Academic Programs

Anthropologists study people and cultures, past and present. Field work and hands-on experience are important parts of the program. An understanding of human organization, communication, and behavior can lead to careers in government service, business, education, marketing, nonprofit administration, cultural resource management, and more.

Biochemistry focuses on the application of chemical principles to the investigation of life processes. Biochemists work in a wide range of careers in academic institutions, pharmaceutical, medical and biotechnology industries, and government. Biochemistry also prepares students for professional schools in healthcare (including pre-medicine, pre-vet and pre-pharmacy).

Biology is the study of life – human, plant, animal. It is a popular choice for students preparing for careers in healthcare, agriculture, environmental care, food processing, manufacturing, product development, biotech, and more. Students can take a broad curriculum or focus on cell and molecular biology, microbiology, or industrial fermentation.

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to the health care field, improving people’s health and well-being. They design assistive, diagnostic, and therapeutic devices or even lasers for surgery. Biomedical engineers collaborate with health care professionals in research labs, hospitals and industry. Many launch startups in this fast-growing field.

Medical tests are critical to the accurate detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, and so are the scientists who perform them. If you enjoy science and its practical application, a degree in biomedical sciences could be for you. This diverse program offers laboratory and diagnostic imaging sub-majors, as well as degree completion and UW flexible option sub-majors.

The communication sciences and disorders program prepares students to become speech-language pathologists or audiologists whose evaluation and treatment helps clients and their families live with communication disorders. Lab research, clinical placement and other hands-on learning opportunities enhance students’ career preparation

Students choose a specific track – global management, global communications, global security, global sustainability or global health – and many degrees are jointly awarded by two schools in recognition of the unique combination of professional training and liberal arts courses. Study abroad and an international internship are required.

Students in the health care administration program learn business strategies needed to lead health care organizations: finance, information systems, strategic planning, HR management and marketing. A key component of this program is exposure to management and leadership training principles necessary to run a single department or a vast health care organization.

Health care compliance is critical to all organization types and persons who work in the health care industry. Whether you’re a health care practitioner, administrator, insurer or in a business that contracts with health care organizations, it is vital to understand the need for and function of a robust corporate compliance program.

This 16-credit certificate prepares baccalaureate-educated nurses from outside of the United States to transition successfully to practice in the US and to make them eligible for licensure as Registered Nurses in the US.

Kinesiology is ideal for anyone fascinated by human movement. Students learn from faculty nationally recognized for research and teaching that deepens our understanding of physical activity. Students can specialize in topics like anatomy/physiology, biomechanics, psychosocial aspects of sport/exercise and motor development. Research and clinical opportunities are included.

This major introduces you to the world of microorganisms that includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. Microbes cause disease, play major roles in environmental processes, and are used extensively in the food and biotech industries. This program prepares you for careers in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and health professions.

Wisconsin’s largest College of Nursing is a leader in nursing education, innovative research and community engagement. Undergraduates enjoy hands-on learning, use the latest technology and follow a comprehensive curriculum that includes theory and practice. Graduate students work with world-renowned faculty in research and clinical settings, shaping practice and policy.

Students in the nutritional sciences program prepare for careers in education, health promotion and disease prevention, or grad school. They develop the scientific/technical knowledge and skills essential to such careers, while building critical thinking and communication skills in public speaking, nutrition education, wellness, program development and professional writing

The bachelor’s in Occupational Science & Technology (formerly Occupational Studies) is a flexible educational path that prepares students to work in different health and human service settings. Students are particularly well prepared for graduate study in occupational therapy and other disability-related disciplines.

The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is a post-professional degree. Beyond an entry-level master’s degree, OTD students complete additional preparation in leadership, advocacy, theory, research, and a mentored advanced doctoral experience.

With an OTD, you are better prepared to address the challenges of complex and ever-changing health care and education settings.

A newer profession, there are 11 anesthesiology assistant graduate programs in the U.S. The graduate work takes 2 ½ years after the completion of a 4-year college degree with rigorous science and math preparation that is very similar to a pre-med path. Related volunteer or part-time work while in college is essential for admission to these competitive programs.

Audiologists are licensed health care professionals who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, treating and managing hearing loss in children and adults. They prescribe and fit hearing aids, provide hearing rehabilitation, and much more. All audiologists have either a master’s degree or doctorate degree in the field of audiology.

The path to become a chiropractor includes four years of college and about 3 1/2 years of graduate school. In college, students take a rigorous science course load in biology, chemistry, physics, and kinesiology, and should log a significant number of hours in related work or volunteer experience. Biology and kinesiology are the most popular choices for a major.

Becoming a dentist requires 8 years of education – 4 years of college and 4 years of dental school. With 64 dental schools in the U.S., admission is very competitive. In college, students complete foundational science classes and obtain hands-on volunteer or part-time work experience. A pre-dental advisor helps students select a major, with biology being the most popular.

To become a doctor, you must complete a Bachelor’s degree, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 7 years of residency. UWM students are advised with a focus on developing a competitive academic portfolio and attaining essential health-related hands-on experience in the community. Many pre-med students major in biology or biochemistry, but any major is allowed.

A pathologists’ assistant works under the supervision of a pathologist, similar to how a physician assistant works with physicians. Four years of college and a two-year master’s program are required. College coursework consists of rigorous science and math, similar to pre-med, with biology the most popular major choice. A specialty advisor is available to students.

To become a pharmacist, students must obtain significant knowledge in chemistry in addition to other natural sciences in college before entering a pharmacy doctoral program. Our pre-pharmacy advisor guides students through the course sequence and advises them on the application process and becoming a competitive applicant for pharmacy school.

Physician assistants work under the supervision of doctors and perform a variety of tasks related to patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Most students attend a two-year master’s program after college. Our specialty Pre-PA advisor helps students with course and major selection and with suggestions for hands-on learning, a requirement to get into PA school.

Podiatry is a fast-growing profession that requires a doctoral degree (four years after college) at one of the nine podiatry schools in the U.S. Coursework is focused in the sciences, particularly biology and biochemistry, and students are advised to obtain relevant hands-on experience in college to be a competitive applicant to podiatry school.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help people of all ages with communication and swallowing problems. Problems with communication and swallowing can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life. SLPs work to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat a range of problems.

Becoming a vet requires 4+ years of additional schooling beyond college. With only 30 vet schools in the U.S., admission is highly-competitive. Our pre-vet advisor advises students on the selection of core science classes and helps connect them to jobs or volunteer opportunities for hands-on experience. The most popular major is biology, though any major can be chosen.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is designed for registered nurses that have already completed a master’s degree in nursing and wish to pursue preparation as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Psychologists seek to understand the social and biological bases of behavior. Some students earn a master’s degree to become therapists; others work in healthcare, social services, education, human resources, marketing, or other people-oriented professions. Faculty specialize in clinical psychology, neuroscience, and health psychology.

Prepare for a career in biostatistics, community & behavioral health, environmental health sciences, epidemiology or public health policy & administration through graduate work at the Zilber School of Public Health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hospitals, government agencies and research organizations need more public health professionals.