Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences Program, Downers Grove Campus
Get ready for graduate-level studies to prepare for a variety of healthcare careers through this 9-month Master of Arts (M.A.) program in the Biomedical Sciences.
The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.) degree is a rigorous full-time, 9-month, graduate-level, coursework-only program.
Enhancing Your Academic Foundation
The Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.) 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, dental school, or other healthcare professions programs.
Core Curriculum
All students take a total of 45 quarter hour credits (41 required core credits and 4 elective credits). Core disciplines are taught by faculty experts. Some courses have interprofessional small group learning. Elective credits, offered in a variety of disciplines, include other biomedical science courses, and are designed to enhance the student’s preparation for professional school applications.
Faculty Guidance and Support
Our experienced faculty advisors are here to mentor you every step of the way. From refining your application to enhancing your interview and communication skills, they'll help you chart your individualized career path.
Transferring Between Programs
M.A. students can transfer to the MBS program at completion of the Fall quarter. Students interested in transferring between Biomedical Sciences Programs should consult the Program Director.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
M.A. students may be eligible for a variety of scholarships. Students can also apply for and receive funding through the Federal Work Study Program. For more information, visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid Types pages.
In addition, incoming students may be eligible for a merit-based Admissions Scholarship. For questions about this scholarship, please contact the Admissions office at admissil@midwestern.edu.
Admission Agreements with AZCOM & PA
If you are interested in a direct path to the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) program, you can earn guaranteed admission while enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences program. Please review the requirements for direct matriculation in AZCOM, which would begin the fall after you graduate from Biomedical Sciences.
For students interested in the Physician Assistant (PA) program, qualified Biomedical Science students are guaranteed an interview with the PA program beginning with the class matriculating in the summer quarter of 2027. Please review the PA AZ - CGS requirements and PA IL - CGS requirements for details.
Program Outcomes
Graduated or Accepted into Professional School
342 of 383 matriculants in the classes of 2020 to 2024 either graduated or were accepted into a professional program.
Graduates Accepted into Professional School
236 of 322 graduates from 2020 to 2024 were accepted into professional school.
Enrolled in Laboratory Research Elective
140 out of 322 graduates were enrolled in a laboratory research elective from 2020 and 2024.
Learn More
Learn more about the requirements and find quick links to relevant catalog content to guide you in your application process.
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Prerequisite coursework
- Test score from one of the following is optional: MCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE
Applicants can apply either of the following ways:
- Through PostbacCAS, applicants can receive a coupon to cover a portion of the cost of the PostbacCAS application fee! Contact the Office of Admissions – Downers Grove campus at admissIL@midwestern.edu to receive your coupon code! If PostbacCAS is closed, please contact the Office of Admissions. The application deadline is August 15th.
- Using the application materials from another MWU program. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information about transferring your application.
The Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL, has established articulation agreements with select institutions.
Note: Students must meet all application deadlines for the professional program of interest. A guaranteed interview does not guarantee admission into the professional program. For detailed information and eligibility criteria, please refer to the full articulation agreements.
Arizona Christian University Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2020, Midwestern University's Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews and reserve acceptances, for qualified Arizona Christian University applicants per admission year.
Benedictine University Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2027, Midwestern University’s Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified Benedictine University applicants.
Bradley University Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, Midwestern University's Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified Bradley University applicants.
Northern Illinois University Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, Midwestern University's Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified Northern Illinois University applicants.
Ripon College Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, Midwestern University's Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified Ripon College applicants.
University of New Haven Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, Midwestern University's Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified University of New Haven applicants.
Wheaton College Articulation Agreement: Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2027, Midwestern University's Biomedical Sciences program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified Wheaton College applicants.
CGS Biomedical Sciences - AZCOM Articulation Agreement: Qualified graduates of the Midwestern University Biomedical Sciences programs in the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) are guaranteed an interview for the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine program in Glendale, AZ under our admissions agreement.
CGS Biomedical Sciences - PA IL Articulation Agreement: Qualified graduates of the Midwestern University Biomedical Sciences programs in the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) are guaranteed an interview for the Physician Assistant program in Downers Grove, IL under our admissions agreement.
- Female: 67%
- Male: 28%
- Average Age: 25
- Average Overall GPA: 3.23
- Top Home States: Illinois, California, Indiana
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.
Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413; phone: 312-263-0456.
Academic Course Catalog
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Hear Our Stories
Andrew Hawkey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biomedical Sciences
“It’s amazing to be at an integrated health sciences university. There are great collaborative relationships going on.”
Renier Vélez-Cruz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences
“I feel privileged to occupy the position I have today here at Midwestern University. As a young kid who grew up in Puerto Rico, I never thought that I would become a professor and teach at an institution like this.”
