Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in cellular and systems physiology, disease mechanisms, and laboratory methodologies. You will study human anatomy and physiology, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology and pathology, together with courses in statistics and research methods. Practical laboratory classes teach microscopy, tissue preparation and staining, molecular techniques (for example DNA/RNA handling and PCR), and basic clinical laboratory procedures.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Introduction to Physiology and Human Anatomy
• Cell Biology and Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry for the Health Sciences
• Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology
• Principles of Pathology and Disease Mechanisms
• Laboratory Methods in Biomedical Science (including histology and basic molecular assays)
• Statistics and Experimental Design for the Life Sciences
• Ethics in Biomedical Research and Healthcare
• Capstone or independent research project/ internship

The degree typically mixes lectures, small-group seminars, hands-on laboratory sessions and a culminating research or internship experience. Students are encouraged to take electives in areas such as pharmacology, public health, neuroscience or bioinformatics to tailor their programme to specific career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with solid performance in science and maths subjects. Typical preparation includes courses in biology, chemistry and algebra or precalculus; physics is recommended but not always mandatory. Admissions decisions consider cumulative academic record, personal statement and, where applicable, relevant experience such as volunteer work or laboratory exposure.

For transfer applicants, submission of official college transcripts is required and some prerequisites may need to be completed before progression into upper-level physiology and pathology courses. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university’s standard requirements. Specific departmental requirements or recommended preparatory courses are available from the School of Health and Human Services and the Department of Biological Sciences advising offices.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of laboratory, clinical and research roles or continue to postgraduate and professional programmes. Common career paths include laboratory technologist or technician roles in clinical and research laboratories, positions in public health, hospital laboratory services, biomedical research assistant roles, and quality control or regulatory roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for further professional study—many graduates go on to medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy and graduate research programmes. With additional certification or training, graduates can pursue clinical laboratory scientist/medical technologist roles or specialise in areas such as histotechnology, cytotechnology or clinical microbiology.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a student-centred learning environment with accessible faculty and opportunities for hands-on experience. The programme benefits from well-equipped teaching laboratories and supervised research projects that give practical skills sought by employers and graduate programmes.

Students at EMU have opportunities for internships and clinical placements through the university’s connections with regional healthcare providers and community organisations. The university also supports undergraduate research, pre-health advising, and career services to help students plan postgraduate pathways and professional certification where required.

Located close to a major metropolitan area, EMU provides access to a wide range of healthcare, research and industry placements while maintaining smaller class sizes and a supportive campus community focused on applied learning and professional preparation.