Master of Biomedical Sciences in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.)

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• GRE General Test, MCAT, PCAT, DAT, or other professional exam scores

Length of Program

21-24 months, full-time

Class Size

15

Postgraduate Education Opportunities

• Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, and Podiatry School
• Ph.D. Programs in the sciences

Career Opportunities

• Research technicians
• Governmental and regulatory agencies
• Pharmaceutical laboratories
• Teaching

MWU Outcomes (2007-2009)

• 82% of matriculants accepted into professional programs (Ph.D., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health care programs)
• 94% of matriculants pursue either professional programs or work in the bioscience industry

US Employment Projections through 2018

• 375,000 clinical laboratory technologists and technicians needed
• 110,000 additional biological scientists needed
• 154,000 medical scientists needed
• 93,000 science technicians needed

Mean Salary Range (2010)

$50,000 - $100,00 (varies by specialty)

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Biomedical Science (M.B.S.) degree program, the applicants must submit the following documented evidence:

1. Completion of a Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) or higher, preferably with a major in the sciences, from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a scale of 4.00 in all coursework completed for their bachelor's or higher degree program.
3. Two letters of recommendation (or one committee letter from the applicant's college or university).
4. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
5. Test scores from one of the following: Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admissions Tests (MCAT), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), Dental Admissions Test (DAT), Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), or other professional program admissions exam.
6. Completion of the typical prerequisite coursework for admission into medical, dental, or pharmacy school, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. It is the responsibility of incoming students to determine the prerequisites for the health professional program and institution of their choice.
7. Completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher; a C– will not be accepted.
8. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.
9. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.

A limited number of transfer credits from other institutions are allowed — 6 semester (9 quarter) hours for the Master in Biomedical Science.

Application Deadline

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are advised to complete
their application files as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.

Additional Application Information

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Program Description

The Master of Biomedical Science (MBS) degree is a full-time, two-year, graduate level program that provides the student with a broad background in the biomedical sciences, laboratory experiences, and research skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare and graduate students who have extensive knowledge, technical skills, and expertise to function in a variety of biomedical professions. These include careers in areas such as technicians and supervisors in the biotechnology, biosafety, and pharmaceutical industry; research personnel in biomedical science laboratories; employees in governmental and regulatory agencies; and undergraduate teaching. All students take a minimum of 72 quarter hour credits in basic science, medical ethics, and research courses (including a laboratory project and Research Thesis). A series of electives and independent studies are available. The electives allow the student to further specify an area of interest to better prepare them for a career in their chosen field.

NOTE: Transferring between degree programs is prohibited. MBS students who leave after their first year will not be granted an MA degree. MA students who do not get accepted into a professional program after the first year cannot "stay on" for a second year and get the MBS degree.

Program Strengths

• Research with medical school faculty
• Opportunities for students to make presentations at local and national conferences
• Submit grant applications
• Write publications for peer-reviewed scientific journals

Mission

The mission of the Master of Biomedical Science Program is two-fold: 1) to graduate students who have the requisite knowledge and skills to be competitive for admission into Ph.D. and academic medical programs to pursue careers in teaching and research, and 2) to graduate students who are competitive applicants for admission into programs in the health sciences (e.g. medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health professional programs). Graduates will also be prepared to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biosafety industries, as well as government regulatory agencies.

Planned Program Improvements

Students will be taking a new 1.5 credit course during Fall Quarter, Laboratory Rotation (BMED 519), designed to introduce students to laboratory research in a practical setting.  This required course will also assist the student in choosing a laboratory for thesis work.

There are several changes in the required basic science courses next year, designed to allow greater flexibility for students in selecting classes that meet their needs and the Program's Mission:

BMED 550 Biochemistry (5.0 cr.) will be replaced with a new, 3 course sequence   including:

• BMED 550 Biochemistry (3.0 cr.)
• BMED 554 Molecular Cell Biology (3.0 cr.)
• BMED 555 Genetics (3.0 cr.)

For core basic sciences, the three new courses above will be required along with Human Physiology I & II (PHYS 571, 3.0 cr., and PHYS 572, 3.0 cr.).

Additionally, students will choose a minimum of one additional basic science course sequence from the following:

• Histology (HIST 1502, 3.0 cr.) and Human Anatomy w/Lab (ANAT 503, 4.0 cr.)
• Microbiology/Immunology/Virology I (BMED 522, 3.0 cr.) and Microbiology/Immunology/Virology II (BMED 523, 3.0 cr.)
• Pharmacology I (BMED 574), 3.0 cr.) and Pharmacology II (BMED 575, 3.0 cr.)

Accreditation

The State of Arizona Board of Private Postsecondary Education has approved all current degree programs at Midwestern University, Glendale - Arizona Campus. All degrees are conferred under the authority granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and The Higher Learning Commision, A Commision of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

Related Links

MWU Master of Biomedical Sciences Program in Downers Grove

Biomedical Sciences as a Career

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)

Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)