My journey through the University of Colorado Boulder's Integrative Physiology (IPHY) program has been an incredible and transformative experience. For the past four years, I have immersed myself in rigorous scientific coursework, research, and hands-on laboratory activities that align closely with the traditional expectations of a Bachelor of Science degree. However, upon graduation, I will receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Integrative Physiology, which unfortunately doesn’t fully reflect the scientific depth and demanding nature of our studies.

Receiving a BA instead of a Bachelor of Science (BS) significantly impacts our post-graduation opportunities. Many graduate programs, employers, and professional fields place a higher value on a BS degree due to its perceived emphasis on science and technical skills. The weight a BS holds compared to a BA is astronomical, affecting our opportunities for further studies, research positions, and science-focused careers.

The field of Integrative Physiology naturally aligns with the requirements of a BS degree. IPHY students are engaged in courses such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and statistics—core components of a science education. We spend countless hours in laboratories, conducting experiments and engaging in critical scientific analysis. The curriculum is heavily science-oriented, preparing students for careers in healthcare, research, and a variety of scientific fields. Our dedication and effort to master these scientific disciplines deserve proper recognition.

Moreover, many universities with comparable or even less rigorous physiology programs award their graduates a BS degree. This discrepancy puts CU Boulder graduates at a disadvantage despite the high-quality education we receive. Recognizing IPHY as a Bachelor of Science is not only about fairness but also about maintaining competitive parity with other top institutions.

It is unfair for the CU Boulder administrators to change the degree classification in the fall of 2026 and not for the graduates of spring 2026. The time, money and effort we have dedicated to this department and school needs to be respected. We urge the administration of CU Boulder to re-evaluate and realign the degree classification of the IPHY program to a Bachelor of Science. This change will better represent the comprehensive and intensive science-based education students undergo. It will also ensure that future graduates are not unfairly limited or misrepresented in their professional and academic pursuits.

Please sign this petition to support this crucial change. Recognition as a Bachelor of Science is vital in honoring our hard work and securing our future opportunities.