Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences in Downers Grove

Fast Facts

Degree

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

General Requirements

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

Length of Program

9 months, full-time; begins fall quarter only

Class Size

52

2012 Class Profile (Class of 2013)

• Female:  39%
• Male:  61%
• Average Age:  24
• Average Overall GPA:  3.31
• Class Size:  51
• Top Home States:  Illinois (43%), Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan

Postgraduate Education Opportunities

• Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Optometry, and Podiatry
• Ph.D. 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)

• 87% of the students matriculating in the class of 2012 graduated from the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences degree program.
• 88% of matriculates either graduated or left the program to attend a professional program.

MWU Outcomes (2012)

• 71% of the class graduating in 2012 have been accepted into professional programs (Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry, Physician Assistant or other health care programs).

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts in Biomedical Science 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.
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 less than five years old from one of the following:
   • Graduate Record Examination general test (GRE) using the institutional code for Midwestern University of 1769. Contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 610/290-8975 or visit www.ets.org/gre.
     OR
   • Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores. Contact the MCAT Program Office at 202/828-0690 or visit www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat
     OR
   • Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores. Contact Harcourt Assessment, Inc. (also known as Pearson) at 800/622-3231 or visit www.pcatweb.info.
     OR
   • Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores. Contact American Dental Association (ADA) at 312/440-2500 or visit www.ada.org.
     OR
   • Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores. Contact Optometry Admission Testing Program at 800/232-2159 or visit www.opted.org.
6. Completion of the typical prerequisite coursework for admission into medical, dental, optometry 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 grades of C or better (grades of C- are not acceptable).
8. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
9. Passage  of the Midwestern University criminal background check.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

Additional Applicant Information

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.) 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 enhance their credentials for admission into medical school or other health professional program. All students take a total of 45 quarter hour credits: 42 required core credits and 3 elective credits. Core courses include: Biochemistry I & II, Human Anatomy (with lab), Human Physiology I & II, Pathophysiology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Immunology, Pharmacology I, II & III, Neuroscience, Healthcare Issues and Professional Development. The elective credits, offered in a variety of disciplines, include other biomedical science courses and professional preparation courses e.g. Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Medical Spanish, Fundamentals of Research, etc. These electives improve critical thinking and enhance the student’s preparation for professional school applications.

NOTE: Transferrring 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 the first year cannot "stay on" for a second year to get the MBS degree.

MISSION

The Midwestern University Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences Program provides students with an in-depth education in the biomedical sciences and graduates students who are competitive applicants for admission into professional programs in healthcare.

Accreditation

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 MBS in Biomedical Sciences Program in Downers Grove

MWU MBS in Biomedical Sciences Program in Glendale

MWU MA in Biomedical Sciences Program in Glendale

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)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)

Biomedical Sciences MA/MBS Comparison