The best part of this program is the faculty. At JWU the professors are always there to help and also teach the classes and labs. It’s very unique to this program and is not found at many other schools.
MADELYN DAVIS '19
Sample Courses
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Providence
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Occupational Outlook*
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Job outlook: 2018-2028. Median salary: 2018.
Competitive Pathway Program: PA, OTD and Med
You can apply to JWU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies or Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program as a student in JWU’s Biology or Health Science bachelor’s degree program. If you meet academic and experiential eligibility requirements, you’ll move past most of the competition with a guaranteed interview by Physician Assistant admissions staff as part of our Competitive Pathway Program for select undergraduate programs.
Thinking medical school? You can fulfill pre-med requirements by expanding your JWU electives with courses such as human anatomy, physiology and immunology.
Anthony DiMauro '19: From Biology Student to Future PA
Like many students enrolled in JWU’s biology program, Anthony DiMauro '19 had medical studies on his mind — it was a matter of medical school or PA school for him.
When making the decision, he recalled his time shadowing a doctor in high school. “He had PAs follow him, and I admired their job,” he says. “I saw that they were capable of a lot more than I knew. My knowledge of PAs grew a little bit and it kind of caught me off guard, in a good way.”
Anthony’s class is the first biology cohort to graduate from JWU. The Biology program began in 2015 with only 51 students — and has grown to 130 students.
In addition, Anthony is the first biology major to be accepted into JWU’s highly competitive physician assistant program. By taking advantage of the Competitive Pathway Program, he was able to secure a spot in the program and will start this summer.
Research Internship: CancerControl Alberta
Caitlin Sweet ’19 obtained a full time summer research position at the Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research within CancerControl Alberta based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The team of research scientists are engaged in cutting-edge population-based cancer research including etiology, molecular and genetic epidemiology, and biostatistics with a focus on modifiable lifestyle, occupational and environmental risk factors for cancer.
Caitlin worked for Dr. Cheryl Peters, is an occupational hygienist and epidemiologist. Dr. Peters’ research focuses on the impact of carcinogenic exposures occurring in workplace and community environments.
JWU and USJ Launch 3+3 Biology-Pharm.D Pathway
JWU has partnered with the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) to launch a new 3+3 program that creates a pathway for qualified JWU students to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Pharm.D. in 6 years.
The program maximizes the time and investment of students by providing a path to complete their studies a year ahead of schedule, saving up to a year’s tuition in the process.
As part of the articulation agreement between JWU and USJ, priority admission will be granted to eligible applicants from JWU to USJ’s School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies’ Pharm.D. program located in West Hartford, Conn. Those who apply must satisfy admission requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programs, as admission to the undergraduate JWU Biology program does not guarantee admission to the USJ Pharm.D. program.
Students who enroll in JWU’s Biology program and meet admissions requirements will spend their first 3 years at JWU before matriculating directly into the USJ School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies to begin the Pharm.D. program. Students who have completed their degree requirements will receive their bachelor’s degree in biology from JWU during their first year enrolled in USJ’s Pharm.D. program.
