Applied Biology (3+2 Biomedical Engineering)

Build the Future of Health Care Through Biology and Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology at the University of Saint Mary is designed for students who want to solve real-world health care challenges through science, technology, and innovation.

This interdisciplinary program combines biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to prepare students for advanced study in biomedical engineering through a unique 3+2 partnership with the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC).

Why Choose Applied Biology at USM?

The Applied Biology program provides the best of both worlds: a personalized undergraduate experience and a direct pathway into an advanced engineering program.

Instead of beginning at a large engineering institution, you'll develop a strong academic foundation through small class sizes, individualized faculty mentorship, and hands-on laboratory experiences before transitioning to upper-level biomedical engineering coursework.

A Pathway Designed for Future Innovators

Biomedical engineering is one of today's fastest-growing STEM fields, bringing together life sciences and engineering to improve health care, medical technology, and patient outcomes.

The Applied Biology curriculum emphasizes:

• Scientific literacy
• Quantitative reasoning
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Technical laboratory skills

Students graduate prepared to succeed in advanced engineering coursework while developing the interdisciplinary perspective employers increasingly seek.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Applied Biology pathway are prepared for careers where biology and technology intersect.

Potential career paths include:

• Biotechnology
• Biomedical engineering
• Medical device development
• Pharmaceutical research
• Health care technology
• Laboratory and research sciences
• Graduate and professional programs

By earning complementary degrees in Applied Biology and Biomedical Engineering, graduates develop a unique combination of scientific knowledge and engineering expertise that opens doors across health care, industry, and research.

Note: Salaries above are calculated based on combination of all relevant occupations tied to the career, using the 50th percentile of workers (50% of employees make this salary or less), and is not limited to entry-level employees.

Personalized Support Every Step of the Way

USM's faculty work closely with students to create an academic plan that supports both degree completion and a successful transfer to UMKC.

Students receive:

• Personalized academic advising beginning in their first semester
• Structured course sequencing and long-term degree planning
• Faculty mentoring and academic support services
• Guidance on transfer requirements
• Information about scholarship and financial aid opportunities

Hands-On Learning That Builds Real Skills

Through laboratory experiences, undergraduate research opportunities, and experiential learning, students develop technical skills that prepare them for upper-level engineering coursework and future careers in science and health care technology.

The program is built upon USM's established strengths in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, utilizing experienced faculty and modern laboratory resources to create a supportive, collaborative learning environment.

Coursework

Meet the Faculty