February 24, 2026
Program Eligibility Requirements
The B.S. in Human Biology is not a traditional entry-level bachelor’s degree program. You must meet both academic credit requirements and program eligibility criteria to qualify.
Academic credit requirements:
- 180 quarter credits (120 semester credits) of college-level courses, including:
- Minimum 45 quarter credits in general education coursework. Areas of study that satisfy general education requirements include humanities, social studies/social sciences, mathematics, writing, speaking, etc.
- Minimum 36 quarter credits in life or physical sciences coursework. Areas of study that satisfy life/physical sciences requirements include biology, physics, chemistry, exercise physiology, anatomy, physiology, etc.
- 54 quarter credits in electives
To be eligible, you must be one of the following:
- A current UWS Doctor of Chiropractic student
- A UWS Doctor of Chiropractic alumni
Note: You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher at the completion of the Bachelor of Science degree requirements to be eligible to receive the degree.
How to Declare Your 'Intent to Earn'
If you’re a current or incoming DC student or a returning DC alumnus, you can begin the process of earning the B.S. in Human Biology by submitting the Intent to Earn form. This form lets UWS know you plan to pursue the bachelor’s alongside your doctoral program.
Completing the form is the first step toward confirming your eligibility and ensuring your credits are reviewed and applied correctly.
Visit the Intent to Earn page to get started.
UWS chiropractic alumni wishing to earn their B.S. in Human Biology may apply through the admission’s department.
STEM Program Benefits for International Students
The B.S. in Human Biology is a STEM-designated program, allowing eligible international students to apply for extended post-graduation work authorization in the United States, including:
- Up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Up to 24-month STEM OPT extension (for up to 36 total months of work authorization)
Important notes for international students:
- The STEM OPT benefit applies only if the B.S. in Human Biology is conferred by UWS
- DC degrees alone do not qualify for STEM OPT
- Students who transfer credits back to a home-country institution and receive their bachelor’s degree outside of UWS may not qualify for the STEM OPT extension
- Final eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
For individual guidance, international students should consult with UWS admissions advisers.
Chiropractic Pioneers for 120 Years
Home to the second oldest chiropractic degree program in the world, University of Western States has remained at the forefront of leadership and innovation in the field since 1904.
That pioneering spirit lives on as we continue to offer aspiring chiropractors an education built on more than a century’s worth of knowledge and experience.
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Admissions Information
Current DC Students
Current UWS Doctor of Chiropractic students may declare their intent to pursue the B.S. in Human Biology at any time by submitting the Intent to Earn form. Once submitted, your prior coursework will be reviewed to confirm eligibility and ensure your academic plan aligns with degree completion requirements.
DC Alumni
Doctor of Chiropractic alumni who are not currently enrolled may apply to the B.S. in Human Biology through the UWS Admissions Department as a returning undergraduate student.
When to Apply
Accepted DC students may submit the Intent to Earn form at any time and are encouraged to do so as early as possible to allow for timely credit evaluation and degree planning.
While the form is available year-round, specific deadlines apply for each graduating term. Students who miss the deadline for their intended term will be placed into the next graduating term. For application guidance or questions about your individual pathway, prospective students are encouraged to contact UWS Admissions.
Tuition & Fees
Students who are concurrently enrolled in the DC program do not pay additional tuition for the credits that are applied to the B.S. in Human Biology degree.
Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn more.
Financing Your Future
University of Western States remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Catalog
Please refer to our Academic Catalog for more information on the B.S. in Human Biology degree completion program.
