Biomedical Studies MS

Major: Biomedical Studies
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 51.0 graduate, 28.0 undergraduate
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 26.0102
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code:
19-1042

About the Program

This full-time, two-year special master's degree program is designed for students who have completed all health professional school prerequisites and need to strengthen their science background and MCAT score before applying to medical or other health professional schools. It offers a unique opportunity to enhance students' credentials to become competitive applicants for medical or other health professional schools.

In the first year, students take advanced undergraduate courses in physics and chemistry; graduate courses in biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, psychology/sociology and laboratory techniques; a community outreach course; and a yearlong dedicated MCAT preparation course. Students transition into the second year of the program after passing all courses with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0, sitting for the MCAT and completing a summer research project. Students typically submit their medical school applications during the summer between year one and year two. During the second year, students take rigorous coursework in biochemistry, physiology, microanatomy and neuroanatomy, utilizing the medical-school-equivalent lectures and laboratory materials of the IMS curriculum, complemented by an ethics and a professionalism course.

The Master of Science degree will be awarded contingent upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements, including a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.

Additional Information

Drexel University College of Medicine
Division of Pre-medical and Pre-health Programs
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies
Health Sciences Building
60 North 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Phone: 267-359-2761
Email: CoM_MedicalSciences@drexel.edu

For more information about this program, visit the College of Medicine's Master of Science in Biomedical Studies webpage.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MBS program must have fulfilled all undergraduate pre-medical requirements and demonstrated mastery of the material at a minimum grade of C. These requirements include a year of biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry, including respective laboratory sections. Applicants are required to submit official MCAT scores if the exam was taken or official GRE scores in lieu of the MCAT. The following credentials are competitive for application to the MBS program:

  • A minimum undergraduate math/science (BCPM) and cumulative GPA of 2.9
  • All premedical prerequisite courses at a grade of C or better
  • Minimum MCAT scores of 35th percentile or minimum GRE scores of 50th percentile

Applicants with lower scores may be considered if they can demonstrate a marked improvement in their academic history. Healthcare-related experiences, community service, research, leadership, and extracurricular activities are also taken into consideration.

Degree Requirements

Required Undergraduate Courses
MSPP 400SAdvanced Topics in Chemistry I4.0
MSPP 401SAdvanced Topics in Chemistry II4.0
MSPP 402SAdvanced Topics in Physics I4.0
MSPP 403SAdvanced Topics in Physics II4.0
MSPP 404SConcepts in Science and Verbal Reasoning I6.0
MSPP 405SConcepts in Science and Verbal Reasoning II6.0
Required MS Courses
IMSP 502SMedicine and Society3.0
IMSP 506SMedical Professionalism and Leadership3.0
IMSP 513SMedical Biochemistry6.0
IMSP 522SMedical Physiology I3.0
IMSP 523SMedical Physiology II3.0
IMSP 542SMedical Microanatomy I4.0
IMSP 543SMedical Microanatomy II2.0
IMSP 562SMedical Neuroanatomy6.0
MSPP 505SLaboratory Techniques in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology2.0
MSPP 511SConcepts in Biochemistry and Cell Biology4.0
MSPP 512SPsychosocial and Behavioral Factors in Health and Medicine3.0
MSPP 513SAdvanced Human Anatomy4.0
MSPP 515SAdvanced Human Physiology4.0
MSPP 525SCommunity Dimensions of Medicine2.0
Summer Research Project
MSPP 550SResearch Project2.0
Additional Non-required Courses
Medical Immunology I
Medical Immunology II
Medical Nutrition
Total Credits79.0

Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Required Undergraduate CoursesRequired Undergraduate Courses
MSPP 400S4.0MSPP 401S4.0
MSPP 402S4.0MSPP 403S4.0
MSPP 404S6.0MSPP 405S6.0
Required Graduate CoursesRequired MS Courses
MSPP 505S2.0MSPP 513S4.0
MSPP 511S4.0MSPP 515S4.0
MSPP 512S3.0 
MSPP 525S*2.0 
 25 22
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
IMSP 513S6.0IMSP 506S3.0
IMSP 522S3.0IMSP 523S3.0
IMSP 542S4.0IMSP 543S2.0
IMSP 502S3.0IMSP 562S6.0
MSPP 550S2.0Optional
Optional
 18 14
Total Credits 79
*

 This course will be offered over two semesters

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