Sepia-toned illustrations of human body
Human Biology Major (B.A.)

Human Biology Major (B.A.)

The Biological Sciences – Human Biology major is designed for students interested in human biology and its application to allied health care professions (e.g., occupational therapy, genetic counseling, and, with careful choice of electives, physician assistant and physical therapy programs).

This curriculum is also suitable for students who wish to enter law, public health, and health policy fields with a strong science background. It provides a biology-enriched program for liberal arts students by requiring some basic genetics, neuroscience, ecology, and human reproductive physiology within the major; and psychology, sociology, and geography courses outside the department.

Students interested in medical, dental, or veterinary schools should follow a B.S. biology major.

Careers with a Human Biology Degree

Students with a Human Biology degree can pursue careers in occupational therapy, genetic counseling, and, with careful choice of electives, physician assistant and physical therapy programs. This curriculum is also suitable for students who wish to enter law, public health, and health policy fields with a strong science background.

Biology Careers & Internships

Biological Sciences alumna Hannah Jones

Admission Requirements

In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, first-year students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

For information about changing your major to biological sciences or transfer admissions requirements, view the academic catalog.

OHIO Admissions

  • Tuition and Fees

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    Tuition & Fees

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Human Biology B.A. Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

Students must complete a total of 36 semester credit hours of BIOS coursework, including sub-requirements in human biology, anatomy, microbiology and physiology, and electives.

Students in this track might want to consider a minor in a social science discipline, such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology.

Student Success Stories

Jayanna Smith: From Small Town to Prestigious Award

Jayanna Smith won a 2024 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's most prestigious award for undergraduate STEM students. “It means a lot because I come from a really small town,” Smith says. “Coming to a larger school, I initially found it hard to feel like I belonged here. I struggled with imposter syndrome. Winning the Goldwater gave me confidence," Smith says. "I was so scared that I would never figure out a career path. I would tell my younger self to relax and enjoy it a bit while also working hard.

About Jayanna Smith's Journey

Jayanna Smith

Ben Stiadle Wins Prestigious Award for Diabetes Research

Molecular Biology student Ben Stiadle won a 2024 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's most prestigious award for undergraduate STEM students. His research investigates treatments for Type 2 diabetes. He uses a florescent probeto track the amount of calcium in the beta cell in real time in order to better understand the role of the sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA), an ion exchanger in cells. Stiadle works with Dr. Craig Nunemaker to further his interest and understanding of the treatment process for chronic diseases.

About Ben Stiadle's Journey 

Ben Stiadle displays his work at OHIO's Student Expo