Master of Arts in Biomedical Science in Glendale

Fast Facts

Degree

Master of Arts in Biomedical Science (M.A.)

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

9 months, full-time; begins fall quarter only

Class Size

85

Class Matriculating in 2012

• Female: 41%
• Male: 59%
• Average Age: 25
• Average Overall GPA: 3.17
• In-State: 31%

Postgraduate Education Opportunities

• Medical, Dental, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant and Podiatry School
• PhD. Programs in the sciences

Career Opportunities

• Healthcare Professional School
• Governmental and regulatory agencies
• Teaching

The MA degree is not considered a terminal degree and the salary the MA graduate earns will be determined by the professional career they enter.

Graduation Rate (2012)

81% of the students matriculating in the class of 2012 graduated on time from the Masters of Arts in Biomedical Sciences degree program.

85% of matriculates either graduated on time or left the program to attend a professional program.

MWU Outcomes (2011)

77% of the class graduating in 2011 have informed us that they have been accepted into professional programs (Ph.D., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or other health care programs).

84% of graduates are either in a professional program or working in the industry.

Admission Requirements

 To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in 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, or pharmacy schools, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English; prospective students are responsible for determining the prerequisites for the health professional program and institution of their choice.
7. Completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better; 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.

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Prerequisite Courses

A limited number of transfer credits from other institutions are allowed: 6 semester (9 quarter) hours for the Master of Arts in Biomedical Science. However, this does not remove the requirement to enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours per quarter.

Application Deadline

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible, but no later than July 15th, to ensure timely consideration.

Additional Application Information

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Program Description

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.

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

Mission

The Midwestern University Master of Arts in Biomedical Science Program educates and prepares students in the biomedical sciences to be competitive applicants for professional programs or careers in healthcare.

Planned Progam Improvements

There are no significant changes to the admissions requirements, academic standards or curriculum planned for the upcoming year.

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; 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)