Chairperson: David Baker, Ph.D.
Department of Biomedical Sciences website
The Marquette University Department of Biomedical Sciences offers a Biomedical Sciences major and minor area of study for undergraduate students interested in pursuing clinical and non-clinical careers in health care and related fields. In addition, the department offers graduate and professional courses (5000-7000 level) for the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Graduate program, the Masters in Biomedical Sciences, the pre-dental post-baccalaureate program and multiple health professional programs.
The Biomedical Sciences major provides a concentration of human- and medically-oriented courses that build an in-depth understanding of the intricate interplay between genes, proteins, cells and organs in the human body that underpin the complexities of human health and disease. The department offers courses in areas such as anatomical sciences, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology and physiology. The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to acquire the concepts, principles, critical thinking skills and terminology fundamental to all health care professions and related biomedical careers. In addition, the wide range of course options and flexibility in the major allows students to tailor their degree plans to prepare students for a number of careers beyond the clinical professions.
Lastly, the department also participates in a variety of accelerated degree and advanced programs for students in the undergraduate major. Biomedical Sciences offers accelerated direct admission entry into the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Dental Surgery and J.D. (Juris Doctor/Doctor of Law) programs. Biomedical sciences students also have an opportunity for early admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Ph.D. program, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. program, Biomedical Sciences M.S. program, Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.) program, Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program, and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program at Marquette University as well as the Pharm.D. and Global Health Equity M.S. programs at the Medical College of Wisconsin. For students who demonstrate exceptional work in the areas of research and community engagement and maintain high academic standards, the department offers the opportunity to receive Disciplinary Honors in Biomedical Sciences. More information about these programs can be found below.
Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Studies
The Biomedical Sciences major at Marquette provides uniquely powerful preparation for students planning to pursue careers in medicine or dentistry. The opportunity to study distinctively human, medical science-related courses at the undergraduate level is exceedingly rare. In addition, courses in the curriculum are taught by faculty who are biomedical scientists, many of whom also teach in Marquette School of Dentistry. Students in this program pursue course work in the anatomical sciences (including gross anatomy), biochemistry and physiology, all taught from a clinical, human perspective. The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to acquire concepts, principals, critical thinking skills and terminology fundamental to not only medicine, but to all health professions and related fields. In addition, the wide range of course options and flexibility in the major allows students to develop degree plans that match their areas of interest, such as, neuroscience, head and neck anatomy, public health, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, research, etc. The program boasts exceptionally high acceptance rates to medical and dental schools, and tremendous success among graduates competing for medical residencies following medical school.
Accelerated Dual Degree Programs
Early Admission to Physician Assistant Studies
Partnering with the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences department provides a 3+2 early admission opportunity to the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. Students who complete the first three years of the pre-physician assistant curriculum are eligible to apply to the Marquette University Physician Assistant Studies program as early as the summer after their sophomore year. Admitted students complete their undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences within the first year of the PA program. A Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree is awarded upon graduation from the PA program. Students who do not enter the PA program their senior year continue within the Biomedical Sciences major. The department has course outlines for those who enter the PA program following their senior year and for those who complete the standard bachelor’s degree. Students work with their advisers to identify the most appropriate program.
Pre-Dental Scholars
Partnering with the School of Dentistry at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences department offers an accelerated option as part of the Pre-Dental Scholar program, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree within the first year of the dental school program. Students who are admitted directly to the Pre-Dental Scholar program or those admitted following freshmen year must meet the academic standards set by the School of Dentistry to continue within the program. Students who do not meet the academic requirements work with their advisers to complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
The graduate school offers a combined bachelor’s-doctoral pathway program available to outstanding Marquette University biomedical sciences undergraduate students. This program enables students to complete their undergraduate degree within the first year of the neuroscience graduate program, allowing them to complete their doctorate in less time than traditional graduate students. Biomedical sciences undergraduate students can apply for early admission to the neuroscience doctoral program in the first term of their junior year. The cellular and molecular neuroscience specialization must be chosen. Students may request permission to move to another specialization, though requests are not guaranteed.
Students accepted into this program are eligible to enroll in up to 16 credits of graduate neuroscience courses in their senior year that can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Interested students should contact their adviser early in their undergraduate career to plan the curriculum for the biomedical sciences major accordingly. Students must submit an application to the Graduate School, indicate their interest in the accelerated degree program and meet all other admission criteria as stated in the Application Requirements section. GRE test scores are not required.
Direct-Admit Occupational Therapy
Partnering with the Occupational Therapy program at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences department offers an accelerated option for the Direct Admit Occupational Therapy program, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree within the first year of the professional phase of the program. Students who are admitted directly to the Occupational Therapy program or those admitted following their junior year (space permitting) must meet the academic standards set by the Occupational Therapy department to continue within the program. Students who do not meet the academic requirements work with their advisers to complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Direct-Admit Physical Therapy
Partnering with the Physical Therapy program at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences department offers an accelerated option for the Direct Admit Physical Therapy program, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree within the first year of the professional phase of the program. Students who are admitted directly to the Physical Therapy program or those admitted following their junior year (space permitting) must meet the academic standards set by the Physical Therapy department to continue within the program. Students who do not meet the academic requirements work with their advisers to complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Graduate School offers an accelerated degree program which allows accepted students to complete graduate course work in the Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. program in their senior year of undergraduate study.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. program in their junior year. Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 14 (or 17) credits of graduate course work during the senior year. Credits earned for graduate courses can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Biomedical Sciences M.S. Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Graduate School offers an accelerated degree program which allows accepted students to complete graduate course work in the Biomedical Sciences M.S. program in their senior year of undergraduate study.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Biomedical Sciences M.S. program in their junior year. A maximum of 12 credit hours (40%) of graduate course work completed as an undergraduate can apply towards both an undergraduate degree and graduate degree. Note, however, that an additional 3 graduate credits (15 total credits for 50%) can be taken as an undergraduate granted these credits apply only toward the graduate degree and do not count towards the student’s undergraduate degree.
Athletic Training M.S. Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
Partnering with the Master of Athletic Training program at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences department has created an opportunity for early admission into the two-year Master of Athletic Training (MATR) program. Students who complete the first three years of the pre-athletic training curriculum are eligible to apply to the Marquette University MATR program in their junior year. Admitted students begin their MATR1 year in summer after junior year and complete their undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences after the first year of the athletic training program. A Master of Athletic Training is awarded upon graduation from the MATR program. Students who do not enter the MATR program before their senior year complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Early Assurance PharmD Program (in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin)
The Biomedical Sciences department participates in the Early Assurance PharmD program through the university’s partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) School of Pharmacy. The 3+3 Early Assurance PharmD program allows students in the Biomedical Sciences major to earn dual degrees, a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, in a total of six years. Students accepted to this program who meet all eligibility requirements throughout the program, can matriculate to MCW’s Schools of Pharmacy in their senior year. A bachelor of science degree from Marquette University is awarded after successful completion of the first year at MCW. Applications to the program are due at the start of the spring term in freshman or sophomore year. Interested students should consult with their academic adviser in biomedical sciences. More detailed information can be found in the university Resources and Opportunities section of this bulletin.
Global Health Equity M.S. Accelerated Degree Program (in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin)
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Medical College of Wisconsin Global Health Equity M.S. program offers an accelerated degree program which allow students to earn their B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, and a master of science (M.S.) in Global Health Equity, all within a five-year time period.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Global Health Equity M.S. program in the second term of their junior year. Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 12 credits of pre-approved course work during the senior year to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Due to the structure of the program within the senior year, careful planning as early as sophomore year is encouraged. Interested students should contact their undergraduate adviser to be connected with the program contact within the Biomedical Sciences department.
Pre-Law Scholars
Partnering with the Law School at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences department offers an accelerated option as part of the Pre-Law Scholar program, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree within the first year of the law school program. Students who are admitted directly to the Pre-Law Scholar program must meet the academic standards set by the Law School to continue within the program. Students who do not meet the academic requirements work with their advisers to complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
MBA Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program in the second term of their junior year. Students accepted into this program are eligible to enroll in up to 12 credits of M.B.A. course work that carry graduate credit during their senior year. Credits obtained for these courses can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Due to the number of prerequisite courses required for admission to the M.B.A. program, the M.B.A. accelerated degree option requires careful planning as early as freshman year. Interested students should contact their adviser early in their undergraduate career. Once students inform the Graduate School of Management of their completion of undergraduate degree requirements, their admission as a regular degree status (RDS) student in the Graduate School of Management is activated.
Medical Laboratory Science Certificate Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Department of Medical Laboratory Science offers an accelerated degree program which allows accepted students to complete graduate course work in the Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program in their senior year of undergraduate study.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Medical Laboratory Science Certificate program in their junior year. Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 20 credits of graduate course work during the senior year. Credits earned for graduate courses can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Disciplinary Honors Program
The Disciplinary Honors Program in Biomedical Sciences is designed for students to demonstrate exceptional work in the areas of research and community engagement, and maintain high academic standards. Students involved in this program must go beyond normal expectations in these areas by generating an honors proposal that integrates course work, research, community engagement, writing and oral presentations into a coherent plan of work. There are two specific focuses within the program, one in which the emphasis is on scientific research and the other on community engagement, although all students must include some experience in each area.
Graduation with Disciplinary Honors in Biomedical Sciences requires completion of the portfolio and participation in a second-term senior year capstone course. Students are also required to prepare a presentation describing how they completed their honors plan.
Degree Requirements
Amount and quality of work
Candidates for a bachelor of science degree with a major in biomedical sciences must meet the follow requirements:
- A minimum 128 total credit hours that includes completion of the degree requirement areas listed below. Certain combinations of majors/minors and early/direct admission curricula may exceed the minimum 128 total credits hours. It is the responsibility of students to utilize their Graduation Checklist in CheckMarq to understand and fulfill all degree requirements.
Credit Hours
| Area |
Credit Hours |
| Marquette Core Curriculum (MCC) |
30 |
| BISC Foundational Courses |
28-31 |
| BISC Major Courses (must be completed with a C- or above) |
33 |
| General Electives |
to achieve at least 128 total credits |
- A minimum cumulative (overall) GPA of 2.000 (C average).
- A minimum BISC major GPA of 2.000 with a C- or above in all BISC major courses. Major courses completed with grade below a C- do not count toward the 33 credits required for the BISC major, but credit earned will count towards the 128 total credits required for the B.S. degree.
- A waiver request may be submitted if a course taken in the senior year to fulfill a requirement for the Biomedical Sciences major is completed with a grade of D+ or D provided students complete at least 33 credits in the major with a C- or above and meets the minimum BISC major GPA of 2.000 or above. A waiver request may be granted for no more than one course.
University Graduation Requirement
Undergraduate Graduation Policy
Students are required to graduate at the end of the term in which all degree requirements are completed. Degree requirements are university, college and all other requirements necessary to earn a minimum of one undergraduate degree, including any degrees/majors/minors/concentrations that are formally declared in advance of the term in which a student is eligible to graduate. Except in the case of readmission, undergraduate students must meet the graduation requirements which are stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin issued for the year in which they entered Marquette. Substitutions or waivers for specific courses required for degree completion may occur, as determined by the college and/or the Marquette Core Curriculum committee.
Students who have interrupted their enrollment from the university, are normally obliged to follow the degree/major/minor/concentration requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Policies that are in effect at the time of the return, apply to all students, regardless of the term of initial enrollment. Students are responsible for keeping themselves informed of the requirements which apply in their particular cases. Students have faculty advisers available who assist in planning and implementing their plan of studies; however, it is ultimately each student’s responsibility to know and fulfill the requirements for graduation specified for the selected plan. This should be done not only by utilization of specific advisers, but also with Academic Advisement, the university’s online degree audit tool on CheckMarq provided to all undergraduates. With Academic Advisement, students track their degree progress until graduation. It is the responsibility of students to immediately bring any discrepancies found in Academic Advisement to the attention of their college.
A candidate for a baccalaureate degree must meet the following graduation requirements:
- In all undergraduate colleges and programs, a minimum of 120 credits earned and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.000 is required for a Marquette undergraduate degree. A minimum GPA of 2.000 is also required in coursework applicable to any declared majors and minors, although some programs may require a higher minimum GPA.
- Credits required to be completed in residence at Marquette:
- A minimum of 45 total credits must be completed at Marquette. Up to 15 of the 45 credits may be completed through an approved study abroad program.
- A minimum of 24 upper-division credits must be completed at Marquette, unless those credits are earned in an approved study abroad program, or are earned as part of a written/contractual agreement with another institution, in which Marquette students participate during the final year of their degree program.
- At least 30 of the final 36 credits needed to complete a Marquette undergraduate degree must be completed at Marquette, unless those credits are earned in an approved study abroad program, or are earned as part of a written/contractual agreement with another institution, in which Marquette students participate during the final year of their degree program.
- A minimum of one-half of credits in the major, minor, and concentration not attached to a major must be completed at Marquette.
- Students must attend all courses, lectures, or any other exercises that are required, even though, in some cases such activities receive no recognition in terms of credit hours.
- Students' records must be cleared of all grades that are not permanent, i.e., grades of I, IC, IE and NG.
- Students must file the online application for a degree by the deadline published in the Academic Calendar; however, because students are required to graduate at the end of the term in which all university, degree requirements are complete, the university reserves the right to graduate a student without a graduation application on file. If the university exercises this option, there is no guarantee students will be able to participate in Commencement.
- Commencement is held in May, after the spring term. Participation in Commencement does not mean students are graduated. See the Commencement Policy in this section for further details.
- Exceptions to this Graduation Requirements policy must be approved by the Office of the Provost, except:
- the course and bulletin year exceptions listed in the 'Graduation Requirements' section above (as approved by the college)
- number 3 above (as approved by the college)
For additional college requirements, consult the Degree Requirements listed for each undergraduate program in this bulletin.
Graduation Latin Honors
The grade point average is used to compute graduation Latin honors. The computation is made by dividing the total number of grade points earned at Marquette University by the total number of grade point hours earned. The official Marquette GPA of all students is calculated by the student information system and this GPA is not rounded up or down for any reason. To graduate with Latin honors, candidates must be pursuing their first bachelor's degree, earned at least 60 grade point hours and 60 degree hours at Marquette University, normally as a junior and senior. First bachelor's degree is defined as the first bachelor's degree earned from any institution. When students earn a concurrent additional bachelor's degree (i.e., finish in the same term as the first bachelor's degree), the additional degree is also eligible for Graduation Latin Honors, if the first bachelor's degree qualifies.
Graduates whose grade point average is 3.500, graduate with cum laude (Latin for 'with honor'); graduates whose grade point average is 3.700, graduate with magna cum laude (Latin for 'with great honor'); and graduates whose grade point average is 3.900, graduate with summa cum laude (Latin for 'with highest honor'). Graduation Latin honors are recorded on diplomas, noted in the published lists of graduates at Commencement and recorded on students' transcript.
Graduation Record
The academic record of students is frozen once the degree is posted and may not be altered thereafter, unless required to do so by law and/or a documented university error is discovered after the degree is posted. This includes, but is not limited to: all relevant grade point averages, grades, additional information relating to the degree(s), major(s), minor(s), concentration(s), Latin Honors and academic censure.
Marquette Core Curriculum (MCC) - 30 Credits
Foundation Tier - 15 Credits
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| Foundations in Rhetoric | |
| Core Honors First-Year Seminar |
| Foundations in Philosophy | |
| Honors Foundations in Philosophy |
| Foundations in Theology: Finding God in all Things | |
| Honors Foundations in Theology: Finding God in all Things |
| Foundations in Methods of Inquiry | |
| Honors Foundations in Methods of Inquiry |
| |
Engaging Social Systems and Values 1 (ESSV 1) Course Options
Some faculty-led study abroad courses have also been approved for ESSV1, consult the MCC website for a complete list.
Discovery Tier - 12 Credits
Students must complete four Discovery Tier courses, all from the same Discovery Theme. These four courses must include one course from each of the three content areas (Humanities, Natural Science and Mathematics, and Social Science), and one elective (an additional course from any of the three content areas). A maximum of two courses in the Discovery Tier can be applied toward a primary major. Additional dual counting may be allowed towards college-level requirements.
Students declare their Discovery Theme using the Discovery Tier Declaration Form in CheckMarq.
For students who participate in a full-time (12 credits or more) Marquette-approved study abroad program, one study abroad course (minimum 2.5 transfer credits awarded) may fulfill the elective requirement of the Discovery Tier. Any additional MCC requirements may be fulfilled only when the approved transfer equivalent is an exact match to a specific MCC course.
Discovery Themes
The five discovery theme options are listed below. See additional information and course listings.
-
Basic Needs and Justice
-
Cognition, Memory and Intelligence
-
Crossing Boundaries: The Movement of People, Goods and Ideas
-
Expanding Our Horizons
-
Individuals and Communities
Culminating Course - 3 Credits
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| The Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice | |
| Honors Service of Faith and Promotion of Justice |
ENGAGING SOCIAL SYSTEMS AND VALUES 2 (ESSV2) - ONE COURSE or Experience Required
Students must complete a course or approved experience that is designated "ESSV2." This requirement can be completed via one of the four Discovery Tier courses or through other degree requirements.
Some faculty-led study abroad courses have also been approved for ESSV2, consult the MCC website for a complete list. If a 4000-level course has a 5000-level graduate course equivalent, the graduate level course may also fulfill any MCC requirements.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| ADPR 4750 | Strategic Communication in a Culturally Diverse Marketplace | 3 |
| ADVE 3986 | Internship in Advertising | 3 |
| ANTH 3100 | Urban Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 3986 | Internship in Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 4986 | Advanced Internship in Anthropology | 3 |
| ARBC 1001 | Elementary Arabic 1 | 4 |
| ARBC 1003 | Arabic for Business: Language and Culture for Beginners | 3 |
| ARBC 3200 | Culture and Civilization of the Middle East (WRIT) | 3 |
| ARBC 3220 | Arab and Muslim Women in the United States (WRIT) | 3 |
| ARBC 3800 | Re-envision of Disability | 3 |
| ARSC 4953 | Seminar In Urban Social Issues | 3 |
| ASPN 4986 | Professional Experience in Washington, D.C. | 3 |
| BIOL 4987 | Applying the Internship Experience 1 | 3 |
| BISC 2030 | Hidden Brain: How Unseen Processes Shape Your Reality | 3 |
| BISC 3929 | Reflective Analysis of Global Dental Brigade | 0 |
| BISC 4460 | Practical Cases in Medicine | 3 |
| BULA 4001 | Business Law for Accounting | 3 |
| CCOM 4986 | Corporate Communication Internship | 0-3 |
| CHNS 3215 | Chinese Cuisine and Culture | 3 |
| CHNS 3700 | Chinese Business Culture | 3 |
| CMST 3120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| CMST 4986 | Internship in Communication Studies | 0-3 |
| CNEN 3860 | Construction Materials and Methods | 3 |
| COMM 4800 | Children, Adolescents and Media | 3 |
| COMM 4986 | Internship in Communication | 0-3 |
| CRLS 2540 | Surveillance, Law and Society | 3 |
| CRLS 3150 | Reentry and Life After Incarceration | 3 |
| CRLS 3170 | Policy and Practice for Children Impacted by Incarceration | 3 |
| CRLS 3986 | Internship and Seminar in Criminology and Law Studies | 3 |
| CRLS 4986 | Advanced Internship and Seminar in Criminology and Law Studies | 3 |
| DGMD 3986 | Internship in Digital Media | 3 |
| ECONI 3040 | Global Applied Learning Project: Applied Global Business Learning | 0-3 |
| EDUC 4965 | Student Teaching: Middle/Secondary | 15 |
| EDUC 4966 | Student Teaching: Elementary/Middle | 15 |
| EDUC 4969 | Student Teaching in K-9 and Special Education K-12 | 15 |
| EDUC 4970 | Student Teaching in 4-12 and Special Education K-12 | 15 |
| EDUC 4986 | Community-Engaged Internship 1 | 3 |
| EDUC 4987 | Community-Engaged Internship 2 | 3 |
| ENGL 2001 | Ways of Knowing (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 3140 | Sociolinguistics | 3 |
| ENGL 3224 | Feminist Rhetorics (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 3249 | Creativity and Community (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 3250 | Life-Writing, Creativity and Community (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 3261 | Poetry and Community (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 3453 | Romanticism and Nature (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 3515 | Rhetorics of Irish Storytelling | 3 |
| ENGL 3820 | Introduction to Critical Race and Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| ENGL 4230 | Writing Center Theory, Practice and Research (WRIT) | 4 |
| ENGL 4739 | Narrative 4: Storytelling for Others (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 4825 | Native American / Indigenous Literatures (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 4826 | Global Indigenous Literatures (WRIT) | 3 |
| ENGL 4988 | Practicum in Literature and Language Arts | 1-3 |
| EXPH 4986 | Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 | 6-15 |
| FREN 3000 | The Many Cultures and Societies of the French Speaking World | 3 |
| GEEN 2960 | Engineering Social Systems and Values | 0 |
GEEN 3961
& GEEN 3990 | E-Lead 2: Leading With Others
and E-Lead Experience: Professional Leadership Experience (both courses must be completed) | 3 |
| GEEN 4850 | Global Engineering Practice: Leadership and Culture | 3 |
| GRMN 3540 | Heckling Hitler | 3 |
| GRMN 3550 | German Reunification: The Collision of Two Worlds | 3 |
| GRMN 3552 | German Jewry in the 20th Century | 3 |
| HESC 3929 | Global Brigades Reflective Analysis | 0 |
| HIST 4120 | American Immigration | 3 |
| HIST 4125 | Latinx Civil Rights Movements | 3 |
| HIST 4135 | African-American History | 3 |
| HIST 4140 | American Urban History | 3 |
| HIST 4155 | A History of Native America | 3 |
| HIST 4610 | Rwanda: Genocide and Transitional Justice | 3 |
| HIST 4747 | Comparative Homefronts during the Second World War | 3 |
| INES 4987 | Environmental Studies: Applying the Internship Experience | 3 |
| INGS 4997 | Gender and Sexualities Studies Capstone | 3 |
| INPS 3250 | Contemplation and Action | 3 |
| INPS 4997 | Capstone Seminar in Peace Studies | 3 |
| JOUR 4986 | Internship in Journalism | 0-3 |
| LLAC 1010 | Working Without Borders | 3 |
| LLAC 3220 | Cultures and Foodways | 3 |
| LLAC 3250 | Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice | 3 |
| LLAC 3986 | Languages and Cultures Internship | 1-3 |
| MANA 3035 | Leading for Inclusion | 3 |
| MARKI 4041 | Business Culture and Marketing | 3 |
| MARQ 3929 | Engaging Social Systems and Values Reflective Analysis | 0 |
| MARQ 3961 | International Service Learning - Living Justice: Accompaniment in an Unjust World | 3 |
| MLSC 4180 | Concepts in Clinical Education Methods and Practicum (WRIT) | 2 |
| MLSC 7180 | Concepts in Clinical Education Methods and Practicum (WRIT) | 2 |
| NURS 3956H | Honors Nursing Practicum 1 | 1 |
| NURS 3965 | Community and Population Health Nursing - Clinical 1 | 2 |
| PHIL 3502 | Narrating Freedom: Gender, Race and Mass Incarceration | 3 |
| PHIL 3507 | Global Justice | 3 |
| PHTH 4512 | Culturally-Informed Leadership for Physical Therapists | 3 |
| PSYC 3201 | Introductory Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 4420 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PURE 3986 | Internship in Public Relations | 0-3 |
| SOCI 3700 | Social Movements, Protest and Change | 3 |
| SOCI 3986 | Internship and Seminar in Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 4986 | Advanced Internship and Seminar in Sociology | 3 |
| SOWJ 3170 | Policy and Practice for Children Impacted by Incarceration | 3 |
| SOWJ 3400 | Advocacy and Social Change: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SOWJ 3986 | Internship in Social Welfare and Justice | 3 |
| SOWJ 4700 | Global Aid and Humanitarianism | 3 |
| SOWJ 4986 | Advanced Internship in Social Welfare and Justice | 3 |
| SPAN 3150 | Spanish in the United States | 3 |
| SPAN 3500 | Texts, Images and Critical Thinking in Spanish | 3 |
| SPAN 3505 | Texts, Images, and Critical Thinking in Spanish for Heritage and Native Speakers | 3 |
| SPAN 4160 | Spanish Sociolinguistics | 3 |
| THAR 3620 | Multicultural Playwrights | 3 |
| THAR 4986 | Internship in Theatre Arts | 0-3 |
| THEO 2500 | Theologies of Nonviolence | 3 |
| THEO 3250 | Contemplation and Action | 3 |
| THEO 3350 | Christian-Muslim Dialogue | 3 |
| THEO 3355 | Sikh-Muslim Dialogue | 3 |
| THEO 3600 | Theology Engaging Culture | 3 |
| THEO 4270 | The Many Faces of U.S. Catholicism | 3 |
| THEO 4400 | Christian Faith and Justice 1 | 3 |
| THEO 4520 | The Jewish People: Communities of Thought and Practice | 3 |
| THEOI 2500 | Theologies of Nonviolence-International | 3 |
WRITING INTENSIVE COURSES (WRIT) - ONE COURSE REQUIRED
Students must complete a course that is designated "WRIT." This requirement can be completed via one of their four Discovery Tier courses or through other degree requirements.
Some faculty-led study abroad courses have also been approved, consult the MCC website for a complete list. If a 4000-level course has a 5000-level graduate course equivalent, the graduate level course may also fulfill any MCC requirements.
Grade Minimums & Additional Information
- A grade of C or better is required in Honors MCC courses. A passing grade is required in non-Honors MCC courses.
- Review the Marquette Core Curriculum section of the bulletin for additional information, including transfer student requirements and Discovery Theme details.
BISC Required Foundational Courses
All students are required to complete:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| General Biology 1 | |
| General Biology 2 | |
| General Chemistry 1 | |
| General Chemistry 2 | |
| Organic Chemistry 1 | |
| Foundations in Biological Inquiry | |
| Principles of Biological Investigation (3 credits) | |
| Human Physiology Laboratory (1 credit) | |
| Microbiology Laboratory (1 credit) | |
| Concepts in Medical Laboratory Science (3 credits) | |
| Diagnostics Technology (For students admitted to the PA program) | |
| Modern Elementary Statistics | |
| Statistical Methods | |
| Biostatistical Methods and Models | |
| Social Statistics | |
| Bioethics for Healthcare: Foundations, Dilemmas and Decision-Making | |
| Biomedical Ethics | |
| Applied Ethics for the Health Sciences (1 credit) | |
| Medical Ethics (3 credits) | |
| Hidden Brain: How Unseen Processes Shape Your Reality | |
| Epidemiology (Can be used as a Health and Society Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | |
| Global Health | |
| Biology, Moral Behavior and Policy (Can be used as a Health and Society Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | |
| Politics of U.S. Health Care (or POSC 4381 with special permission) | |
| Comparative Health Politics and Policy (or POSC 4461 with special permission) | |
| Health Communication | |
| Health Communication Campaigns | |
| Economics of Healthcare and Health Policy | |
| Writing for Health and Medicine | |
| Medicine and Literature | |
| Disability and Literature | |
| Neuroscience and Literature | |
| Culture and Health | |
| Women's Health | |
| Veteran Health and Culture | |
| Introduction to Global Health | |
| Bioethics for Healthcare: Foundations, Dilemmas and Decision-Making (Can be used as a Health and Society Cognate or Medical Ethics Cognate, but not both) | |
| Public Health | |
| Clinical Decision Making 2 (for students admitted to the PA program) | |
| Introduction to Life-Span Developmental Psychology for the Health Professions | |
| Developmental Psychology: Conception Through Adolescence | |
| Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging | |
| Human Sexuality | |
| Health Disparities: A Biopsychological Perspective | |
| Health Psychology | |
| Introduction to Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment | |
| Sociology of the Life Course | |
| Culture, Health and Illness | |
| Health Care Systems | |
| Race, Gender and Medicine | |
| Men, Masculinities and Health | |
| Sociology of Aging | |
| Introduction to Social Welfare and Justice | |
| Human Behavior in the Social Environment | |
| Global Aid and Humanitarianism | |
| Advanced Spanish for Health Care | |
| Reading Illness and Wellbeing | |
| Theology and Global Health | |
| |
| |
| General Pathology | |
| Pharmacology (BISC 7220 for students admitted to PA program) | |
| Medical Pharmacology |
| Human Molecular Pathology and Clinical Therapeutics | |
| Clinical Pathology and Pathophysiology (for students admitted to the DPT program) | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28-31 |
Students who are interested in pursuing a professional or graduate education (i.e. pre-med, pre-dental) should consider taking the following courses which are common prerequisites for health professional and graduate programs. Students must consult with specific program(s) of interest to confirm prerequisites:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Hours |
| Organic Chemistry 1 | |
| Organic Chemistry 2 | |
| General Physics 1 | |
| General Physics 2 | |
| Principles of Biological Investigation | |
| Calculus for the Biological Sciences | |
| Principles of Sociology | |
| General Psychology | |
Typical four-year curriculum plans for Biomedical Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Studies, Direct Admit Physical Therapy, Pre-PharmD program, STEM-MBA and Pre-Dental Scholars follow the listing of Biomedical Sciences Major requirements.
Biomedical Sciences Major
The major in biomedical sciences consists of a minimum 33 credit hours consisting of 12 credits of required courses, 15 credits of content area courses (at least two courses from each area), and 6 credits of major electives. In addition to the major being completed with a minimum major GPA of 2.000, the three required courses (12 credits) must also be completed with a combined GPA of 2.000 or higher. Content area and elective courses must be completed with a C- or better to apply towards the major. A content or elective course may be used to also fulfill the Disease and Pathology cognate.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| Clinical Human Anatomy | |
| Biochemistry | |
| Human Physiology | |
| Nutritional Aspects of Health | |
| General Pathology 2 | |
| Neuroeconomics: The Neuroscience of Decision Making 1 | |
| Head and Neck Anatomy 1 | |
| Anatomy Teaching Practicum | |
| Pharmacology (Substitute BISC 7220 for MPA program only) 1,2 | |
| Functional Neuroanatomy 1 | |
| Diseases of the Brain 1 | |
| Principles of Human Embryology 1 | |
| Endocrinology 1 | |
| Human Microanatomy | |
| Systems Neuroscience 1 | |
| Human Gross Anatomy (5 credits; must be enrolled in the DPT or OTD program) | |
| Medical Anatomy (6 credits; must be enrolled in the MPA program) | |
| Biomedical Systems 1 (Pre-Dental Scholars only) | |
| Advanced Exercise Physiology (EXRS MS only) | |
| Clinical and Health Conditions (OTD program only) 2 | |
| Clinical Pathology and Pathophysiology (only for students admitted to DPT program) 2 | |
| Athletic Training Principles (only for students admitted to MATR program) | |
| Neurological Disorders and Diseases (only for students admitted to MATR program) | |
| |
| Human Microbiology (BISC 7410 for Pre-Dental Scholars only) 1 | |
| Molecular Neuroscience 1 | |
| Human Molecular Pathology and Clinical Therapeutics 1, 2 | |
| Biology of Aging 1 | |
| Human and Applied Medical Genetics 1 | |
| Epigenetics and Human Disease 1 | |
| Genetics | |
| Cell Biology | |
| Cellular Neurobiology | |
| Immunobiology | |
| |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 |
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BISC 1001 | Contemporary Issues in Biomedical Sciences (required course for all first semester freshman) | 1 |
| BISC 1030 | Introduction to Dentistry (can only be applied as an elective for Pre-Dental Scholars) | 1 |
| BISC 2020 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
| BISC 3136 | Gross Anatomy for the Biomedical Sciences | 2 |
| BISC 3956 | U-RISE Entering Biomedical Research Seminar 3 | 2 |
| BISC 3957 | U-RISE Entering Biomedical Research Seminar 4 | 2 |
| BISC 4113 | Anatomy Teaching Practicum | 3 |
| BISC 4146/4146H | Physiology In Depth: Contemporary Issues | 1 |
| BISC 4147 | Human Physiology Laboratory (can fulfill Laboratory Science Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | 1 |
| BISC 4150 | Outbreaks, Epidemics and Pandemics | 3 |
| BISC 4151/4151H | Advanced Pathology | 1 |
| BISC 4153 | Epidemiology (can fulfill Health and Society Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | 3 |
| BISC 4157 | Global Health (can fulfill Health and Society Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | 3 |
| BISC 4165 | Microbiology Laboratory (can fulfill Laboratory Science Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | 1 |
| BISC 4170/5170 | Biology, Moral Behavior and Policy (can fulfill Health and Society Cognate or BISC elective, not both) 1 | 3 |
| BISC 4214/4214H | Advanced Biochemistry | 1 |
| BISC 4341/4341H | Advanced Cellular Genetics and Cancer | 1 |
| BISC 4460 | Practical Cases in Medicine | 3 |
| BISC 4851/4851H | Advanced Systems Neuroscience | 1 |
| BISC 4931 | Topics in Biomedical Sciences | 1-3 |
| BISC 4964/5964 | AI and Machine Learning Practicum in Neuroscience (maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) 1 | 1-3 |
| BISC 4986 | Internship in Biomedical Sciences (maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) | 1-3 |
| BISC 4987 | Internship in Biomedical Sciences-Grading Period (maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) | 1-3 |
| BISC 4988 | Research Internship in Biomedical Sciences (maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) | 1-3 |
| BISC 4989 | Research Internship in Biomedical Sciences-Grading Period (maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) | 1-3 |
| BISC 4991H | Honors Community Engagement in Biomedical Sciences (Only for students in the Disciplinary Honors Program; maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) | 1-3 |
| BISC 4995/4995H | Independent Study in Biomedical Sciences (Maximum 6 credits, 3 credits toward BISC major) | 1-3 |
| BISC 4997H | Capstone for Disciplinary Honors Program in Biomedical Sciences (Only for students in the Disciplinary Honors Program) | 1 |
| BISC 7516 | Biomedical Systems 2 (only for Pre-Dental Scholars) | 4 |
| BIOL 4102 | Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4202 | Experimental Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL 4302 | Experimental Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4502 | Experimental Neurobiology and Behavior | 3 |
| BIOL 4702 | Experimental Physiology | 3 |
| BIOL 4802 | Experimental Microbiology | 3 |
| EXPH 2115 | Exercise Physiology (only for students admitted to MATR program) | 3 |
| EXPH 7189 | Nutrition and Exercise Performance (only for students admitted to MATR program) | 4 |
| MLSC 2050 | Forensic Science | 3 |
| MLSC 2060 | Public Health (can fulfill Health and Society Cognate or BISC elective, but not both) | 3 |
| MLSC 4124/7124 | Medical Microbiology 1 1 | 4 |
| MLSC 4127/7127 | Medical Microbiology 2 1 | 4 |
| OCTH 7195 | Neuroscience (only for students admitted to OTD program) | 4 |
| PHAS 7260 | Pediatric Medicine (only for students admitted to MPA program) | 3 |
| PHTH 7120 | Pharmacology in Physical Therapy (only for students admitted to DPT program) | 2 |
| |
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences Majors
This typical Biomedical Sciences major curriculum plan includes a number of elective credits that can be used for study abroad, to add second majors or minors, or to complete prerequisites for professional programs.
| Freshman |
|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
|---|
| BISC 1001 | 1 | BIOL 1002 | 3 |
| BIOL 1001 | 3 | CHEM 1002 | 4 |
| CHEM 1001 | 4 | PHIL 1001 or THEO 1001 (MCC) | 3 |
| ENGL 1001 or ESSV1 (MCC) | 3 | ENGL 1001 or ESSV1 (MCC) | 3 |
| PHIL 1001 or THEO 1001 (MCC) | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| | 17 | | 16 |
| Sophomore |
|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
|---|
| CHEM 2111 | 4 | BISC 3213 or 3135 | 4 |
| CORE 1929 | 3 | BIOL 2001 (or other Lab cognate) | 3 |
| DSCV (MCC)1,2 | 3 | Health and Society cognate | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Statistics cognate | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | DSCV (MCC)1,2 | 3 |
| | 16 | | 16 |
| Junior |
|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
|---|
| BISC 3135 or 3213 | 4 | BISC 4145 | 4 |
| BISC Anatomy & Systems (AS) | 3 | BISC Cellular & Molecular (CM) | 3 |
| DSCV (MCC)1,2 | 3 | Medical Ethics cognate | 1 |
| Elective | 3 | DSCV (MCC)1,2 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| | Elective | 3 |
| | 16 | | 17 |
| Senior |
|---|
| First Term | Hours | Second Term | Hours |
|---|
| BISC Cellular & Molecular (CM) | 3 | Disease & Pathology cognate3 | 3 |
| BISC Anatomy & Systems (AS) | 3 | BISC Additional Content Course (Add. AS/CM) | 3 |
| BISC Elective | 3 | BISC Elective | 2 |
| Elective | 3 | CORE 4929 (MCC) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 4 |
| | 15 | | 15 |
| Total Credit Hours: 128 |
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences Majors - Pre-medical/Pre-dental
Students entering the Biomedical Sciences major with the intention to apply and attend medical school or dental school need to plan for additional courses to fulfill the pre-requisites for their professional school application. Below is the suggested outline for how students can complete many of the pre-requisite course work required for post-graduate/professional programs in companion to the Biomedical Sciences major requirements. Students consult with specific program(s) of interest to confirm prerequisites.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences Majors - Direct Admit Physical Therapy Students
Partnering with the Physical Therapy program at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences Department has established an accelerated option for the Direct Admit Physical Therapy program, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree after the first year of the professional phase of the program. Students who were admitted directly to the Physical Therapy Program or those admitted following their Junior year (space permitting) must meet the academic standards set by the Physical Therapy Department to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the academic requirements work with their advisers to complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences Majors - Pre-Dental Scholars
Partnering with the School of Dentistry at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences Department has established an accelerated option through the Pre-Dental Scholar Program, allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree within the first year of the dental school program. Students who were admitted directly to the Pre-Dental Scholar Program or those admitted following Freshmen year must meet the academic standards set by the School of Dentistry to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the academic requirements work with their advisers to complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Physician Assistant Studies Early Admission Option3
Partnering with the Department Physician Assistant Studies at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences Department has created an opportunity for early admission into the two-year Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program. Students who complete the first three years of the pre-physician assistant curriculum are eligible to apply to the Marquette University PA program in their junior year. Admitted students begin their PA1 year in summer after junior year and complete their undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences after the first year of the physician assistant program. A Master of Physician Assistant Studies is awarded upon graduation from the PA program. Students who do not enter the PA program before their senior year complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) PharmD Early Assurance Program3
Partnering with the Medical College of Wisconsin Pharmacy School, the Biomedical Sciences Department has created an opportunity for early admission into the PharmD program. MU students in the biomedical sciences major are eligible to apply to the competitive Medical College of Wisconsin Pharmacy School's Early Assurance program early spring of the freshmen or sophomore year. Admitted students who complete all program requirements, earn an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Marquette University after the first year of the PharmD program. A Doctor of Pharmacy is awarded by MCW upon successful completion of the three-year PharmD program. Students who do not enter the PharmD program before the senior year continue within the Biomedical Sciences major to complete the bachelor’s degree.
Note: Senior Year completed at MCW.
For students accepted to the Early Assurance PharmD Program with MCW, the reverse transfer agreement allows for courses satisfactorily completed in the first year at MCW to transfer to MU (credits only, not grades) to satisfy the degree requirements listed below. Students who meet all early assurance program requirements3 are eligible to walk in MU's graduation ceremony in May of their first year at MCW.
Curriculum Table | Department | Credit Hours |
| BISC Cellular & Molecular (CM) | 8 |
| BISC Anatomy & Systems (AS) | 3 |
| BISC Add. AS/CM and DP Cognate | 5 |
| Health and Society Cognate | 3 |
| General Electives | 13 |
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Neuroscience PH.D. Accelerated Degree Program.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Graduate School offers an accelerated degree program which allows accepted students to complete graduate course work in the Neuroscience Ph.D. program in their senior year of undergraduate study.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Neuroscience Ph.D. program in their junior year. Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 16 credits of graduate course work during the senior year. Credits earned for graduate courses can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. Accelerated Degree Program.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Graduate School offers an accelerated degree program which allows accepted students to complete graduate course work in the Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. program in their senior year of undergraduate study.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Exercise and Rehabilitation Science M.S. program in their junior year. Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 14 (or 17) credits of graduate course work during the senior year. Credits earned for graduate courses can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Note: Graduate students involved in research are required to enroll on GRAD 9953 Seminar in Conduct of Research.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Biomedical Sciences M.S. Accelerated Degree Program
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Graduate School offers an accelerated degree program which allows accepted students to complete graduate course work in the Biomedical Sciences M.S. program in their senior year of undergraduate study.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Biomedical Sciences M.S. program in their junior year. A maximum of 12 credit hours (40%) of graduate course work completed as an undergraduate can apply towards both an undergraduate degree and graduate degree. Note, however, that an additional 3 graduate credits (15 total credits for 50%) can be taken as an undergraduate granted these credits apply only toward the graduate degree and do not count towards the student’s undergraduate degree.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Master of Athletic Training Accelerated Degree Program
Partnering with the Master of Athletic Training program at Marquette University, the Biomedical Sciences Department has created an opportunity for early admission into the two-year Master of Athletic Training (MATR) program. Students who complete the first three years of the pre-athletic training curriculum are eligible to apply to the Marquette University MATR program in their junior year. Admitted students begin their MATR1 year in summer after junior year and complete their undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences after the first year of the athletic training program. A Master of Athletic Training is awarded upon graduation from the MATR program. Students who do not enter the MATR program before their senior year complete the standard Biomedical Sciences major.
Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Medical College of Wisconcin (MCW) Global Health Equity M.S. Accelerated Degree Program
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Medical College of Wisconsin Global Health Equity M.S. program offers an accelerated degree program which allow students to earn their B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, and a master of science (M.S.) in Global Health Equity, all within a five-year time period.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Global Health Equity M.S. program in the second term of their junior year. Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 12 credits of pre-approved course work during the senior year to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Due to the structure of the program within the senior year, careful planning as early as sophomore year is encouraged. Interested students should contact their undergraduate adviser to be connected with the program contact within the Biomedical Sciences Department.
Biomedical Sciences B.S. / M.B.A. Accelerated Degree Programs
The Department of Biomedical Sciences together with the Graduate School of Management offers an accelerated degree program which allow students to earn their B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, and a master of business administration (M.B.A.), all within a five-year time period.
Marquette undergraduate students majoring in Biomedical Sciences can apply for admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the second term of their junior year. Prerequisites for the MBA program include the requirements for the minor in Business Administration, along with MATH 1400 or 1450 (AP credits accepted). Students accepted into the program are eligible to enroll in up to 12 credits of MBA course work during the senior year. Credits obtained for these MBA courses can be used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Due to the number of prerequisite courses required to apply to the MBA program, this accelerated degree option requires careful planning as early as freshman year.
Interested students should contact their undergraduate adviser and review the MBA information on the Graduate School of Management website. Once students inform the Graduate School of Management of their completion of undergraduate degree requirements, their admission as a regular degree status student in the Graduate School of Management is activated.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / O.T.D. Accelerated Degree Program
Partnering with the Occupational Therapy Program, the Biomedical Sciences Department has created an opportunity for early admission into the three-year Occupational Therapy (OT) program. Students need to have all the prerequisites completed before the start of the professional phase. Contact the OT program to learn more about this early entry program.
Typical Program for Biomedical Sciences B.S. / Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science
Partnering with the Medical Laboratory Science Department, the Biomedical Sciences Department has created an opportunity for early admission into the two year professional certificate program in Medical Laboratory Science. This accelerated program allows students to complete the first year (20 credits) of the two-year MLSC Certificate program in their senior year of undergraduate study, allowing students to complete their Bachelor of Science degree and Certificate in Medical Laboratory Science in five years instead of six years. Eligible students can apply for admission to the accelerated degree certificate program as early as the first term of their junior year.
Students accepted to the accelerated MLSC Certificate program must meet the listed program prerequisites and be on track with their undergraduate degree to allow for the 20 MLSC Certificate credits in the senior year. These 20 credits of 7000-level courses from the MLSC Certificate program can be used to fulfill both undergraduate degree and certificate requirements. The last cohort to be accepted into the MLSC Certificate program will be in the fall semester of 2026.
University Policies
College of Health Sciences Policies
Program Director: Matthew Hearing, Ph.D.
The Disciplinary Honors Program in Biomedical Sciences is designed for students to demonstrate exceptional work in the areas of research and community engagement, as well maintain high academic standards. Students involved in this program must go beyond normal expectations in these areas by generating an honors proposal that integrates coursework, research, community engagement, writing, and oral presentations into a coherent plan of work. There are two specific focuses within the program, one in which the emphasis is on scientific research and the other on community engagement, although all students must include some experience in each area.
Graduation with Disciplinary Honors in Biomedical Sciences requires completion of the portfolio and participation in a second-semester senior year capstone course. As part of this course, students are required to prepare a presentation describing how they completed their Honors Plan.
Curricular Requirements
Honors students within each focus are required to complete five courses which may be applied simultaneously to the Biomedical Sciences major as elective credit. Students should consult the Biomedical Sciences major bulletin to confirm which Honor’s courses may be used toward Biomedical Sciences elective credit.
For their laboratory research experience, students within the research focus must complete six credits of BISC 4995H Honors Independent Study in Biomedical Sciences (students enroll twice, for three credits each class session) or complete three credits of BISC 4995H Honors Independent Study in Biomedical Sciences and participate in the Biomedical Sciences Summer Research Program. Participation in the summer research program is indicated by registration for a 0 credit summer course (BISC 9002H Honors Student Study/Research Placeholder in Biomedical Sciences).
Research Focus Requirements – 2 Courses (3 or 6 Credits)
Questions about the research focus can be directed to Dr. Hearing, Matthew.Hearing@marquette.edu
- Six credits of honors laboratory research (BISC 4995H Honors Independent Study in Biomedical Sciences) (enrolling twice, for three credits each class session), or three credits plus participation in the summer research program (BISC 9002H Honors Student Study/Research Placeholder in Biomedical Sciences)
- Thematic research plan-related curriculum
- Additional extra-curricular activities should be considered (seminar series, etc.)
- Inclusion of community engagement component (For example: assist with anatomy lab tours for high school students)
- A written component of the plan is required during one of the independent study courses or the capstone course.
Community Engagement Focus Requirements – 2 Courses (6 Credits)
Questions about the community engagement focus can be directed to Autumn Swanson, Autumn.Swanson@marquette.edu
- Six credits of honors community engagement course (BISC 4991H Honors Community Engagement in Biomedical Sciences) (enrolling twice, for three credits each class session)
- Thematic community engagement plan-related curriculum
- Additional extra-curricular activities should be considered (seminar series, etc.)
- Inclusion of relevant research component (For example: attend a research-based seminar series)
- A written component of the plan is required during one of the independent study courses or the capstone course.
Curricular Requirements for Both the Research and Community Engagement Focuses – 3 Courses (3 Credits)
In addition to the individual focus requirements, all students within the program must take two, one-credit Honors courses as well as the Honors Program capstone course.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| BISC 4151H | Honors Advanced Pathology | 1 |
| BISC 4146H | Honors Physiology In Depth: Contemporary Issues | 1 |
| BISC 4214H | Honors Advanced Biochemistry | 1 |
| BISC 4341H | Honors Advanced Cellular Genetics and Cancer | 1 |
| BISC 4851H | Honors Advanced Systems Neuroscience | 1 |
| BISC 4953H | Honors Readings in Human Anatomy | 1 |
| 1 |
Academic Standards
Students must have a 3.200 cumulative grade point average for entry into the Disciplinary Honors Program in Biomedical Sciences. Students must achieve a 3.200 cumulative grade point average in order to graduate with an Honors Program degree. If students drop below a 3.200 in any given term during the junior year or any subsequent year, they receive a letter of warning from the director. If students drop below a 3.200 cumulative GPA, they are placed on Honors Program academic probation; if they do not achieve a 3.200 cumulative by the end of the following semester, they are removed from the program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in a course for it to count toward the Honors Degree.
Eligibility
The program is structured to be completed over the last two years of students' academic career. Sophomores are eligible to apply to the program near the end of the spring semester as long as they meet the 3.200 minimum cumulative GPA requirement.
Application
The application requires a comprehensive Honors Plan addressing three core honors themes: Academic Excellence, Research, and Community Engagement. Along with the Honors Plan submission, students must identify a faculty mentor who will sponsor their plan.
The Disciplinary Honors Program in Biomedical Sciences Committee approves the plans and selects a limited number of honors applicants to participate in the program.
Sample proposals, application deadline and application forms can be accessed at the Department of Biomedical Sciences webpage.
