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, dental school, or other healthcare professions program. All students take a total of 45 quarter hour credits: 41 required core credits and 4 elective credits. The structured core curriculum is taught by faculty in the College of Graduate Studies, most of whom hold joint appointments in Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Some courses have an interprofessional small group component. Lab research opportunities are available for elective course credit. Experienced Faculty Advisors assist students and graduates with resumes, personal statements, interviewing and communication skills, and career exploration.

Our students have opportunities to qualify for scholarships, guaranteed interviews, and reserved seats in the class. The College of Graduate Studies has competitive, partial tuition scholarships for diversity, equity, and inclusion available for deposited students interested in any healthcare profession who are from underrepresented minority (URM) populations as defined by HRSA. Deposited students who are from an URM population as defined by HRSA or who are from an environmentally or economically disadvantaged background may be eligible to apply to Bridges Programs with Midwestern University (MWU) professional programs. Enrolled students who meet certain academic, test score, and professionalism criteria may qualify for a reserved seat in the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine matriculating class or for a guaranteed interview with another MWU healthcare professions program on the Downers Grove, IL or Glendale, AZ campus. Immediate past graduates who meet certain criteria can also qualify for a guaranteed interview with another MWU program.

Through successful completion of the rigorous program, graduates demonstrate their academic preparedness for professional programs in healthcare, develop effective learning and test-taking strategies, and hone their time management skills.

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. Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended.  Official transcripts must be submitted prior to matriculation.
5. Completion of typical health professions coursework 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.
6. Completion of the prerequisite courses with grades of C or better (grades of C- are not acceptable).
7. Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
8. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.

Test scores from one the following are optional: MCAT, PCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE.

PREREQUISITE COURSES