Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Biology Degree Completion Program allows students to complete the course requirements for a bachelor's degree. Students who earn a B.S. in human biology obtain a multidisciplinary education which explores the interrelationships between biology, structure, physiology, behavior, health and society.
Admission
Students may apply for the Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program at any time. The completion program is designed for students who have completed approximately the first 60 credits of undergraduate coursework including general education. Selected courses are available to help students complete the 60-credit entrance requirement.
In addition to meeting the qualifications of a student of the College of Health and Wellness, applicants must meet the following admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Biology Degree Completion Program:
- High school diploma or General Education Development diploma (GED)
- Successful completion of approximately 60 semester baccalaureate level credits at a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better
- Complete an admission application
Career Options
While a number of diverse careers may be open to students with a B.S. degree, many students continue on for an advanced degree in a professional school, graduate school, or medical school. Our B.S. degree completion program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in:
- Medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, naturopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, and related healthcare fields
- Clinical, biomedical or healthcare research
- Laboratory or forensic science technician
- Public health administration
Benefits of the B.S. in Human Biology Degree Completion Program
As a graduate with a B.S. in human biology, you will have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in a human biology related profession.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of mathematics, chemistry, and physics and apply these principles to the study of human biology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human biological systems in the context of cell structure, evolution and human health.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human structure, physiology and behavior.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human interactions with each other and the environment.
- Demonstrate an ability to appraise research, analyze and communicate information relative to human biology and health.
- Acquire skills and knowledge necessary to become successful in a human biology related profession.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human verbal and non-verbal communication, personalities and motivation.
- Improve ability to listen, write and speak effectively in human biology contexts.
- Demonstrate skill in critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
You’ll acquire knowledge of:
- Basic principles of mathematics, chemistry and physics – and apply these principles to human biology
- Human biological systems in the context of cell structure, evolution and human health
- Human structure, physiology and behavior
- Human interactions with others and the environment
- Human verbal and non-verbal communication, personalities and motivation
You’ll develop your ability to:
- Research, analyze and communicate information relative to human biology and health
- Listen, write and speak effectively in human biology contexts
- Use essential skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making and the assessment of research
Transfer Credit Policy:
The College of Health and Wellness will consider requests for transfer credit to be applied to the Baccalaureate degree programs based on the following criteria:
An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution must accompany any request for transfer
credit.
- The course(s) completed at the other institution must have similar objectives and be of similar content and length as the course(s) being substituted at the College of Undergraduate Studies. A course catalog and/or syllabus may be required to demonstrate course content.
- Students must have earned a “C” or better for foundational course requirements and major requirements to be considered for transfer. Other courses may be accepted with credit earned.
- A maximum of 90 semester credits will be transferred per student.
- The College of Health and Wellness reserves the right to offer transfer credit to students who demonstrate proficiency in course material based on submission of a portfolio demonstrating competency in the objectives of the course.
- The final decision regarding transfer credit rests with the Dean of the College.
- Communications, Social Science and Humanities General Education credits will be considered for transfer provided the course is from the same curriculum area and is truly general education in nature. Because not all courses that might address a competency are general education, courses will not be included from: business, health/physical education, computer science, field experience, career orientation, or, in general, any occupational courses or programs.
- A maximum of 16 semester credits of technical courses may be accepted toward bachelor degree programs at Northwestern.
- Credits may not be transferred toward the 12-credit Health Professions Core requirement.
- A maximum of 20 credits combined will be accepted from the CLEP and/or AP program combined.
- Transfer credit toward the Major Requirement must have been completed within the last five (5) years. Other categories do not have a time restriction.
- The College of Health and Wellness honors some military transfer credits. This includes military courses, including basic training, as well as other formal training. Military course completions reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) are eligible for specific degree requirement course transfer and general elective credits. Portions of the (ACE) transfer recommendations from the soldier’s or sailor’s Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) that directly matches one of the College degree requirements may be accepted for credit. These will be reviewed on an individual basis. MOS will not be accepted toward general unclassified elective credit. Only credits earned through military experience and registered through the American Council on Education will be evaluated for possible transfer credit.
Course Requirements and Curriculum Overview
- Undergraduate General Education Requirement (Section A)
- Foundational Sciences Requirement (Section B)
- Major Requirement (Section C)
- Health Professions Core Requirement (Section D)
Section A: Undergraduate General Education Requirement (30 credits)
Your undergraduate education must include 30 semester credits (45 quarter credits) overall with a minimum of 4 semester credits (6 quarter credits) in each of four categories:
- Communications (4 credits)
- Social Sciences (4 credits)
- Humanities (4 credits)
- Natural Sciences/Math (4 credits)
- Additional credits in any of the above categories (14 credits)
Section B: Foundational Sciences Requirement (27 credits)
Many of our science courses are offered in accelerated format, allowing you to complete one full academic year of a two-course sequence in only one 15-week trimester - half the time it typically takes at other universities.
CHEM2049: Prerequisite: General Chemistry 1
CHEM2058: Prerequisite: General Chemistry 2
CHEM2059: Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry 1
PHYS2040: Prerequisite: Foundations of Mathematics
PHYS2041: Prerequisite: General Physics 1
Section C: Major Requirement (33 credits)
Section D: Health Professions Core Requirement (12 credits)
12 credits from the following list of courses:
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of Undergraduate General Education Requirement (Section A)
- Completion of Foundational Sciences Requirement courses with a grade of C or better (Section B)
- Completion of Major Requirement courses with a grade of C or better (Section C)
- Completion of Health Professions Core Requirement (Section D)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better for all Major Requirement (Section C) and Health Professions Core Requirement (Section D) courses