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Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 120 Credits

The biomedical sciences (BMS) major is designed to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the life sciences with a focus on the human body.

Overview

Students gain laboratory experience and expand their technical skills from introductory to advanced courses. Integrated study and field experience prepare students to advance medical knowledge and participate in innovative research in bacterial genetics, cardiovascular disease, human anatomy, neuroscience, parasitology, stem cell biology, toxicology, and more.

You will take courses in chemistry, physics, microbiology, nutrition, immunology, anatomy, pharmacology, neuroscience, and endocrinology. The major provides a strong foundation in the sciences, preparing you for careers in science and medicine. The coursework aligns with the requirements for admission to professional schools and graduate programs. 

Expert faculty members, involved in diverse research projects, offer real-world laboratory experience and are accessible for office hours, advising, and mentoring, providing career development guidance. The program offers over 35 advanced elective courses covering all areas of biomedical science and includes experiential learning through internships, research, study abroad, and serving as laboratory assistants.

Biomedical Sciences Department

gvsu.edu/bms
212 Henry Hall
(616) 331-3318

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,108.04 10%
$ 63,950.18 25%
$ 81,560.39 50%
$ 93,114.22 75%
$105,779.87 90%

Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 62,315.61 10%
$106,050.13 25%
$220,837.97 50%
$244,825.10 75%
$362,991.42 90%

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 37,484.66 10%
$ 42,092.37 25%
$ 58,588.84 50%
$ 77,772.77 75%
$ 88,613.80 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,037.57 10%
$ 63,155.33 25%
$ 80,378.85 50%
$111,834.86 75%
$134,401.88 90%

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 56,699.06 10%
$ 67,870.08 25%
$ 83,957.38 50%
$106,613.98 75%
$135,812.50 90%

Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 78,766.45 10%
$163,670.92 25%
$237,895.05 50%
$274,716.36 75%
$432,608.38 90%

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 37,879.60 10%
$ 46,475.00 25%
$ 61,879.50 50%
$ 80,209.71 75%
$ 98,718.07 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,843.05 10%
$ 67,322.79 25%
$ 92,785.15 50%
$121,484.53 75%
$161,556.45 90%
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
25%
Of Students Participate in Research or Experiential Learning with Faculty
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified May 19, 2025