Biomedical Sciences Major

About our program

Develop an understanding of biological and chemical systems of the human body while you build a foundation for a successful career in the health professions. As a Marquette biomedical sciences major, you'll take courses as an undergraduate that most other research institutions limit to graduate students.

With work that includes histology, pharmacology and molecular pathology, you'll gain an edge over your competition, whether you plan to enter the workforce right after graduation or go on to a graduate or professional program. It's one of the reasons this major is so popular with our pre-med and pre-dentistry students, and why it's the starting place for our Physician Assistant Studies program.

And because values and service are integrated into everything we do, you’ll develop a deep sense of purpose along with the skills and expertise you’ll gain.

A view of the Schroeder Complex building on campus.

Schroeder Complex, College of Health Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette's College of Health Sciences

As part of the College of Health Sciences, you’ll join our community of faculty scholars and academically talented peers who are doing cutting-edge research, providing expert care and serving communities in Milwaukee and around the world. And 98% of our students are employed, in graduate school or military service six months after graduation. 

What can you do with a major in biomedical sciences from Marquette?

Some of our graduates go into the workforce after graduation, but many go on to pursue advanced degrees in health care fields such as medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacology and dentistry. For those who did enter the workforce, their employers include:

  • Advocate Aurora Health

  • American Molecular Laboratories

  • Ascension

  • Bell Ambulance

  • CVS Health

  • Froedtert Hospital

  • Medical College of Wisconsin

  • Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office

  • Pfizer

  • ProHealth Care

  • ScribeAmerica

  • UW Health

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Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.   

 

Spaces to learn

In our gross anatomy lab, you'll see the human body up close for an entire intensive semester. It's one of the only gross anatomy courses for undergrads in the country.

Clinicals and professional experience

Apply off-campus internship experiences to your major as course credit through our BISC Internship Program. In addition to your hands-on work, you’ll complete an oral presentation and write a reflection paper.

Here are some of the places our students have interned recently:

  • Aurora Health Care
  • Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin
  • Citizen Action Wisconsin
  • City on a Hill
  • Direct Supply
  • Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Milwaukee Health Department

Undergraduate research

You’ll get a chance to work with internationally respected researchers and their teams who are tackling some of society's most pressing medical problems. 

Here are some of the things Marquette faculty and students are solving right now: 

  • Neurological basis of opioid addiction 
  • Neurobiology of stress 
  • Spinal cord injury  
  • How circadian rhythms disruptions affect behavior 
  • How aging affects the muscular and skeletal systems 

Go even deeper with our Biomedical Sciences Summer Research Program, where you'll have the unique opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too.

Explore our E-Lead program.

Study abroad

Expand your biomedical sciences education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for biomedical sciences students through Global Brigades, core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.