Biology: Health Sciences

The health care sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, with skilled professionals in high demand at the bench and at the bedside.

At Emmanuel, your neighbors are the world-renowned surgeons, researchers and experts of the famed Longwood Medical and Academic Area. Studying biology with a concentration in health science just steps from these world-class hospitals and research institutions gives you immediate access and opportunity to intern and research with experts in every field of interest. This program is structured for students interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences, including medicine, dentistry, physician's assistant, research, nursing or public health. 

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

B.S. Biology with Concentration in Health Sciences

Requirements for Concentration:

  • BIOL2135 Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
  • BIOL2137 Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
  • BIOL3127 Microbiology with lab
  • PHIL1205 Health Care Ethics (M)(ER)
  • BIOL4194/95 Research Internships in the Natural Sciences I & II OR INT3211 Experiential Internships in the Natural Sciences 
  • Two upper-level biology electives, one of which must be at the 3000-level

Students who declare the Health Science concentration will work with their advisor to ensure that other non-major requirements are met for post-undergraduate careers. Examples include:

  • Pre-Med/Dental: Calculus I and II; Physics I and II
  • Physician Assistant: Introduction to Psychology; Statistics

Students are also encouraged to consider the following electives to further enhance their studies in Health Sciences:

  • BIOL2113 Human Nutrition
  • ECON3113 Economics of Health Care
  • PSYCH2405 Health Psychology
  • SOC2123 Health Care: Systems, Structures and Cultures

At the completion of a degree from the Biology Department, the student will have:

  • Master and apply fundamental concepts in biology.
  • Source, critically evaluate and communicate scientific knowledge.
  • Collaborate effectively with others to find insightful solutions to scientific questions.
  • Apply ethical and moral reasoning to important biological issues that impact society.
  • Acquire expertise in laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, experimental design, and data analyses.
  • Explore career goals and experiential opportunities to excel in future professions.

What can I do with a degree in health sciences?

Health Sciences majors have a wide range of career opportunities available to them across various sectors, including healthcare, research, education, public health, and biotechnology. Here are some potential career paths:

Healthcare and Clinical Professions

  • Medical Doctor (MD): Requires medical school and residency training. MDs diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care.
  • Nurse (RN, NP): Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners provide patient care, often requiring a nursing degree and licensure.
  • Physician Assistant (PA): PAs practice medicine under the supervision of physicians, requiring a master's degree and certification.
  • Pharmacist: Dispense medications and provide drug-related information, requiring a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.
  • Physical Therapist: Help patients recover mobility and manage pain, requiring a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
  • Occupational Therapist: Assist patients in developing, recovering, and improving skills needed for daily living, requiring a master's or doctoral degree.

Public Health

  • Public Health Officer: Work in government or non-profit organizations to develop and implement public health policies and programs.
  • Epidemiologist: Study the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
  • Health Educator: Promote health and wellness by educating the public on healthy behaviors and disease prevention.
  • Environmental Health Specialist: Investigate environmental factors that affect human health and implement strategies to mitigate risks.

Research and Development

  • Biomedical Researcher: Conduct research to advance knowledge in fields such as genetics, microbiology, and pharmacology.
  • Clinical Research Coordinator: Manage clinical trials and research studies to test new medical treatments and interventions.
  • Biostatistician: Analyze biological data and apply statistical methods to research studies in health and biology.

Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals

  • Biotechnologist: Develop new products and technologies in areas such as genetic engineering, drug development, and agricultural biotechnology.
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers.
  • Quality Control Analyst: Ensure that biotechnological and pharmaceutical products meet quality and safety standards.

Education

  • High School Biology Teacher: Teach biology at the secondary education level, usually requiring a teaching credential.
  • College or University Professor: Conduct research and teach at the collegiate level, typically requiring a Ph.D.
  • Science Educator: Work in museums, science centers, or educational organizations to promote science education to the public.

Healthcare Administration

  • Healthcare Administrator: Manage the operations of healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
  • Health Services Manager: Oversee specific departments or services within healthcare organizations, focusing on efficiency and quality of care.

Environmental and Conservation Science

  • Conservation Biologist: Work to protect and manage natural resources and wildlife.
  • Environmental Scientist: Study and address environmental issues such as pollution, conservation, and sustainability.
  • Wildlife Biologist: Research and manage wildlife populations and habitats.

Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Dietitian/Nutritionist: Provide nutritional counseling and develop dietary plans to promote health and manage diseases.
  • Public Health Nutritionist: Work in community settings to improve nutrition and health outcomes.

Forensic Science

  • Forensic Biologist: Analyze biological evidence in criminal investigations, working in crime labs or with law enforcement agencies.

Genetics and Genomics

  • Genetic Counselor: Provide information and support to individuals and families regarding genetic conditions, requiring specialized training and certification.
  • Genomics Researcher: Study genes and their functions to advance knowledge in genetics and develop new treatments.

Health Informatics

  • Health Informatics Specialist: Use technology and data to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
  • Clinical Data Analyst: Analyze health data to support clinical decision-making and improve healthcare services.

These career paths leverage the strong foundation in biology and health sciences, along with analytical, research, and communication skills developed during the degree program. Biology and health sciences majors are well-prepared to contribute to various fields that improve health and well-being.

Related Programs

We also offer a general major in Biology and several other concentrations