths. If you already know what you want to specialize in, you're in luck! Keep reading to learn about your options.
We believe students should be able to tailor their education to their specific interests. That's why we offer specializations in the pre-chiropractic, pre-dentistry, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-physician assistant and pre-veterinary tracks.
You may be wondering what you'll learn in this program. Three areas of focus include human anatomy, the positioning, structure and function of bones, muscles and organs within the human body; human physiology, the study of the interrelationship between organs and organ systems; and other fundamentals of the physical and life sciences.
You'll also have access to top-notch resources and support along the way. Northwest's award-winning Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation has more than $3 million invested in state-of-the-art lab equipment that you'll use regularly. Having trouble in your chemistry class? No problem. The Student Success Center is here to offer you academic support! We're here for you, Bearcat.
Want to learn more about the specializations offered in the biomedical sciences major? Keep scrolling.
The chiropractic industry is booming. Now more than ever, individuals are embracing the idea of alternative medicines and therapy. If you're interested in pursuing the chiropractic field, now is the perfect time!
Our program satisfies the course requirement for licensure in all states requiring a bachelor’s degree. Class sizes are small and centered on basic fundamental science, human physiology and human anatomy. You'll graduate from Northwest career-ready, on day one.
Did you know? Northwest’s articulation agreement with Logan University requires students to complete the foundation coursework at Northwest and attend Logan to fulfill the bachelor’s requirements.
If you're considering pursuing a professional dentistry school after graduation, this one is for you! Northwest's pre-dentistry program exposes students to a well-rounded science foundation that will help them in their future studies.
Did you know? Students also get hands-on experience from day one. You'll get to practice with an artificial cadaver, look at three-dimensional shaping and more. This program bridges the gap between students and professionals. Partnerships with local dentists allow Bearcats to experience a day in the life of a professional through job shadowing and observation.
Healthcare workers are in high demand right now. It is very unlikely that there will ever be a surplus of labor! If you're interested in pursuing allopathic or osteopathic practices of medicine, this could be the track for you.
This specialization gives students a solid foundation to build upon after finishing their undergraduate degree at Northwest. You'll learn the basics of medicine and discover what a career in the healthcare field will actually look like.
With the rise of telework and screen time, optometrists will continue to be in high demand! Optometrists examine the eyes, diagnose possible issues and treat eyes. If this is something you're interested in, this could be the path you'll want to take, especially if you want to attend optometry school!
Northwest's pre-optometry program provides students with a well-rounded science foundation, making the transition to optometry school smooth and seamless. Did we mention you'll also gain hands-on learning experiences? Students in this program get to work with actual optometry tools!
Collaboration is the key to success. In the medical field, physician assistants collaborate with other healthcare providers to offer the best care for patients. Physician assistants are needed in almost every medical office!
Common job duties include performing physical exams, helping with surgeries, diagnosing illnesses, assisting doctors and more. Northwest's pre-physician assistant program gives students a taste of what a career in the healthcare industry really looks like! Courses are centered on the foundations of science and medicine and help prepare students for their future careers.
Animals make the world a better place - and so do veterinarians! If you have a love for animals and science, you may consider Northwest's pre-veterinary program.
This program prepares students for entry into veterinary school. While this program is rigorous, it exposes students to real-world scenarios. You'll learn all about anatomy, physiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and histology. You'll also learn how to identify healthy systems and what happens when an animal needs medical care. This is a challenging yet rewarding career for those who care about animals!
Department of Natural Sciences
660.562.1388
crater@nwmissouri.edu
Career Ready
Biology
One of the biggest transferrable skills I got from Northwest to go forward in my career is lab experience. I have done multiple techniques in my upper-level courses that other students in larger universities don't have the opportunity to do. — Jordan Unger
The Garrett-Strong Science Building offers 26 labs where students can gain profession-based experiences on campus. This facility also houses a synthetic cadaver, an aquarium and two museums that feature living animals such as a hedgehog, rats, iguanas and more!
Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA) features more than 320 acres of land dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities. Students taking wildlife ecology and conservation courses construct Sherman traps for small animals and pitfall traps for reptiles and amphibians!
