Master's Degree Biomedical Sciences

Would you like an opportunity to improve your GPA, prepare for your MCAT or DAT exam, and get some personalized help with the professional school application process? If so, the BMS program may be right for you.

Welcome

The BMS is a one-year, 30-credit coursework master’s degree for students pursuing health professions careers, to increase their competitiveness for professional school application through an earned graduate degree. Students have the option to take additional coursework or take 3-4 semesters to complete the BMS. The program is offered through the SIUC College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences and the SIU School of Medicine. Students are encouraged to apply to professional schools (MD, DDS, PA, etc.) at the conclusion of the degree. 

anatomy books

About the Program

  • A curriculum in biomedical sciences, including courses in physiology, anatomy, molecular biology and biochemistry
  • Structured support to prepare for professional school entrance examinations (e.g. Medical School Admissions test (MCAT) or Dental Admissions Test (DAT) 
  • Individualized help with application preparation.
  • Personalized advising each semester
  • Downstate Illinois residents with a 498 MCAT minimum will be considered for SIU School of Medicine admission
     

  • The program consists of 16 credits of required coursework:
  • BMS 505A; Program Seminar [ 1credit], (S/U grading)] Application strategies and writing of the professional school application
  • BMS 505B; Scientific Approach and Application [2 credits]. MCAT/DAT preparation
  • MBMB 551A; MBMB 551B Molecular Biology and Biochemistry or higher-level equivalent. [2 semesters, 6 credits total]
  • 3 credits of Human or Mammalian Physiology
    • Recommended: Mammalian Physiology PHSL 511A (4 cr.)
  • 3 credits of Human Anatomy
    • Human Anatomy PHSL 401A, cadaver-based gross anatomy (4 Cr.) 
    • Neuroanatomy PSHL 502 (4 cr.)
    • Embryology PHSL 503 (3 cr.) 
  • 1 credit of Statistics
    • Recommended: QUAN 402 (G, 3 cr.)
  • Electives: BMS 505B (seminar) and 506B (scientific application II) or other graded courses in the biological sciences (e.g. physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbiology) to reach a minimum of 30 Graduate (“G”) credits, and a minimum of 15 credits at the 500-level.

For more on coursework options and sample semester schedules, visit the BMS curriculum page. 

The BMS program welcomes applicants from Illinois and across the nation.

Application requirements are:

  • Must by a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident ("Green Card") or US resident with DACA Status. We are not able to accept international students at this time.  
  • Have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution prior to program start.
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Completed most professional school prerequisites: one year each with laboratory of biological sciences, general chemistry, organic chemistry or organic/biochemistry sequence, and physics.
  • Complete online SIUC graduate application and submit two letters of recommendation.
  • Submit 1-2 page BMS interest essay to program. 

Fall admissions: preferred deadline May 1. 

Spring admissions: preferred deadline Oct. 1.

Find out how to apply, how long the program will take and more here. You can also download our informational flyer here. 

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More Information

Contact: Anneke M. Metz, Ph.D., Director, BMS
ametz@siumed.edu, 618-453-1462

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