
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biology: Pre-Health Biology
Healthcare is one of the most essential and rapidly-growing sectors of the global economy. A pre-health biology specialization within the BGSU bachelor’s program in biology prepares you for admission into a professional graduate program – whether you choose to become a doctor, veterinarian, physical therapist or other healthcare professional.
Our graduates gain the scientific knowledge, analytical skills and core compassion to get into competitive graduate programs. The BGSU Office of Pre-Professional Programs helps students prepare for entrance exams and secure the internships, shadowing opportunities and volunteer experiences that you need when applying to professional programs.
In an era of aging populations, global pandemics and emerging health crises, demand for skilled healthcare workers is higher than ever – and growing. Few careers offer the same sense of fulfillment as healthcare. Everyday presents intellectual challenges, opportunities to learn, close connections with colleagues and countless moments of meaningful impact.
Why study pre-health biology at BGSU in Ohio?
- Top-rated faculty. BGSU biological sciences faculty generates 50 peer-reviewed biology research publications and more than $1 million in external grants each year.
- Exceptional advising. BGSU stands out for its culture of support and personalized guidance for pre-professional majors. Our Office of Pre-professional Programs knows what professional schools are looking for and helps you develop those skills and qualities. We’ll also assist you in navigating the rigorous application process to post-graduate professional programs.
- Many resume-builders. Medical schools and other professional graduate programs want well-rounded candidates. BGSU offers many ways for you to volunteer, assume leadership roles and cultivate those credentials. These include health-related student organizations, such as MedLife, the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, American Medical Women’s Association and the Alpha Epsilon Delta premedical honor society.
- Undergraduate research opportunities. Check out our Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to take advantage of research opportunities as early as your first year.
- Quality classroom experiences. Class sizes are kept small to enable more 1:1 instruction and mentorship opportunities. Laboratories for both anatomy and physiology are held in the state-of-the-art Moseley Hall. Some pre-health biology courses may be held at the Life Sciences Building, which contains 40+ laboratories.
- Mentorship, alumni and peer connections. Peer ambassadors offer a first level of support. Students will also have opportunities to hear from and shadow professionals in their chosen field. These relationships are invaluable as you explore career options.
- Proven success. Our pre-health biology graduates are well-prepared and regularly accepted to outstanding medical schools and other post-graduate professional programs.
- Great value. BGSU offers a high-quality, affordable education and generous scholarships for pre-health majors.
The median annual wage for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations was about 50% higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career - what can you do with a pre-health biology specialization?
A background in biological sciences aptly prepares students to excel in graduate health science programs – whether they go on to become medical doctors and physician assistants or work in allied health professions. (Examples of allied professions include physical therapy, occupational therapy, genetic counseling, audiology, speech-language pathology, respiratory therapy, clinical nutritionist, pharmaceutical sciences, veterinary medicine, public health, medical technology, education and healthcare consulting.)
Competitive, health-related professional graduate programs tend to accept candidates with strong undergraduate grades, leadership and service experiences, and some field experience. BGSU provides all that and more, with rigorous academic standards, solid mentorship and advising, entrance exam prep and research/field learning experiences.
Career paths
- Medicine (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, etc.)
- Pharmacist
- Veterinarian
- Dentist or dental hygienist
- Optometrist
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Public health professional
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pre-health biology vs. Pre-med
Both pre-health biology and pre-med share a foundational focus on biology and health sciences.
The pre-med track is traditionally tailored more for students aspiring to attend medical school to become physicians. It emphasizes coursework that fulfills medical school prerequisites, such as biology, chemistry, physics and human anatomy.
A fair number of students in the pre-health biology specialization do go on to medical school to become medical doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, etc. However, the biology major with pre-health specialization is slightly broader than pre-med, opening the door to a variety of health-related professions such as physical therapy, pharmacology, occupational therapy, public health, dentistry, etc.
Pre-health biology offers greater flexibility than pre-med to explore more healthcare roles while still receiving a strong foundation in biological sciences. It can also be a smart choice for those drawn to healthcare but who aren’t sure about their ultimate role.
Curriculum
Healthcare professional schools at the graduate level need a greater depth of understanding in the natural sciences than what is required for a general Bachelor of Science in biology. The pre-health biology specialization is designed to prepare students interested in health-related careers with the courses and skills you need to be admitted to those graduate programs.
The pre-health biology specialization requires:
- A full year of organic chemistry and physics
- A semester of biochemistry
- Individual courses in microbiology, economics, psychology, sociology and/or statistics, as required by the graduate program of choice.
Pre health majors are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research to gain a stronger understanding of expanding health frontiers.
Pre-professional advisors guide pre-health biology students in choosing courses to prepare them for professional schools. They also inform students on the application processes, specific admissions tests and curricular/co-curricular activities to give them an edge in applying to top medical schools and healthcare graduate programs.

Sample courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Genetics
- Evolution
- Microbiology
Summer virtual academy
BGSU Future Meds: Exploring Health Careers
Are you a high school student interested in a career in healthcare? Join us at this online academy to explore career options and learn about the BGSU pre-med pathway. Interact with professors, medical practitioners and BGSU pre-med students. Participate in interactive demonstrations, Q&As and lab activities. Registration typically opens in October.
The Pre-Health Biology program is part of the Department of Biological Sciences in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Accreditation
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
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Updated: 02/12/2025 08:20AM