The Master of Arts in Biomedical Science (MA) degree is a full-time, three-quarter, graduate level, coursework only program. This program is designed to help students with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in the sciences, improve their academic foundation in the biomedical sciences and augment their credentials for admission into medical school or other health professional program. All students take a minimum of 45 quarter hour credits in the basic sciences and medical ethics. Courses are in disciplines including: biochemistry, molecular cell biology, genetics, histology, human anatomy (with lab), human physiology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, introduction to medical ethics and a capstone course. The capstone course includes preparation of a scholarly, literature-based portfolio on a topic of the student's choice (usually a disease condition) and a presentation of their topic in a research poster. In addition, students are required to take elective credits if needed to bring the total quarter credits to 15 or more credits. The elective credits, offered in a variety of disciplines, include other biomedical science courses and professional preparation courses (e.g. Health Career Planning, Medical Terminology, Learning Styles and Assessment, etc.). These electives improve critical thinking skills, study skills and enhance the student's preparation for professional school application.