Master of Science in Biomedical Research (M.S. - nonthesis) with Medical Science and Research Emphasis

Sharpen Your Competitive Edge for Medical School

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (MU JCESOM) and the Office of Research and Graduate Education offers the ideal option for students who want to strengthen their academic record and enhance their science foundation prior to medical or other health-related professional schools.

This program, commonly referred to as the Medical Sciences Program with an area of emphasis in research, is a rigorous, two-year, non-thesis degree that couples a challenging curriculum in basis medical sciences with significant research exploration. Research experience can significantly enhance an applicant's academic profile for entry into medical school at MU JCESOM or elsewhere, and subsequently for highly competitive residency training programs. Additionally, students may earn academic credit or be paid an hourly stipend for their laboratory time. 

Students in the M.S. Medical Sciences Research Emphasis program take classes with both graduate students and medical students. The curriculum in the program focuses on material taught in pre-clinical medical school, coupled with a translational research emphasis. Successful completion of the program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong research as evidenced by publication and / or conference abstracts will make graduates highly competitive for the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine MD/PhD program.

NOTE: The previous non-MCAT pathway option under this M.S. program for consideration of admission to JCESOM is NO longer available due to the changed medical school curriculum starting in Fall 2020. 

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Application Requirements

Minimum Admission Requirements 

  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA overall with a 3.0 for combined science and math courses is recommended.
    • Under certain circumstances, the minimum GPA requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Completion of all prerequisite coursework with a grade "C" or better.
  • No entrance exam required. 

Prerequisite Coursework 

  • Two semesters of general biology and associated laboratories.
  • Two semesters of general chemistry and associated laboratories.
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry and associated laboratories.
  • Two semesters of physics and associated laboratories.
  • One semester of biochemistry or molecular biology. 
Application and Review Process

Application Process 

  • Submit Biomedical Research M.S. with Medical Science and Research Emphasis application and supporting documents on BioMedCas Applicant Portal
    • When creating a BioMedCas account, select the 2023-2024 cycle.  
  • Supporting Documents required: 
    • Official Transcripts 
    • Written Statement 
      • Your statement should address your educational and career goals, and why you should be admitted to the Biomedical Research M.S. with Medical Science and Research Emphasis program. 
    • Three Letters of Recommendation 
      • Letters of recommendation from STEM-related Professors are preferred.  
      • Recommendation requests can be found under "Supporting Information" of the BioMedCas application. 
    • International Students will need to submit proof of English Proficiency. Visit https://www.marshall.edu/admissions/graduate-proof-of-english-proficiency/ to learn more.
    • Resume or CV 
  • Pay the $83 application fee on the BioMedCas Applicant Portal. 

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Funding and Financial Aid

Graduate Assistantships

This program does not offer Graduate Assistantships (GA). You are not encouraged, but are permitted, to seek assistantships through a Marshall University department. More information is provided on the Graduate College Graduate Assistantship overview webpage. For information on cost of attendance visit, marshall.edu/tuition/. 

For additional financial aid information, visit Marshall University's Financial Aid website or contact the financial aid office to speak with a representative. 

Old Main, Room 116
304-696-3162
sfa@marshall.edu

General Curriculum

Year I - Fall Semester
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BMR 601 Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins 3
BMR 602 Introduction to Cell Structure and Metabolism 3
BMR 680 Seminar 1
PHS 628 Neurophysiology (optional) 2 
BMR 785 Introduction to Research 3
Year I - Spring Semester
BMR 603 Regulation of Cell Function  2
BMR 604 Cellular Basis of Disease  1
BMR 680 Seminar 1
PHS 629 Mammalian Physiology (recommended elective) 6
CTS 614 Online Survey Tools, Relational and Data Warehousing and Data Manipulation (optional) 3
Year I - Summer 
BMR 882 Research  4
Year II - Fall Semester 
MCB 631 Medical Microbiology I (recommended elective) 3
BMR 680 Seminar 1
PMC 621 Medical Pharmacology I (recommended elective)  6
BMR 882 Research  5
Year II - Spring Semester 
MCB 632 Medical Microbiology II (optional) 3
PMC 622 Medical Pharmacology II (optional)  2
BMR 680 Seminar  1
BMR 785 Introduction to Research 3
BMR 617 or Equivalent  Biostatistics  3
CTS 614  Online Survey Tools, Relational and Data Warehousing and Data Manipulation (optional)  3
PHS 629 Mammalian Physiology (optional) 6
Program Advantages
  • On average, 88% of MU JCESOM Graduate Education Medical Sciences students, who have applied to medical or other health-related professional schools, were accepted.
  • Pending the departmental availability of funds, if you choose to take the MCAT, MU JCESOM Graduate Education Program will pay for half of an MCAT prep course registration fee (not to exceed $400) for students who are registered to attend the second year of the Medical Sciences program.
  • For non-residents, the Medical Sciences program will establish the tie to West Virginia that is required to apply to Marshall University JCESOM.
  • A strong research portfolio during graduate school will enhance your application for residency programs, especially with the recent change in step-1 reporting.
  • Students who excel in the program both academically and in research will be highly competitive candidates for the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine MD/PhD program.

Successful completion of the Master of Science in Biomedical Research (M.S.-nonthesis) with Medical Science and Research Emphasis makes a student a desirable candidate for the M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. program at MU JCESOM and elsewhere.

However, completion of this degree will not guarantee admission into the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine or any other health-related professional school.

For best chance of admission, have application verified through BioMedCas by June 15th.

Leadership 

Umapathy Sundaram, MD

Vice Dean, Office of Research & Graduate Education 
Phone: (304) 691-1841
sundaramu@marshall.edu

Richard Egleton, PhD

Assistant Dean, Office of Research and Graduate Education
Phone: (304) 696-3523
egleton@marshall.edu