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College of Science

BioHealth Sciences Major

Seven specialized paths toward a dynamic career in healthcare

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BioHealth Sciences Major

Seven specialized paths toward a dynamic career in healthcare

Van Ahn Vu standing outside field
"You learn so much in the BioHealth Sciences program that is hands-on besides things that you would learn in a textbook. I have worked with plasmids, origin of replication, glycolysis and I was able to apply my knowledge of everything I learned in the classroom."
Van Ahn Vu (BioHealth Sciences '16), Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Portland, Ore.

The BASICS: BioHealth Sciences

Department: Microbiology
Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science
Online option: Yes

What is BioHealth Science?

This field applies biological science to human health and society, studying the interrelationships between biological, physical, health and social sciences. The interdisciplinary BioHealth Sciences major equips students to excel in professional health programs like medical school as well as pharmaceutical and clinical research.

Why get a BioHealth Sciences degree?

Oregon State’s BioHealth Sciences curriculum is designed to give you the skills you need for a healthcare career. Your BioHealth Sciences degree from OSU will:

  • prepare you for a rewarding healthcare career after graduation.
  • help you drive future innovations in clinical practice, medical research and biomedical technologies.
  • expose you to cutting-edge research techniques and technology you’ll use to interpret medical and research data.
A young dentist working with a child

The PAYOFF: Careers in BioHealth Sciences

What jobs can you get with a BioHealth Sciences degree?

Our students find rewarding and relevant jobs thanks to degree options in pre-clinical laboratory science, pre-medicine/pre-podiatry, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-optometry, pre-physician assistant and pre-physical therapy.

Here are just several examples of jobs our BHS alumni have earned:

  • Neurosurgery Physician Assistant | Providence
  • Senior Biologist | Eli Lilly and Company
  • Physical Therapist | ProMotion AFR
  • Optometrist | Mile High Eye Institute
  • Registered Nurse | Providence St. Vincent Health Center
  • Clinical Research Associate | Formosa Biomedical Technology Corporation
  • Formulation Technical Team Lead | BioFire Diagnostics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Intern | John Peter Smith Hospital
  • Dental Student | OHSU School of Dentistry
  • Pharmacist | Pacific University School of Pharmacy/Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center

The PROGRAM: BioHealth Sciences at OSU

BioHealth Sciences degree options

In the BHS program, you can choose among seven academic options that prepare you for a specialized career in healthcare.

This option prepares you for a career as a clinical laboratory scientist (also known as medical laboratory scientist or medical technologist). You’ll learn the fundamental skills for performing routine and highly specialized diagnostic procedures in clinical laboratories. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Oregon is nearly $85,000 a year (ZipRecruiter). Learn more about salaries for this career here.

Students pursuing this option will study advanced anatomy courses and select among microbiology, biochemistry and nutrition courses based on your interests. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for a Dentist in Oregon is over $184,500 a year (ZipRecruiter). Learn more about salaries for this career here.

There are two traditional paths to becoming a doctor: allopathic medicine (Doctor of Medicine degree) or osteopathic medicine (Doctor of Osteopathy degree). A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), trained specifically to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. This option includes advanced courses in microbiology, zoology and the humanities. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for a Medical Doctor in Oregon is over $197,000 a year (ZipRecruiter). Learn more about salaries for this career here.

Optometry focuses on vision care and the diagnosis, examination and treatment of eyes. The option includes advanced courses in biology and elective courses in physics and biochemistry and biophysics. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for an Optometrist in Oregon is over $120,000 a year (ZipRecruiter).Learn more about salaries for this career here.

The pre-pharmacy option is designed to meet most or all of the requirements for admission to pharmacy schools across the U.S., including OSU’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) professional program. The option includes advanced courses in biology and core courses in economics focused on market structure and consumer behavior. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for a Pharmacist in Oregon is over $110,000 a year (ZipRecruiter). Learn more about salaries for this career here.

Physical therapists help injured clients with mobility and pain management. Patients in need of rehabilitation or those who suffer from chronic conditions rely on physical therapists. This option includes advanced courses in biology, kinesiology and psychology. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for a Physical Therapist in Oregon is over $80,000 a year (ZipRecruiter). Learn more about salaries for this career here.

Physician assistants work in collaboration with doctors and are licensed to diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans and prescribe medications. This option includes advanced courses in biology, public health and psychology. Learn more about this option and course requirements here.

The average annual pay for a Physician Assistant in Oregon is over $105,000 a year (ZipRecruiter). Learn more about salaries for this career here.

These degree options are designed to meet most or all of the requirements for admission to corresponding health programs across the U.S. Satisfactory completion of your option facilitates, but does not guarantee, admission to a specialized health program; applicants are selected on a competitive basis.

Your BioHealth Sciences curriculum

  • How will a pre-health option bolster your degree path? Take a look at these option checklists to start mapping your academic journey:

Checklists for pre-health options >

  • Curious what your schedule will look like? Have a look at this sample plan to help guide your way towards graduation:

Biohealth Sciences sample plan >

  • Want to know more about the classes you’ll take? Check out our list of BHS courses:

BioHealth Sciences courses >

BioHealth Sciences online degree

You can also pursue the BHS major online, learning from the same Department of Microbiology faculty that teach on campus. Online students receive the same OSU diploma and transcripts as OSU's on-campus students.

Getting your BHS degree through OSU’s Ecampus >

WATCH: Meet a BioHealth Sciences major

Meet Nebiy, a BioHealth Sciences (BHS) major at Oregon State’s College of Science. Nebiy shares thoughts on the flexibility of our BHS major, the helpfulness of advisors and faculty, undergraduate research opportunities and much more.

The EXPERIENCE: Hands-on opportunities

What makes a BioHealth Sciences degree from Oregon State better? One big reason: our hands-on learning experiences!

Undergraduate Research

This is your chance to see up close what it means to be a scientist. Don’t just study science in the classroom — get in a lab and contribute to it, working alongside world-class faculty!

Learn why undergraduate research is better here >

Internships

Internships serve as your perfect transitional experience into a career field. Gain real-world career experience while exploring the career possibilities your degree opens up.

Learn about amazing internship opportunities >

Study Abroad

Our students’ work spans the globe! Immerse yourself in another culture to gain a global perspective in your studies.

Take your science studies around the world >

Clubs & Organizations

Here’s your chance to discover like-minded communities of peers who share your interests! Come together and engage in meaningful ways.

Connect with a club and more members of Team Science >

The PROOF: Successful students and alumni

Biohealth sciences, pre-pharmacy alumna graduated early to care for patients during the pandemic

As a 12th-grader, Van Anh Vu was accepted into the College of Pharmacy as part of the college’s Early Assurance Program and completed her bachelor’s degree in biohealth sciences and international studies at Oregon State University.

First-gen biohealth grad achieves 'next step' toward career as a dentist

Gabriela Cortes Cortes is proud not to have let any obstacle, including a pandemic or the challenges of a first-generation student, hold her back from earning a four-year degree in the College of Science.

BioHealth senior’s race to the medical school finish line

Jacob Maynes, a senior majoring in biohealth sciences, will start medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Erie, Pennsylvania, this July after only three years of college.

Meet a Science Grad: Steven Kurtz

Meet Steven Kurtz, BioHealth Sciences alumnus who is studying to become a physician assistant and extreme sports enthusiast.

Focusing on research full-time helps BioHealth Science student get to the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’

BioHealth Sciences junior Haelyn Epp used her SURE Science scholarship to do full-time research on motor proteins.

Biohealth student snags prestigious bioethics internship at Mayo Clinic

Biohealth Sciences major Sydney Phu selected for a prestigious bioethics summer internship at the Mayo Clinic.

The SUPPORT: Connect with your advisor

Your science advisor is your all-in-one resource for college success! We recommend reaching out to them even if you have not yet applied. Our advisors have an answer for those questions and so many more.

Majors like BioHealth Sciences benefit from an advising team specifically dedicated to students seeking health careers:

Visit our Health Professions Advising page >

And of course, you can always reach out to our Student Peer Advisors at sciencesuccess@oregonstate.edu with questions, as well! Our Peer Advisor team is friendly, helpful and can share their first-hand knowledge of the Oregon State experience.

APPLY NOW and more

Download BioHealth Sciences brochure 2022 (PDF)