Medical Studies, B.S.
Balancing strong preparation in the life sciences with an intensive year of pre-clinical education, the medical studies major provides you with nationally normed science prerequisites for pursuing physician assistant education or other medically based programs.
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Take the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies degree at Ïã½¶´«Ã½.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies degree at Ïã½¶´«Ã½.
Learning Outside the Classroom
In addition to extensive laboratory experiences through biology, chemistry and physics courses, there are many opportunities for you to learn and develop skills outside of the classroom.
You may choose to participate in practicum experiences in a wide array of medical and healthcare settings. Work-study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can serve as a lab and/or faculty assistant.
Additionally, you will have access to many conferences, student organizations, alumni mentoring, and community outreach and research.
The College Natural Sciences and Mathmatics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.
Career and graduates school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
Career Opportunities
With a bachelor's degree in medical studies from LR, you will be qualified to pursue a variety of graduate programs in medicine in addition to physician assistant programs.
These would include medical technology, physical therapy and other graduate programs in biology.
Major Requirements
Balancing strong preparation in the life sciences with an intensive year of pre-clinical education, Ïã½¶´«Ã½'s Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies (BSMS) provides students with nationally-normed science prerequisites for pursuing physician assistant education or other medically based programs.
Honors
Students majoring in Medical Studies judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate "With Honors in Biology," students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must completeBIO 390Ìý²¹²Ô»å BIO 391Ìýin the junior year and BIO 498Ìý and BIO 499Ìý in the senior year with a minimum grade of "B" in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. BIO 390Ìý,BIO 391Ìý, BIO 498Ìý, and BIO 499Ìý may count for BIO 400Ìý²¹²Ô»å 4hrs of general elective for the B.S. degree.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
ÌýGraduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education RequirementsÌý
- Technical Requirements (11 hours)
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Major Requirements (67 hours)
- BIO 121Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Biology I
- BIO 122Ìý-ÌýPrinciples of Biology II
- BIO 200Ìý-ÌýBiology Seminar(to be taken twice, one credit hour each)
- BIO 220Ìý-ÌýMicrobiology
- BIO 281Ìý-ÌýHuman Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 282Ìý-ÌýHuman Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO 305Ìý-ÌýGenetics
- BIO 400Ìý-ÌýResearch Problems
- CHE 103Ìý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103LÌý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104Ìý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104LÌý-ÌýGeneral Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201Ìý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry
- CHE 201LÌý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202Ìý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry
- CHE 202LÌý-ÌýOrganic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 411Ìý-ÌýBiochemistry I
- CHE 411LÌý-ÌýBiochemistry I Laboratory
- HES 305Ìý-ÌýMedical Terminology
- PHY 121Ìý-ÌýGeneral Physics I
- PHY 122Ìý-ÌýGeneral Physics II
Choose 8 hours from the following -
General Elective Credits
General Electives (1 hoursÌýas needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General EducationÌýrequirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120Ìýhours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120Ìýhours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events

Ïã½¶´«Ã½ students showcased their academic excellence and research expertise at the 2025 North Carolina Academy of Science (NCAS) annual meeting in late March.
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Ïã½¶´«Ã½ has selected Summer McGee, Ph.D, as the institution’s 13th president. Her appointment was enthusiastically approved by the Lenoir-Rhyne Board of Trustees after a national search.
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