Behavioral and Biological Sciences Major Map
Get started thinking about the future now.
Use this major map to explore possibilities and plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academics.
Choose your year below, then see what you can do when you:
- Learn. Develop the knowledge and skills to complete your major.
- Engage. Contribute to campus and the community.
- Network. Build a foundation of professional connections.
- Transform. Make a positive impact in a diverse world.
- Prepare. Plan for life after graduation.
The map just offers suggestions - you don’t have to do it all.
Learn: What foundational courses should I be taking?
- General Chemistry (CHEM 134 and 136)
- Introductory Psychology (PSYC 101)
- Introductory Biology 130 and 140
- Composition and writing courses
- Statistics courses
Engage: What kinds of activities and organizations can I explore?
- Join Talent Gateway - UM-Dearborn’s unique online community.
- Check out all the opportunities offered by the Office of Student Life.
- Join a club whose mission, members and activities meet your interests, such as: Association of Students in Psychology, Psy Chi Honor Society, Pre-Professional Health Society, etc.
Network: What are important topics in my field?
- Attend workshop and outreach events in the library and hosted by student orgs.
- Read the literature and identify with the topics of particular interest to you in behavior/biology.
- Study the emerging techniques being developed for patient analysis and treatment.
- Attend campus seminars and learn about the cutting-edge research in the field.
Transform: What are the challenges and the strengths in my community?
- Read/watch the local and global news to learn what affects the local campus community.
- Learn about issues that directly impact our student populations and volunteer/donate.
- Attend a local meeting of your community board or grass-roots community events.
- Understand the needs and best practices of those with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Prepare: What is the best way to prepare to graduate with my major?
- Consider the options to be involved in direct patient care, conducting research, or educating patients about nutrition.
- Explore career options by utilizing campus and professional society career resources.
- Visit Career Services for advice with job searching and interviewing, resumes, and graduate school applications.
- Attend seminars and learn about the latest research- envision yourself there!
Learn: How do I build on foundational courses?
- Register for the gateway courses that will prepare you for the advanced courses; CHEM 225/226, and PSYC 381 or STAT 301.
- Create a plan for your coursework considering your timeline and course prerequisites.
- Consult with your faculty and CASL advisor about courses and your career goals.
- Consider a minor that will complement your BBS major and career interests.
Engage: What activities and organizations will help me develop professional skills?
- Research presentations will enable you to hone communication skills.
- Volunteer work will help you develop professional social skills.
- Professional societies/organizations will develop your leadership and organizational skills and provide career advice.
- Attend seminars offered on campus, and read academic papers.
Network: How do I connect with faculty and students with similar interests?
- Attend seminars and workshops.
- Visit faculty during office hours, ask about research opportunities.
- Participate actively in face-to-face classes and in online course discussions and create study groups.
- Join a student club in psychology, biology, or related areas; or start a new club!
Transform: How can I get involved with the Detroit Metro area?
- Contribute to a community project through the Office of Community Engaged Learning.
- Attend cultural events on our campus and support the other student organization.
- Volunteer at one of the many organizations that serve Metro Detroit community.
Prepare: What resources are available on campus to help me develop the professional skills I will need?
- Visit the Campus Writing Center
- Talk to faculty - our faculty are here because they care about YOUR success!
Learn: How do I gain expertise in my major?
- Take the advanced classes that will support your development as a researcher and scholar.
- Meet with your CASL and faculty advisor for guidance and suggestions on coursework, as well as research opportunities.
- Explore research opportunities and begin a project, consider an internship position.
- Begin preparations for placement exams for graduate and professional schools.
Engage: How can I grow as a leader on campus?
- Take a leadership role in professional organizations that support your professional goals.
- Write for the campus newspaper or blogs.
- Actively model good student engagement in class.
Network: How can I broaden my professional relationships?
- Attend talks and seminar and ask to meet or go to lunch with speakers.
- Be a leader in your organization and network with other clubs on campus.
- Work with CASL Internship Office to find a position in your area of interest.
- Attend regional professional conferences.
Transform: How can I prepare to effectively solve local and global challenges?
- Visit the Office of International Affairs to plan and register for a Study Abroad course and apply for study abroad scholarships
- Take a course at the University of Michigan Detroit Center (daily bus service available).
- Take an Academic Service Learning course.
- In courses, choose research topics to investigate the history and research literature, and propose solutions.
Prepare: What practical things should I do to further my career options?
- Assess what experiences you are lacking for current job postings and fill in those gaps before graduation.
- Register for postgraduate entrance exams (for example, GRE, MCAT, LSAT) if you plan on graduate school.
- Consider a gap year if you wish to test your career aspirations, or develop skills in a related area that will enhance your career goals.
Learn: How do I finish strong?
- Build on foundational courses by taking advanced classes that will support your development as a researcher and scholar.
- Fully engage in research and present your findings as posters or presentation on campus and in regional meetings.
- Mentor other students.
- Update your resume and take it to the Writing Center and Career Services for feedback and advice.
Engage: How can I mentor others to be leaders on campus?
- Mentor future leaders in your club.
- Network with other clubs to plan events of common interest.
- Become a Supplemental Instructor.
- Share your ideas in classes with active participation, network with new students.
Network: How can I demonstrate my readiness for the next steps?
- Submit your best paper for the Campus Writing Awards.
- Take challenging classes and participate in research and outreach.
- Demonstrate organizational skills by planning campus events.
Transform: How can I add to the strengths of my community, the region, and the world?
- Consider spending the summer volunteering with a government agency or non-profit.
- Use Mardigian Library resources to learn more about real world problems and solutions.
- Become a Diversity Ambassador.
- Contribute to a community project through your coursework or the Office of Community Engaged Learning.
Prepare: How do I make the best use of university resources to launch my professional next steps?
- Meet with your professors to discuss your skills and possible career options.
- Find out about internships and whether your job qualifies for credit.
- Schedule a visit to the Office of Career Services and the CASL and professional advisors.
- BBS students have opportunities to work or to further their education in graduate or professional schools.
- Students with BBS degrees attend graduate and medical schools, pharmacy and clinical programs, studying humans as well as other organisms.
- Students who enter the workforce often become researchers in academics, government or industry
- Students in BBS have overlapping interests and might also be interested in clinical applications focused on mental health and health psychology or behavioral medicine.
How to use this Major Map
Use the map on the interior portion of this brochure to review possibilities and plan for success in the five areas listed - Learn, Engage, Network, Transform, Prepare. The map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your UM-Dearborn career that will prepare you for success.
College is a time for discovering your passions–figuring out who you are and what drives you. UM-Dearborn offers more than 100 majors and minors, so you can find a program that is right for you. We are committed to cultivating a campus community that acknowledges our similarities and celebrates our differences. On campus you’ll find a range of support services and offices that provide the programs you need to be successful both academically and personally.