Biomedical Studies MS

Major: Biomedical Studies
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 50.0 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, offering a unique opportunity to enhance students' credentials to become competitive applicants for these programs.

The first-year curriculum includes graduate courses in biochemistry, physiology, anatomy and psychology/sociology; advanced undergraduate courses in physics and chemistry; community outreach; and extensive dedicated MCAT preparation. 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. The second-year curriculum offers medical school-equivalent coursework in biochemistry, physiology, microanatomy and neuroanatomy, utilizing the IMS curriculum, complemented by instruction in bioethics and professionalism.

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
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 completed all undergraduate pre-medical requirements at a minimum grade of C. These requirements typically include a year each of biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics, with 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 pre-medical 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. Health care-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
IHS 524SCommunity Dimensions of Medicine Practicum1.0
IMSP 502SMedicine and Society3.0
IMSP 506SMedical Professionalism and Leadership 3.0
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 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
Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Total Credits78.0

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
Required Undergraduate Courses  
MSPP 400S Advanced Topics in Chemistry I 4.0
MSPP 402S Advanced Topics in Physics I 4.0
MSPP 404S Concepts in Science and Verbal Reasoning I 6.0
Required Graduate Courses  
MSPP 511S Concepts in Biochemistry and Cell Biology 4.0
MSPP 512S Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors in Health and Medicine 3.0
MSPP 525S Community Dimensions of Medicine 2.0
Elective Course  
Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology  
 Credits23
Spring
Required Undergraduate Courses  
MSPP 401S Advanced Topics in Chemistry II 4.0
MSPP 403S Advanced Topics in Physics II 4.0
MSPP 405S Concepts in Science and Verbal Reasoning II 6.0
Required Graduate Courses  
IHS 524S Community Dimensions of Medicine Practicum 1.0
MSPP 513S Advanced Human Anatomy 4.0
MSPP 515S Advanced Human Physiology 4.0
 Credits23
Second Year
Fall
IMSP 513S Medical Biochemistry 6.0
IMSP 522S Medical Physiology I 3.0
IMSP 542S Medical Microanatomy I 4.0
IMSP 502S Medicine and Society 3.0
MSPP 550S Research Project 2.0
Optional  
Medical Immunology I  
 Credits18
Spring
IMSP 506S Medical Professionalism and Leadership 3.0
IMSP 523S Medical Physiology II 3.0
IMSP 543S Medical Microanatomy II 2.0
IMSP 562S Medical Neuroanatomy 6.0
Optional  
Medical Immunology II  
Medical Nutrition  
 Credits14
 Total Credits78
*

 This course will be offered over two semesters

Program Level Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in science courses required for entry into medical or other health professional school
  • Achieve a competitive MCAT score
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards and professionalism for entering a health care profession
  • Demonstrate the ability to discuss and communicate current themes in health care
  • Attain a functional knowledge of medical sciences comparable to the content of the first-year medical school curriculum
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct and report scientific research
  • Demonstrate a knowledge base and skill set for a career and/or future schooling in health care or related fields in health professional programs