Medical science plays an important role in both healthcare and scientific research. In healthcare, medical science-related careers contribute to diagnostics, treatments and preventive care through evidence-based insights that support clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. In research, medical science is the force behind discovery in areas such as genomics, regenerative medicine, public health and pharmaceuticals. Through this research, we can improve our understanding of disease, expand treatment options and promote global health.

Medical science continues to evolve in response to emerging global health issues. Advances in technology and research help medical science professionals worldwide address challenges that affect our communities.

Pandemics and Emerging Infectious Diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of medical science in vaccine development, virology and data modeling. These tools not only help reduce the spread of disease but also frame how the world prepares for future outbreaks.

Aging Populations

Longer life expectancies have led to a rise in age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Innovation in geriatric medicine, assistive technology and long-term care solutions will be paramount in supporting these aging populations.

Climate-Related Health Risks

Environmental health issues, such as pollution, heatwaves and global climate change, consistently threaten human health. In response, medical science is expanding its subfields, such as environmental health and epidemiology, to study how climate change affects disease patterns and population well-being.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Increased Need for Scientific Expertise

There is a growing need for professionals with expertise in biomedical industries, healthcare systems and academic research. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for medical scientists to increase by about 9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average of all other occupations.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Finding success in scientific research for these critical areas often depends on a set of strong interdisciplinary skills that bring together fields like data science and biology or engineering and physiology.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Introducing educated professionals with these skills into these growing fields is crucial for keeping research efforts at the forefront and developing innovative medical solutions for the future.

Students interested in medical science can pursue a variety of degree programs that provide both foundational knowledge and specialized skills for health and medical science careers. This includes majors such as:

• Biology: Builds core knowledge of living systems and human anatomy
• Chemistry: Focuses on pharmaceutical and biochemical applications
• Biomedical Engineering: Applies engineering to prosthetics, imaging tools and medical devices
• Molecular and Cellular Biology: Explores genetics, cancer and virology research

Along with these programs, students may also have an opportunity to later specialize in more specific areas such as disease modeling, health technology, pharmacology or diagnostics through graduate courses or programs.

"We include programs and research opportunities in environmental science, exercise science, forensic science, medical lab science, neuroscience and nutritional science. In every discipline, GCU natural sciences students gain access to laboratories and specialized equipment to enhance their educational experience beyond the confines of the classroom."

— Dr. Mark Wooden, Dean, College of Natural Sciences

Earning a medical science degree from GCU can help prepare you for a wide range of careers in healthcare, research and technology. No matter which path you choose, you have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to medical discovery, patient care and scientific innovation.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences may go on to explore careers such as:

• Natural sciences manager
• Biological scientist

Those who choose a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology may consider roles such as: 

• Biological technicians
• Medical scientists

A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry can help prepare students for a future in:

• Chemistry
• Chemical technology

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering students can prepare for careers as:

• Bioengineers
• Biomedical engineers

Our programs are designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and hands-on experience needed for these growing careers in medical science. While the BLS does not have data for the medical science field specifically, it does share information for healthcare occupations — a major field that contributes to a large number of medical science careers. According to the BLS, job growth for medical scientists is projected to grow much faster than the average from 2024 to 2034, resulting in an estimated 14,300 openings each year on average.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

"As a student, I've had access to free pre-health advisors who have helped express to me what it takes to get into medical school, what steps I need to be taking, and in my first year, I've met with them just to look at what medical schools I even would want to attend and looking at those requirements so I can be adding those into my four-year plan."
— Kylee Carpenter, biology with an emphasis in pre-med student

GCU offers aspiring medical science professionals various opportunities to further their learning of health and medical science.

Here are a few key experiences for medical science students to gain knowledge, build skills and prepare for careers in healthcare and research:

• Students have access to modern laboratories for biology, chemistry and molecular research.
• They can participate in undergraduate research projects and internships in medical labs and local healthcare systems.
• Students can collaborate with faculty and fellow students, including those in other majors.
• They have the chance to study abroad in global health programs that address practical challenges in diverse communities.

Medical science is at the center of solving the health challenges of today and tomorrow. GCU offers an array of healthcare programs and science degrees that combine knowledge, research and experience to help equip you to be career-ready.