Applied Biological Sciences

Program Overview

Offered through the KU School of Professional Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences degree is designed for undergraduate students who have completed an associate degree or equivalent hours, and want to complete the final two years of a bachelor’s degree program.

This educational pathway is an excellent choice for students who are critical thinkers and who enjoy synthesizing data and solving problems, working on teams or individually.

The degree is often used as a stepping stone to medical school or other graduate education, but can also be used as an introduction to a career in lab-based bioscience.

The field includes a variety of in-demand professions, including medical health care, veterinary health care, immunology, and animal science. This program can also put you on a pre-health path.

Program format

In-person in Overland Park, Kansas.

Helpful Information

Current and prospective undergraduate students may call 913-897-8539

Career Outlook

Graduates with a degree in applied biological sciences can go on to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, or graduate work in the health sciences, with high success rates. According to Lightcast data, the fastest growing occupations in this field include:

Potential Careers

Health technologists and technicians

Performs diagnostic testing, assists health care providers, provides direct patient care.

Medical and health services managers

Health care administrators who manage budgets, staff, maintains patient records, develops and implements policies and procedures.

Medical records specialists

Maintains patient records, assigns codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other medical information.

Clinical lab technicians and technologists

Tests and analyzes body fluids such as blood, tissue, and urine samples to detect abnormalities or diseases.

Medical scientists

Research human diseases and how to prevent and treat them

Quality control systems managers

Create and implement inspection and testing criteria or procedures

Clinical research coordinators

Ensure that clinical trials run smoothly and comply with regulations

Market research analysts and marketing specialists

Collect and analyze data to help companies understand their customers and market

Biomedical engineers

Apply engineering principles to health care equipment and systems to design, develop, and improve medical products and procedures

Graduates are well prepared to go directly into industry and start a career with biotech and life sciences companies in clinical, pharmaceutical, or bio-manufacturing fields, or work in federal, state, or local governments.

A professional with an educational background in applied biological science may perform these duties on the job:

Working with patients in a clinic setting
Performing tests to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases
Helping patients recover from injury or surgeries as a physical therapist
Studying and discovering new disease treatments

Lightcast data reports that graduates who live in the Kansas City metro area have established careers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, KU Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City Kansas Crime Laboratory, Clinical Reference Laboratories and Quintiles, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Applied biological sciences career data

Helpful information for positions that are possible to obtain with a applied biological sciences degree*

602,455

Current jobs in U.S. (2024)

7.9%

Job growth (2021-24)

61,013

Annual job openings

$88,500

Median earnings (per year)

*Source: Lightcast. The career data provided is not specific to KU students or graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions or income.

Additional Resources

Admissions

Degree-seeking students must follow the admission process of their program. For details and steps to apply, click below.

Academics

Learn about the degrees and certificates offered.

Resources

Helpful links and program information.

Learn more about the Applied Biological Sciences program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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