College of Graduate Studies, Downers Grove Campus

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: 41 required core credits and 4 elective credits. Core courses include: Biochemistry I & II, Human Anatomy (with lab), Human Genetics, Human Physiology I & II, Pathophysiology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Immunology, Pharmacology I, II & III, Neuroscience, and Professional Development. The elective credits, offered in a variety of disciplines, include other biomedical science courses and professional preparation courses e.g. Alternative Therapies & Natural Products, Biomedical Imaging, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Development of Newly Approved Drug Therapies, Ethics of Research & Experimentation, Fundamentals of Research, Lab Research, Medical Spanish, Nutrition in Preventative Medicine, and Research Design & Methodology. These electives improve critical thinking and enhance the student’s preparation for professional school applications.

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 accepted into a professional program after the first year cannot "stay on" for a second year to get the M.B.S. degree.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413.

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 for all coursework completed.
3. One letter of recommendation from pre-health advisors or committees, science professors, and health professionals.
4. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
5. Test scores from one of the following:

1. • Graduate Record Examination general test (GRE) using the institutional code for Midwestern University of 1769. Contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit http://www.ets.org
     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
   • Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores. Contact the American Dental Association (ADA) at 312/440-2500 or visit www.ada.org. 
     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
   • Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) scores. Contact Optometry Admission Testing Program at 800/232-2159 or www.opted.org.

6. Completion of the typical prerequisite coursework for admission into medical, dental, optometry, veterinary medicine 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