BS Degree FAQ

• Students graduating before Fall 2026, including those finishing in Fall 2025 or Spring 2026, will automatically earn a BA degree.
• Students graduating in Fall 2026 or later have the option to remain in the BA program or opt into the new BS degree. Those choosing the BS must meet the updated degree requirements, which include completing an additional 2 credits of IPHY coursework (IPHY 2400 or IPHY 3415).

No, former students who graduated before Fall 2026 will not be eligible to switch to a BS degree. This policy ensures fairness and consistency, as the BS degree reflects specific curricular changes, such as the additional 2 credits of IPHY coursework.

No, you will not be required to take IPHY 2400 or 3415 if you were admitted under the BA requirements and intend to graduate with a BA. Students who started in the program before Fall 2026 will continue to follow the BA curriculum and will graduate with a BA in Integrative Physiology, as long as they meet those original degree requirements. If you prefer to continue with the BA, you can still graduate with that degree option until Fall 2032.

If you return and complete your degree requirements before Fall 2026, you will earn a BA. If you return and complete your degree requirements from Fall 2026 through Fall 2032, you will have the option to choose between a BA or a BS. After Fall 2032, you will earn a BS after meeting the degree requirements.

The curriculum’s structure will remain largely the same, but students earning a BS degree must complete 2 additional credits of IPHY coursework, fulfilled by taking either:

• IPHY 2400 (Introduction to Medical Terminology for Future Health Professionals)
• IPHY 3415 (Human Anatomy Lab)

If you’ve completed either course, you’ve already met the 2-credit requirement –no additional coursework is needed. You may take both courses if you wish, but only 2 credits are required for the BS degree. Any additional credits will count as electives.

Yes, if the courses have been approved on Transferology, they will transfer to CU Boulder. Please check Transferology to confirm the approval and consult with your advisor to see how the courses will apply to your degree requirements.

No, students must complete one of these two courses to fulfill the additional 2-credit requirement for the BS degree. However, students who have taken equivalent coursework at another institution should consult with their advisor for help in getting their credits officially transferred. 

No, IPHY 3415 (Human Anatomy Lab) is one option to fulfill the new BS degree requirement, but students can also take IPHY 2400 (Medical Terminology) instead.

Yes, both courses will be offered regularly to ensure students can meet this requirement.

IPHY 2400 (Medical Terminology) is offered in person during the academic year, online during the summer, and through Continuing Education online year-round. IPHY 3415 (Human Anatomy Lab) is an in-person course available during the academic year and in the summer. Check with the department for the most current availability.

Yes. If you originally applied to graduate in Spring 2026 but want to receive the BS degree instead, you must submit a new online graduation application for Fall 2026 or a later term. The college will confer the BS degree once you have completed the additional degree requirements. To be certified for graduation, all credit hours and grades—including transfer coursework and Continuing Education credits—must be posted to the student records system by the degree reporting deadline for your chosen term. Students are not required to be enrolled in the semester in which they apply to graduate.

Students graduating in Fall 2026 or later will need to opt in to receive the BS degree if they meet all requirements, including the additional 2-credit coursework. Please consult an academic advisor to stay on track.

For students choosing the BS degree, most should see minimal disruptions. Advisors will assist in planning for the additional 2-credit coursework (IPHY 2400 or IPHY 3415), ensuring that students stay on track for graduation.

No, staying in the BA program will not limit your opportunities. Many of our IPHY graduates to date—who have earned a BA—have successfully entered medical school, physical therapy programs, nursing programs, and other professional schools. The BA degree remains a strong and competitive option, offering flexibility to explore interdisciplinary interests or incorporate diverse coursework that enhances critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. These qualities are highly valued in healthcare and other professions, making the BA a solid choice for students pursuing a wide range of career paths.

The BS degree is ideal for students who want to emphasize the scientific rigor of their training, particularly those on pre-health or pre-med tracks. It aligns closely with the expectations of medical schools and other health-related graduate programs, featuring additional technical and science-intensive coursework such as IPHY 2400 (Medical Terminology) and IPHY 3415 (Human Anatomy Lab). The BS designation highlights the depth of scientific preparation, which may strengthen applications for professional schools and science-focused careers.

The BA degree offers greater flexibility, allowing students to explore interdisciplinary interests or integrate broader coursework in fields like public health, healthcare administration, or policy. It provides a well-rounded education while still preparing students for graduate and professional programs.

Both degrees provide strong preparation for careers in healthcare and beyond—the best choice depends on your academic interests and career goals.

For students choosing the BS degree, the transition will not affect the ability to pursue double majors or minors. However, schedules may need adjustment to accommodate the additional 2 credits of IPHY coursework. Advisors will be available to help plan accordingly.

Transfer students graduating in Fall 2026 or later will also have the option to earn a BS degree, provided they complete all degree requirements. Transfer advisors are available to help these students review their transfer credits and ensure their course plan aligns with the BS requirements.

If you plan to study abroad and graduate in Fall 2026 or later, and you opt in to receive a BS degree, you should work with your advisor to ensure you complete the additional 2-credit requirement before graduation.

Students in the BAM program who graduate with their bachelor’s degree in Fall 2026 or later will have the option to earn a BS instead of a BA. The transition does not change the structure of the BAM program itself, and students will still be able to count eligible graduate-level coursework toward both their undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Yes, students graduating before Fall 2026 will receive a “Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Physiology” on their diploma and transcript. Current students graduating after Fall 2026 will have the option to choose between a “Bachelor of Arts” or a “Bachelor of Science in Integrative Physiology” based on their selected degree path.

No, tuition and fees are based on factors like credit hours and residency status, not degree type. However, students who need to add the additional 2-credit coursework may incur standard course costs.

No, the transition to a BS degree will not impact scholarships or financial aid eligibility.

Yes, the IPHY Department will offer several resources to support students through the transition. These include FAQs, email updates, and reminders to ensure students are informed about the changes and any steps they may need to take. Additionally, your academic advisors are available to assist students in understanding how the transition impacts them.

If you have any questions about the transition that are not addressed in the FAQ, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. We prefer to handle all inquiries at the departmental level to ensure you receive the most accurate and personalized information. Please contact us at iphyinfo@colorado.edu, and we will be happy to assist you.