Graduate Health, Human, and Biological Systems Programs

Advance discovery. Expand knowledge. Create solutions that matter. The School of Health, Human, and Biological Systems at Michigan Technological University brings together graduate programs that examine life from molecules to movement to the human mind. United by a shared commitment to rigorous research and real-world impact, our programs prepare scientists, clinicians, and scholars to lead in academia, industry, healthcare, and beyond.

Here, graduate education is immersive and interdisciplinary. Work closely with faculty mentors, collaborate across disciplines, and conduct research in state-of-the-art laboratories and field settings. Students can see their solutions applied everywhere from freshwater ecosystems to human performance labs to cognitive science research spaces. Whether your goal is a research-intensive PhD, a career in applied science, or preparation for advanced professional practice, you’ll gain the expertise, independence, and professional network to shape what’s next.

Biological Systems

Biological Sciences

Work alongside faculty investigating aquatic biology and ecology, biotechnology, infectious diseases, environmental remediation, plant molecular biology, genetics and physiology, developmental biology, and alternative fuels. Utilize advanced molecular tools to analyze organisms at the cellular and genetic level. Present your findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. As a hub of innovation and collaboration across campus and beyond, the Biological Sciences Graduate program prepares you to lead impactful research that advances both human and environmental health.

Biological Sciences—MS, PhD

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Human Systems

Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology

Graduate students in KIP work closely with faculty whose expertise includes cardiovascular and metabolic physiology, human performance, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Faculty labs emphasize translating research into meaningful health outcomes like improving rehabilitation strategies, understanding human movement, and optimizing physical performance. Funding opportunities—including graduate assistantships and fellowships—support your academic journey, while seminars and professional collaborations help you build networks that open doors in academia, healthcare, industry, and research institutions worldwide.

Psychology and Human Factors

Graduate students in Psychology and Human Factors bridge the gap between humans and technology through innovative, interdisciplinary research. In state-of-the-art labs, you’ll examine how people think, reason, decide, and interact with complex systems. By applying foundational psychological science in applied settings, you’ll develop solutions that enhance safety, performance, and well-being, positioning you as a leader where cognitive science and human-centered design intersect.

Thinking About Graduate School?

Learn more about studying health, human, and biological systems at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Working Globally to Help Solve Real Health Solutions

Hear the experiences of Bellicia Kamwanya, research biologist from the National Institute of Biomedical Research in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who worked with Michigan Tech graduate researcher Vishali Sharma in the Heldt Bioseparation Lab. Michigan Tech Health Research Institute (HRI) Director Caryn Heldt says collaborations like this US-Africa Frontiers Fellowship capitalize on Michigan Tech’s ability to manufacture vaccines not just in the lab but in the real world, where they can be applied to save lives.

Preparing Leaders Across Every Stage of Discovery

Graduates from the School of Health, Human, and Biological Systems pursue careers wherever these systems intersect. Our graduates become:

  • Scientists advancing research in academia, government, biotechnology, and industry
  • Healthcare professionals improving patient care through nursing, medical laboratory science, medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and other clinical professions
  • Psychologists, counselors, social workers, neuroscientists, and behavioral scientists improving individual and community well-being
  • Human factors professionals, UX researchers, ergonomists, and systems designers creating technologies that work better for the people they serve
  • Exercise scientists and performance specialists supporting health, rehabilitation, sport, and wellness
  • Ecologists, evolutionary biologists, conservation scientists, and environmental professionals developing and using data-informed decisions to protect natural resources and ecosystems.
  • Leaders in government, public service, law enforcement, policy, and law who apply scientific thinking to complex societal challenges
Many graduates continue into competitive master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs, while others enter rewarding careers immediately after graduation.

Join a Community of Discovery

Whether you're exploring biology at the molecular level, studying the human mind, improving athletic performance, designing technologies around human needs, protecting ecosystems, advancing patient care, or pursuing interdisciplinary research, you'll find a community committed to understanding living systems and applying knowledge to improve lives.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces

Three students in a lab with lab coats.

Tomorrow Needs You

Combine your creativity and curiosity to meet pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking and tenacity to inspire, design and implement a sustainable future across social and natural sciences, humanities, and arts.

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.