M.S. in Biomedical Research with Medical Sciences Emphasis

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Research with a Medical Sciences Emphasis program offers a strong foundation in a science-based curriculum for students interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. This two-year, non-thesis program introduces students to a broad range of topics in the medical sciences that helps strengthen their academic credentials for medical school or other health-related professional schools.   

Students in the Medical Sciences program take classes with both first and second-year medical students and Biomedical Research graduate students. The curriculum covers many of the topics taught in the pre-clerkship medical curriculum at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. The courses focus on the foundational concepts of anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology. 

Successful completion of the program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 enhances a student’s application to medical school. 

Over the past 14 years, 92% of M.S. Medical Sciences students at Marshall University who applied were accepted into a medical or other health-related professional school. 

Admission into the M.S. Medical Sciences program does not guarantee admission into medical school.

Students are not required to complete the program before applying to health profession schools.

The Medical Sciences M.S. (non-thesis) program admits students in both the fall and spring terms.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed until the class is filled.  The application deadline for fall admission is June 30.  The application deadline for spring admission is December 1.  International applicants should adhere to the deadlines set by the Office of Admissions.

The Medical Sciences program may admit applicants conditionally for one term who have not received their undergraduate degree, pending receipt of the final official transcript from the undergraduate degree granting institution.

Minimum Admission Requirements 
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 
  • 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.
  • Graduate School application
    • Choose the degree you are seeking, then your program. The program code is GM83. (Note: This program is separate from the Medical Sciences with Research M.S. program.)
  • Non-refundable, $40, application fee
    • You should receive an email with a link to submit payment within 24 hours of submitting your application. If you do not, please email graduateadmissions@marshall.edufor assistance.
  • Submit official transcripts
    • May be electronically submitted from your institution’s registrar’s office to graduateadmissions@marshall.eduor mailed directly from that office to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Marshall University
100 Angus E. Peyton Drive
South Charleston, WV 25303

Applications are reviewed by a committee within the Office of Medical Education. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full. Official decisions are sent from the Marshall University Graduate Admissions Office.

This program does not offer graduate assistantships (GA) positions. 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 additional financial aid information, visit Marshall University's Financial Aid or contact the financial aid office to speak with a representative. 

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

  • Over the past 14 years 92% of M.S. Medical Sciences students at Marshall University who applied were accepted into a medical or other health-related professional school. 
  • Many classes are taken with the medical students.
  • Exam questions are similar to those given to the medical students.
  • The curriculum provides an excellent foundation for medical school and other health profession schools.
  • Students have access to the medical school learning specialist.
  • If you choose to take the MCAT, the Office of Medical Education will pay for half of an MCAT prep course registration fee 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 for M.D. admission to Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
Year 1 - Fall
BMR 601 Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins 3
BMR 602 Introduction to Cell Structure and Metabolism 3
BMS 605 Microbiology and Pharmacology for the Medical Sciences 5
Year 1 - Spring
ACB 622 Gross Anatomy/ Embryology 3
BMR 603 Regulation of Cell Function 2
BMR 604 Cellular Basis of Disease 1
PHS 629 Mammalian Physiology 6
Year 2 - Fall
PMC 621 Medical Pharmacology 1 6
Year 2 - Spring
BMR 785 Introduction to Research 3
BMS 634 Biostatistics and Epidemiology for the Medical Sciences 2
PMC 622 Medical Pharmacology 2 2
Total 36