Online Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences – Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical science is a set of disciplines that applies biological and chemical principles to human health, disease and medical research. It bridges the gap between laboratory science and clinical practice, encompassing fields such as biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, physiology and epidemiology to better understand how the human body functions and how disease develops.

The work of biomedical scientists supports a wide range of outcomes, from diagnosing illness and developing new treatments to advancing public health and informing medical policy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, related roles, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, epidemiologists, medical scientists and biomedical engineers, are all projected to grow faster than average through 2034.

Yes. The curriculum is designed with MCAT® preparation built in. Required coursework covers the core subjects tested on the exam, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and statistics, in alignment with recommendations from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Beyond meeting prerequisite requirements, the program develops the critical thinking, data analysis and scientific reasoning skills that the MCAT® is specifically designed to assess.

Yes. This degree is designed to fulfill the prerequisites required by most health professional graduate programs, including dental school, pharmacy school, physician assistant programs, optometry programs and physical therapy programs.

Because prerequisite requirements vary by school and program, it's important to review the specific requirements for your target programs early. Your ASU pre-health can ensure you're on track for your specific goals.

While most of your coursework is completed online, some chemistry and biochemistry labs include a brief in-person component to enhance learning and can be completed either at ASU’s Tempe Campus or through an approved, accredited institution near you.

These labs are essential to ensuring you not only meet the course requirements and learn necessary skills for the biomedical field, but also fulfill lab experience requirements that are oftentimes prerequisites for medical school.

There's meaningful overlap between the two, but the biomedical sciences concentration offers a broader scientific foundation and greater career flexibility. ASU's online medical studies degree is designed to be customizable around health profession prerequisites and includes a clinical focus with coursework in patient-centered care, ethics and direct learning from practicing healthcare providers.

This biomedical sciences degree goes deeper into laboratory science, research methodology and data analysis, making it a strong fit for students who want to pursue medical school and keep career doors open in clinical research, pharmaceutical development or public health.

If you're certain medical school is your path, either degree can get you there. If you want the flexibility to explore research or industry careers alongside that goal, biomedical sciences offers more versatility.