The Department of Biomedical & Natural Sciences offers majors in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, and Natural Sciences along with minors in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, and Sustainability Studies.

Pre-Health and Career Pathways at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati

The Department of Biomedical & Natural Sciences at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati offers a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of biomedical and healthcare careers. Whether you are pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physical therapy (DPT), physician assistant (PA), or entering the workforce directly in the chemical or biomedical sciences, our program provides the essential training and opportunities to ensure success in these fields.

Many of our graduates secure positions with leading organizations such as Q Labs, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Wood Hudson Cancer Research Institute, and Medpace—thanks to our robust co-op programs that offer real-world experience in biomedical research, healthcare settings, and biomedical companies. These experiences provide students with industry connections, hands-on practice, and the skills they need to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical lab skills training. Students develop expertise in biological research, biotechnology, genetic analysis, microscopy, and pathophysiology. These practical skills are crucial for careers in biomedical research, clinical settings, and healthcare, ensuring that students are prepared to contribute to these fields from day one.

The Department offers a comprehensive selection of courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Animal Behavior, Aquatic Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biological Forensics, Chemistry, Developmental Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Entomology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Physics. These courses, coupled with hands-on labs and fieldwork, ensure students are well-prepared for careers in biomedical research and healthcare.

Mount St. Joseph University also provides pathways into advanced healthcare education. Our on-campus Physician Assistant (PA) program, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offer students the opportunity to continue their education in specialized fields and advance directly into healthcare professions. These graduate programs are designed to provide students with the advanced skills and training they need to excel in high-demand healthcare roles.

In addition, for students interested in nursing, we offer the MSN-MAGELIN post-baccalaureate nursing program, an accelerated pathway that allows students to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This program provides a seamless transition for students wishing to enter the nursing profession after completing their undergraduate degree.

Whether you choose to continue your studies in our PA, DPT, or DNP programs or transition directly into the workforce, Mount St. Joseph University offers the hands-on experience, co-op opportunities, and career connections to ensure your success. Our strong ties with organizations like Q Labs, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Wood Hudson Cancer Research Institute, and Medpace open doors to career opportunities that many students secure through internships or co-op placements.

Biomedical & Natural Sciences Programs

  Biology Major
Biology Major blends knowledge of basic scientific processes with an appreciation of the phenomenon of life.
  Biochemistry Major
A Biochemistry Major takes select chemistry and biology courses that apply the fundamentals of chemistry to living systems.
  Biomedical Sciences Major
Biomedical Sciences Major begins your career in the medical sciences with expert guidance and real-life learning experiences.
  Chemistry Major
A Chemistry Major develops critical thinking and observation skills, while learning lab techniques.
  Natural Sciences Major
A Natural Sciences Major can take a wide range of courses in chemistry, biology, geology and physics. 
  Biology Minor
Biology Minor blends knowledge of basic scientific processes with an appreciation of the phenomenon of life.
  Chemistry Minor
A Chemistry Minor is a great addition to a wide variety of majors including Biology, Exercise Science, and Business.
  Forensic Science Minor
Forensic Science Minor prepares students for careers that blend science with social justice issues.
  Sustainability Studies Minor
A Sustainability Studies Minor will gain interdisciplinary knowledge in ecology, economics, and environmental ethics.

Biomedical and Natural Sciences Faculty

Maria Brown

Ph. D. Associate Professor, Pharmacology & Molecular Cell Biology

Susan Crane

MAT Instructor and Chemistry Lab Manager, Chemistry

Christa Currie

Ph. D. Vice Provost and Associate Professor, Analytical Chemistry

Heather Evans

Ph. D. Assistant Professor, Microbiology/Immunology

Mark Fischer

Ph. D. Professor, Physics

Rick Hotz

Ph. D. Associate Professor, Organic Chemistry

Eric Johnson

Ph. D. Chair and Professor, Biophysical Chemistry

Doug Miller

M. ED. Biology Instructor

Elizabeth Murray

Ph. D. Professor, Gross Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology

Andrew Rosendale

Ph. D. Associate Professor, Biology/Ecology

Andrew Sharp

Ph. D. Visiting Assistant Professor, Neuroscience/Biophysics

Jamie Titus

Ph. D. Associate Professor and Assessment Coordinator, Biochemistry

Biomedical and Natural Sciences Staff

Mary Orloff

B.A. Biology Lab Manager

Biomedical and Natural Sciences Part-Time/Adjunct Faculty

Gary Conroy

Ph. D. Adjunct Faculty, Chemistry

Biomedical and Natural Sciences Student Workers/Lab Assistants

Alyse Harris

Biology

Nicholas Jackson

Chemistry

Terrin Jackson

Biology

Mary Litzinger

Biology

Audrey Meyer

Chemistry

Ryan Palmisano

Biology

Delanie Simpkins

Biology

Grace Strecker

Biology

Emma Winland

Chemistry

Biomedical and Natural Sciences Emeritus/Retired Faculty

Jeanne Buccigross

Ph. D. Professor Emerita

Diana Davis

Ph. D. Provost Emerita

Richard A. Davis

Ph. D. Professor Emeritus

Mary Lucia Dudzinski, SC

M.S. Retired

Gene Kritsky

Ph. D. Professor Emeritus

Annette Muckerheide, SC

Ph. D. Professor Emerita

Meg Riestenberg

Ph. D. Associate Professor Emerita