Biology Major: Health Sciences Track
IMPORTANT NOTE: This major is intended for CBS students who are admitted to professional programs (e.g. Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine) prior to completing a CBS degree. The Biology: Health Sciences Track is not appropriate as a primary plan for current CBS students who have not yet been admitted to professional school.
In December 2006, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved the Health Science Track in the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. This degree is aimed at students who entered health sciences professional programs, such as pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc., without completing their baccalaureate degree.
In this new B.S. in Biology, Health Sciences track, former CBS students can apply up to 30 credits of basic, biological science coursework taken while in a professional program toward the biological sciences requirements for the B.S. in Biology. Courses that may count toward this degree include classes such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, endocrinology, development, embryology, neuroscience, genetics, organismal biology, and ecology. However, clinical courses do not qualify.
To be eligible for the B.S. in Biology, Health Science track, you must have completed:
- The University of Minnesota Liberal Education requirements for baccalaureate degrees
- The non-biology requirements of the B.S. in Biology (such as chemistry, physics and mathematics)
- At least 90 credits as an undergraduate (including Post Secondary Enrollment Options, Advanced Placement and related credits)
- Up to 30 credit hours of basic science courses in a professional school with grades of at least C- or better (a total of 120 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree)
The following checklist provides greater detail concerning the degree requirements:
Degree completion steps
- Earn a minimum of 30 graded credits at an accredited professional school such as Dentistry, Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine. At this point in time, students enrolled in Medical School at the University of Minnesota are not eligible to apply.
- Meet U of M Graduation Requirements.
- Complete U of M Liberal Education Requirements.
- Contact CBS Student Services at 612-624-9717 to schedule a meeting with an adviser.
- Review your APAS report for B.S. degree in Biology course requirements. You’ll find the link to APAS at the top of the right hand column on One Stop. Click on the Generate a “What-if” APAS report for this student link. Choose the Biology BS major. This option is only available with the Biology major so if you were initially planning to have a GCD or Biochemistry degree, you will need to switch to the Biology major under this option.
- Print an unofficial copy of your current transcript.
- Bring both your APAS report and transcripts (undergraduate and professional school program) to your meeting with an adviser. Together you will identify courses that will count towards your remaining degree requirements and prepare a petition for submission to the CBS Scholastics Committee.
- Once your petition is approved, apply for your degree by completing the online application.
