Human Biology

Intrigued by a career in health care but still seeking the right path? Then consider studying human biology. With a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology and disease, you’ll be ready to pursue a wide range of opportunities.

Job prospects for health care workers continue to be hot in just about every specialty. This major is excellent preparation for graduate programs in physician assistant studies, physical therapy, direct-entry nursing master’s and genetic counseling programs — all fast-growing employment areas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Or you can go straight into the workforce via research labs or other health-related settings.

The Alverno difference

We create women leaders who are ready to succeed and shatter ceilings. At Alverno, you’ll find an empowering, supportive environment that helps you achieve your best. Our small class sizes help you really get to know your professors, who will personally guide you through rigorous coursework and help you select the right classes, internships and research experiences to reach your career goals.

Alverno’s STEM majors aren’t isolated in their own departments the way they are at many colleges. You’ll connect with fellow STEM studentsthrough shared classes, joint projects and other networking opportunities, broadening your perspective and exposing you to new possibilities across disciplines.

If you plan to go to medical school or another professional health school, Alverno’s pre-health program offers seminars, personalized advising, peer support and other resources to help make you a competitive candidate. The human biology emphasis in this major will also help prepare you for the standardized admissions exams used by graduate and professional health schools, such as the MCAT.

To bolster your resume, consider working as a paid lab assistant or peer tutor in the Daniel M. Soref Science and Mathematics Resource Center, mentoring high school students through Alverno’s Girls’ Academy of Science & Mathematics, or participating infaculty-student research through the Center for Academic Excellence. You can also join the Pre-Professional Women of Alverno or other student organizations to practice your leadership skills and connect with classmates who share your interests.

"This major was not only incredibly interesting and informative, but also very fun to apply what we learned in the lab. The science courses and labs at Alverno are definitely an amazing and eye-opening experience!”

— Halle, human biology major

Coursework

All Alverno students must complete 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. You’ll begin your biology courses during your first semester on campus, as well as your general education requirements. You’ll study human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry of bioorganic molecules, cellular biology, developmental biology, physiological mechanisms of disease, genetics and more.

Field education

You’ll intern for at least one semester, giving you a valuable opportunity to build your resume while applying the skills and knowledge you’re learning in the classroom. Our students have interned at the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Summer Program for Undergraduate Research, Program for Undergraduate Research Experience, and Genetic Counseling Program; Milwaukee County Health Department; Sigma Aldrich; the Water Technology Accelerator at the Global Water Center; and the Milwaukee County Zoo. Alverno’s Career Studio is connected to more than 2,000 partner sites and can help you find the right internship.

Career opportunities

Some Alverno human biology graduates go on graduate studies in nursing, public health, genetic counseling or other health-related areas. Other students choose to go straight into the workforce. This major could prepare you for a variety of roles in setting such as blood banks, research labs, pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies or other government agencies.

Admission requirements

Your first step is to apply for admission to Alverno by completing the free application at alverno.edu/apply. You should mark your intended major as human biology.

For your first two years at Alverno, you’ll be matched with a professional academic advisor who gets to know you and guides you through your education, helping you chart your path and register for classes. As a junior, you’ll be paired with a faculty advisor who will support your success to graduation.