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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Natural Science
Department of Physiology

Physiology Program Requirements

Physiology Undergraduate Program Requirements
 
Skill Sets Stressed for Physiology Program Majors
  • Development of a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences
  • Understanding of normal physiology and disease processes
  • Preparation for a wide variety of careers in biomedical research and allied health
  • Critical thinking and problem solving in an integrative discipline
  • Development of practical laboratory skills
  • Use of computers for data acquisition and management
  • Intensive exposure to the biomedical Literature
  • Exposure to the use of animals in biomedical research

Bachelor of Science in Physiology Degree Requirements

University Requirements

  • 1 semester of college-level writing
  • 2 semesters of Integrative Studies in the Arts & Humanities
  • 2 semesters of Integrative Studies in the Social Sciences 
  • NOTE: ISB & ISP requirements are fulfilled by the required Biology
    and Chemistry courses as part of the Alternative Track to
    complete the Integrated Science University Requirements.  
  • Honors College: Honors College students must take Honors Writing (WRA 195H), 2 Arts & Humanities (AH) substitutions, and 2 Social Science (SS) Substitutions. IAH and ISS courses must be Honors sections to count towards substitutions. 
  • University Diversity Distribution: For IAH and ISS courses, students must take at least one course focused on a National (N) topic and one course focused on an International (I) or Multicultural (D) topic. 

Basic/General Science Courses

  • 1 semester of survey of calculus or calculus I
  • 1 semester of statistics or calculus II 
  • 2 semesters of biology with 2 semester of labs
    • Molecular and cellular biology
    • Molecular and cellular biology lab
    • Organismal and population biology
    • Organismal and population biology lab
  • 2 semesters of general chemistry with 2 semesters of labs
  • 2 semesters of organic chemistry with 1 semester of lab 
  • 2 semesters of physics with labs 

Upper-Level Science Courses

  • Two semesters of physiology covering all the major organ systems
  • Capstone laboratory in physiology
  • Physiology in health and disease (an introduction to pathophysiology and chronic disease)
  • Tier II Writing topics in physiology (upper division writing course)
  • 300-level anatomy or developmental biology elective

Other Undergraduate Degree Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits
  • Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
  • Earn a minimum major GPA of 2.0 or better
  • Complete a minimum of 30 credits at MSU with a minimum of 27 credits on the East Lansing campus after reaching junior standing (56+ credits)
  • No more than 10 of the last 30 credits may be transferred from another 4-year or 2-year institution, PRIOR APPROVAL IS REQUIRED
  • No more than 60 credits from a community college will be allowed
  • With the exception of courses taken during the Spring 2023 Semester, courses used to satisfy specific degree requirements cannot be taken as Credit/No Credit (CR/NC)

For Students Interested in Careers in Healthcare

Students who are thinking of pursuing a career in healthcare may have additional requirements outside of the neuroscience degree requirements. Please consult with the pre-health advising and resources page, meet with a pre-health advisor, and/or meet with your academic advisor to further discuss.

About Test Credits and Credits from Other Colleges/Universities

Certain Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, CLEP, and International A Level test scores, in addition to dual enrollment and college credits earned elsewhere, may satisify certain B.S. in Neuroscience degree requirements.

Students can take certain courses at other institutions and transfer them back to MSU for credit. Before taking courses at another institution, however, students must make sure the courses will transfer back to MSU as the appropriate credits. For more detailed information, please go to http://transfer.msu.edu/ to view active transfer equivalencies MSU has with other institutions and consult with your academic advisor.

Contact the Undergraduate Program
Department of Physiology Undergraduate Advising Team
Email: neupslugrad@msu.edu 

For Prospective/Transfer Students
Gabby Wahla, M.A.
Undergraduate Recruitment Coordinator 
Email: natsci.explore@msu.edu  
Phone: 517-355-4470