Minot State University’s Department of Science will offer two new degrees in biomedical science and environmental science, beginning next fall, according to a Minot State University news release.

The biomedical science degree is an interdisciplinary program blending biology, chemistry, exercise science and psychology that prepares students for graduate school in the healthcare field. The Bachelor of Science program has a curriculum focused on the core sciences of modern medicine, with specialized tracks for different healthcare professions such as primary healthcare (pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, and pre-optometry), allied health (pre-chiropractic, pre-occupational therapy, and pre-physical therapy) and research professions.

“By emphasizing research, modern healthcare, and the study of human behavior, and by offering flexible tracks developed in consultation with professional programs, we are ensuring our students have a distinct advantage in their pursuit of careers in healthcare,” said Nigel George, Minot State associate professor, in the release.

The environmental science degree explores the complexities of the environment through an integrated study of biology, chemistry and geoscience. The Bachelor of Science program enables students to tailor their degrees by choosing from the three specialized tracks: conservation (biology focus), earth systems science (geoscience focus), or environmental health (chemistry focus).

“The environmental science program is an interdisciplinary way to learn the biology, geology, and chemistry of the environment around us,” said Joseph Pettit, Minot State assistant professor, in the release. “The tracks within allow students to learn about conservation, earth systems, or environmental health but also give students real tools that make them competitive in the job market. These programs were designed to put students into jobs with non-governmental organizations or agencies like the US Fish and Wildlife, Game and Fish, or the US Geological Survey. We do this by learning new technologies and how they can be applied to modern problems.”