Biomedical Research, M.S.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both 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. Applicants are directed to apply through the Biomedical Sciences Centralized Application System (BioMedCAS, https://biomedcas.liaisoncas.org/). Completion of a secondary application once admitted is also required; instructions will be sent from the department to the applicant. Interested persons should visit https://jcesom.marshall.edu/research, e-mail mubiomed@marshall.edu and/or call 304-696-3365.
Biomedical Research M.S. (Thesis and Non-Thesis) 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.
Conditional Admission
The Biomedical Research M.S. (Thesis and Non-Thesis) 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.
Entry Term
B.M.R. M.S. (thesis) students may matriculate in July (summer III term) or in August (fall term). B.M.R. M.S. (non-thesis) students with an area of emphasis in Medical Sciences must matriculate in the fall term only.
Program Requirements
Degree Requirements
All students are required to meet the general requirements of the university for receipt of a master’s degree. In addition, after 12 hours of coursework has been completed, the student must submit an M.S. Plan of Study form to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Thesis Degree: A minimum of 32 credit hours is required for the thesis degree 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 five areas of emphasis as defined in the program description.
To remain in good academic standing and to graduate, the student must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.
Non-Thesis Degree: 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.
To remain in good academic standing and to graduate, the student must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.
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.
In addition, after 12 hours of coursework has been completed, the student must submit an M.S. Plan of Study form to the college.
Plan Of Study (Thesis option)
All thesis option students are required to successfully complete the following core curriculum:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| BMR 601 | Intro DNA, RNA & Proteins | 3 |
| BMR 602 | Intro Cells and Metabolism | 3 |
| BMR 603 | Regulation Cell Function | 2 |
| BMR 604 | Cell Basis of Disease | 1 |
| BMR 617 | BMR Statistics Technique | 3 |
| BMR 644 | Research Conduct | 1 |
| BMR 660 | Communication Bio Sci I | 1 |
| or BMR 661 | Communication Bio Sci II | |
| BMR 680 | Seminar (minimum of 4 hours) | 4 |
| BMR 785 | Intro to Research | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours | 22 | |
Plan of Study (Non-Thesis Option, Medical Sciences of Emphasis)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACB 622 | Gross Anat/Embryology II | 3 |
| BMR 601 | Intro DNA, RNA & Proteins | 3 |
| BMR 602 | Intro Cells and Metabolism | 3 |
| BMR 603 | Regulation Cell Function | 2 |
| BMR 604 | Cell Basis of Disease | 1 |
| BMR 785 | Intro to Research | 3 |
| BMS 605 | Micro Pharm Med Sciences | 5 |
| BMS 634 | Biostat Epidem Med Sci | 2 |
| PHS 629 | Mammalian Physiology | 6 |
| PMC 621 | Medical Pharmacology I | 6 |
| PMC 622 | Medical Pharmacology II | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
Electives
Elective classes include BMS 609 (Orthopedics and the Neural Network).