Biomedical Research, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of Marshall University Graduate Admissions - marshall.edu/admissions/graduate/ - and the Biomedical Research program of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine - https://jcesom.marshall.edu/research. Interested persons should visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/research, e-mail mubiomed@marshall.edu and/or call 304-696-3365. 

Biomedical Research, M.S. (Non-Thesis) Medical Sciences, and Medical Sciences Research Areas of Emphasis:  Interested persons should visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/students/ms-in-biomedical-research-with-medical-sciences-emphasis/, e-mail mubiomed@marshall.edu, and/or call 304-696-3365. 

Biomedical Research M.S. Applicants

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Successfully completed, with a grade of C or better, one year of general biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, all with associated laboratories. A semester of biochemistry or molecular biology is also required.
  • A recommended minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
  • A recommended minimum GPA of 3.0 in combined science and math courses
  • Official transcript(s) from undergraduate degree granting institution(s). Transcripts for post-baccalaureate or graduate coursework may be required at the discretion of the program.
  • Program materials: three recommendations, program online form, written statement addressing educational and career goals, CV/resume

The GRE is not required; however, GRE scores can be submitted to strengthen your application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed until the class is filled. Applications are only considered once we have received all required documentation. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed until the class is filled. Applications will be considered after the priority deadline until June 30, if openings are available. International applicants should adhere to the deadlines set in place by the Office of International Admissions. 

Biomedical Research, M.S. (Non-Thesis) Medical Sciences, or Medical Sciences Research Areas of Emphasis:  Students are admitted 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.

Conditional Admission 

The Biomedical Research M.S. program may admit applicants conditionally, for one term, pending receipt of final, official bachelor's degree transcript with degree awarded.

Duration of Degree Program

Students are expected to complete the degree within two years. This includes the summer between years one and two for M.S. (thesis) students.

Program Requirements

Degree Requirements

All students are required to meet the general requirements of the university for receipt of a master’s degree. To remain in good academic standing and to graduate, the student must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.

In addition, after 12 hours of coursework has been completed, the student must submit an M.S. Plan of Study form to the College. 

Thesis Option

A minimum of 32 credit hours is required for the thesis option with no more than six hours of thesis (BMR 681 Thesis) credited toward the 32 credit hour requirement. Each student will specialize in one of the six areas of emphasis:

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Cell Biology
  • Medical Sciences Research
  • Neurobiology and Addiction
  • Obesity and Related Diseases
  • Toxicology and Environmental Health

Advisory Committee for M.S. (Thesis) Students

The advisory committee should be formed no later than the end of the first year of graduate education. As soon as the committee has been identified, a Thesis Committee Formation form is completed and submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies.

The advisory committee will be selected by the student and research advisor, with approval from the Director of Graduate Studies required. The committee will be composed of at least three faculty members with appropriate expertise; one of the members may be from another institution. The student’s research advisor will act as the chairperson of the committee.

Non-Thesis Option (Medical Sciences, or Medical Sciences Research, Area of Emphasis)

 A minimum of 36 credit hours is required for the non-thesis degree. In addition, the student must pass a written comprehensive examination covering their courses.

Plan Of Study (Thesis option)

All thesis option students are required to successfully complete the following core curriculum. The Thesis option requires a minimum of 32 credit hours. 

Core Curriculum
BMR 601Intro DNA, RNA & Protiens3
BMR 602Intro Cells and Metabolism3
BMR 603Regulation Cell Function2
BMR 604Cell Basis of Disease1
BMR 617BMR Statistics Technique3
BMR 644Research Conduct1
BMR 660Communication Bio Sci I1
or BMR 661 Communication Bio Sci II
BMR 680Seminar (minimum of 4 hours)4
BMR 785Intro to Research4
Total Credit Hours22

In addition, the student must successfully complete other courses required by his/her area of emphasis and advisory committee.

Plan of Study (Non-Thesis Option, Medical Sciences or Medical Sciences Research Areas of Emphasis) 

Core Curriculum
BMR 601Intro DNA, RNA & Protiens3
BMR 602Intro Cells and Metabolism3
BMR 603Regulation Cell Function2
BMR 604Cell Basis of Disease1
BMR 785Intro to Research3
BMS 605Micro Pharm Med Sciences5
Total Credit Hours17
Medical Sciences Area of Emphasis
ACB 622Gross Anat/Embryology II6
BMS 634Biostat Epidem Med Sci2
PHS 629Mammalian Physiology6
PMC 621Medical Pharmacology I6
PMC 622Medical Pharmacology II2
Electives 0-12 BMR, BMS, CTS, PHS, PMC PHS with Advisor approval0-12
Total Credit Hours22-34
Medical Sciences Research Area of Emphasis
PHS 667Experimental Appr to Phys4
CTS 600Epi Used in Med Research3
BMR 882Research (2-4 Credits per semester)9
CTS 630Fundamentals of Team Science2
BMR 644Research Conduct1
Electives 0-12 hours BMR, BMS, CTS, PMC, PHS, ACB with Advisor approval0-12
Total Credit Hours19-31

Students in the Medical Sciences, and Medical Sciences Research Areas of Emphasis must pass the comprehensive final examination.