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Department of Biology and Microbiology

4-Year B.S. and M.S. Human Biology

Stand out in medical school admission and save time and money!

SDState’s Biology and Microbiology Department is excited to offer an accelerated pathway for high caliber students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's in human biology in only four years after high school graduation. Yes - a B.S. and M.S. just four years after high school graduation!

If medical school isn’t your intended path – reach out to schedule an on-campus visit with our faculty and check out our degree finder.

Why should you pursue both a B.S. and M.S. in Human Biology?

  • Give yourself a competitive advantage for medical school (M.D., D.O., D.D.S., P.A., O.D., D.C., etc.). Competition to get into medical school is steep and additional coursework in anatomy, physiology, cancer biology, cellular and molecular biology will help you stand out and prepare you to excel in medical school.
  • Traditionally obtaining both a B.S. and M.S. would include 6 years and this pathway saves you two years in obtaining both a B.S. and M.S. in human biology.
  • Save thousands between South Dakota High School Dual Credit (HSDC) savings, SDState Scholarships for HSDC and other programs.

What to do if you are interested:

  1. Enroll in the South Dakota High School Dual Credit Program. Learn more by visiting with your High School counselor and by reviewing the eligibility requirements.
  2. If you are eligible, apply for Dual Credit Admission by Aug. 22 (reduced tuition)
    1. How to Apply
    2. Submit forms with parent and school officials signatures.
  3. Apply for approval to enter the HSDC+3+1 human biology program.
  4. Enroll in and complete 15 specific college credits prior to high school graduation to be eligible for the HSDC+3+1 B.S. and M.S. human biology Program. Work with Dr. Greg Heiberger and your high school counselor.
    1. General Biology I (BIOL 151 and Lab).
    2. General Biology II BIOL 153 and Lab.
    3. General Psychology (PSYC 101).
    4. Introduction to Sociology (SOC 100).
    5. Medical Terminology (NURS 201).
    6. Take 2 additional courses prior to your first semester as a first time, full time Freshman at SDState:
      1. Introduction to Statistics (STAT 281).
      2. Introduction to Ethics (PHIL 220) or any course from SGR #4.
  5. View more resources to help you ace those classes!