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, Optometry, 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 (2009-2010)

• 78% of the 2009 & 2010 classes were accepted into professional programs (Ph.D., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health care programs)
• 92% of the 2009 & 2010 classes 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 Sciences degree program, 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 test.
6. Completion of the typical prerequisite coursework for admission into medical, dental, optometry or pharmacy schools, such as biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics are strongly recommended. Prospective students are responsible for determining the prerequisites for the health professional program and institution of their choice.
7. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.
8. 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.

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 Sciences (MBS) Program is designed as a full-time, 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 as technicians and supervisors in the biotechnology, biosafety, and pharmaceutical industry; research personnel in biomedical science laboratories; employees in governmental and regulatory agencies; and faculty for undergraduate teaching programs.

The 72-quarter-hour (minimum) master's degree curriculum is usually completed in 21-24 months. All students must complete the program within four years of matriculation, excepting approved leaves of absence. All students are required to complete a research project approved by the student's research committee. The required curriculum includes basic science courses in biochemistry; molecular and cellular biology; genetics; and physiology. Students must also complete at least one additional basic science sequence; microbiology and immunology; pharmacology; and/or histology and anatomy. In addition to the basic science courses, the student must take a series of research courses that prepares them for a research project and thesis that is the culmination of the degree program. The research courses include Research Topics and Methods, Research Design and Statistics, Advanced Research Design and Statistics, Good Laboratory Practice, Journal Club, Laboratory Rotations, Ethics of Research and Experimentation, Research Literature Review, Research Protocol, Research Seminar, Laboratory Research, and Research Thesis. Finally, a series of electives and independent study courses 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 Sciences Program is two-fold: 1) to graduate students who are competitive applicants for admission into postbaccalaureate programs in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health professional programs), and 2) to graduate students who are competitive for admission into Ph.D. programs or to pursue careers in teaching and research. 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.

Core basic sciences include Biochemistry (BMED 550, 3.0 cr.), Molecular Cell Biology (BMED 554, 3.0 cr.), and Genetics (BMED 541, 3.0 cr.); along with Human Physiology I & II (PHYS 1571, 4.0 cr., and PHYS 1582, 4.0 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-I and II (BMED 525, 2.0 cr. and BMED 526, 4.0 cr.) and Immunology (BMED 524, 2.0 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 Commission, A Commission 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; 312/263-0456; www.ncacihe.org.

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)