So, suppose you’re thinking about a patient-focused healthcare career. Doesn’t it make sense to find a college degree that does a deep dive into a full understanding of the amazingly complex human biological systems and processes rather than an overview of general biology? The good news is there’s a college degree that does precisely that: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Biology degree.
Here’s How the Human Biology Degree Prepares You for Healthcare
A traditional biology degree is a broad survey of biology that includes the study of plant and animal biology and humans. Yes, general biology and human biology degrees include introductory education in science, math, and essential research principles. The difference is human biology students also explore topics such as human genetics, diseases, and microbiology and examine how technological and societal factors affect human development.
According to the article “Becoming a Human Biology Major” in a U.S. News & World Report “best colleges” report, human biology coursework begins with data analysis, scientific literacy and terms, and other broad themes. Advanced classes then explore topics concerning human physiology, diseases, and conditions. Typically, human biology students will have additional lab requirements.
Where Do You Go for the B.S. in Human Biology?
When you find that focus interesting, you might ask yourself, “What types of universities offer a major in human biology?” Some universities may offer general and human biology degrees. Most universities will offer one or the other. Those who know they want to be in patient-focused healthcare roles might want to consider healthcare career-focused universities.
Often, these universities have expanded access to on-campus facilities: anatomy, histology (studying the microscopic structure of tissues), and cadaver labs, and offer specialized coursework.
Examples of these classes include those examining
Patient-focused Careers with Your B.S. in Human Biology
You can go two directions when you earn a bachelor of science in biology – straight into an occupation or use it as a step toward an advanced healthcare degree.
Either way, success in navigating a human biology program shows competency in basic science skills and your ability to understand and apply scientific and biological principles to solve complex problems. Those skills will continue to be in demand because discoveries continually result in new healthcare procedures and practices.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 91,000 new jobs will emerge for biologic technicians/specialists from 2019-2029.
Occupational Opportunities
Preparation for Advanced Degrees
Many people with a human biology degree continue their education and enter professional healthcare professions.
For entry into chiropractic college, the three common undergraduate degrees are human biology, kinesiology (the study of body mechanics and movement), and exercise science (examining the links among fitness, exercise, nutrition, and health).
About 60% of med school applicants have an undergraduate major focusing on biological sciences, according to the Association of American of Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Chiropractic and Health Sciences Education at Cleveland University-Kansas City
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a large suburb of Kansas City. Most students earn their Doctor of Chiropractic degree (D.C.) in 3.3 years through our year-round trimester schedule.
The University also offers a B.S. in Human Biology degree that students can use for entry into our doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) program. This degree option can shorten the time in school by up to a year. Learn more about the B.S./D.C. program here.
Points of distinction for the CUKC chiropractic degree include:
When a patient-centered career is on your mind, learn more about the CUKC degree in human biology. Contact our admissions team here and get this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.
