Applied Science in Biology (Dual Degree) - BS

Biology/Master of Public Health (MPH)

St. Kate’s offers the opportunity to apply a liberal arts education in the field of public health through a unique 3+2 dual-degree program in applied science in biology/master of public health (MPH). The dual-degree program allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree while pursuing the MPH degree.

As an applied science in biology major, students will complete the biology pre-public health sequence of courses and supporting work for the MPH program. This includes courses in biology, chemistry and statistics, while providing a special emphasis in biology.

The applied science in biology major provides an understanding of the major principles of biology and encourages the development of critical thinking skills. Faculty members encourage students to take an active role in their educational experiences and foster a cooperative, rather than competitive, learning environment. Along with the first-year introductory sequence taken by all pre-MPH students, applied science biology students take the sophomore biology sequence along with our comparative courses which emphasize the “whys” of anatomy and physiology. While preparing students for graduate work in public health, a biology major also prepares them for careers in industry, government and education, and for graduate work in research, medicine, dentistry, and other health professions.

To enroll in this program, students apply to the MPH program during their junior year. If they are admitted to the MPH program, students receive a B.S. in applied science in biology upon completion of the first year of the MPH program. The curriculum for the applied science in biology major is listed in the Pre-Professional Programs, Pre-Public Health section of this catalog.

Biology/Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies (MAHS)

St. Kate’s offers the opportunity to apply a liberal arts education to the growing field of Holistic Health Studies through a unique 3+2 dual-degree program in applied science in biology/Master of Holistic Health Studies (MAHS). The dual-degree program allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree while pursuing the MAHS degree. Students graduate in five years with an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in Holistic Health Studies. 

The MAHS opens doors of insight into new paradigms of health and healing that integrate mind, body and spirit. This emerging model draws from the best of modern scientific medicine and cross-cultural healing wisdom passed down over centuries. The program offers opportunities for personal empowerment, skill development and spiritual transformation and will prepare students to face today’s health and wellness challenges, and lead in the advancement of health and healing. 

The applied science in biology major provides an understanding of the major principles of biology and encourages the development of critical thinking skills. Faculty members encourage students to take an active role in their educational experiences and foster a cooperative, rather than competitive, learning environment.

As an applied science in biology major, students will complete the biology pre-Holistic Health Studies sequence of courses and supporting work for the MAHS program. Students will complete the core biology requirements, two undergraduate Holistic Health Studies courses and can customize their learning by choosing electives that provide a foundation for more advanced study in the Holistic Health Studies program for example, biopsychology, plant biology, evolutionary biology, immunology or other contemporary topics courses.

This unique dual degree in biology and holistic health prepares students for work in health care, education, community activism, non-profits and research.

Biology/Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

St. Kate’s offers the opportunity to apply a liberal arts education in the field of physical therapy through a unique 3+3 dual-degree program in applied science in biology/doctor of physical therapy (DPT). The dual-degree program allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree while pursuing the DPT degree.

As an applied science in biology major, students will complete the biology pre-physical therapy sequence of courses and supporting work for the DPT program. This includes courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, psychology, statistics and mathematics, while providing a special emphasis in biology.

The applied science in biology major provides an understanding of the major principles of biology and encourages the development of critical thinking skills. Faculty members encourage students to take an active role in their educational experiences and foster a cooperative, rather than competitive, learning environment. Along with the first-year introductory sequence taken by all pre-PT students, applied science biology students take the sophomore biology sequence along with our comparative courses which emphasize the “whys” of anatomy and physiology.  While preparing students for graduate work in physical therapy, a biology major also prepares them for careers in industry, government and education, and for graduate work in research, medicine, dentistry, and other health professions.

To enroll in this program, students apply to the DPT program during their junior year. If they are admitted to the DPT program, students receive a B.S. in applied science in biology upon completion of the first year of the DPT program. The curriculum for the applied science in biology major is listed in the Pre-Professional Programs, Pre-Physical Therapy section of this catalog.