Frequently Asked Questions 
MS in Biomedical Sciences

PCOM’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree program is designed for individuals who recently completed a bachelor’s degree and/or who are pursuing a career change. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution is required. However, a science major is not required as long as the designated prerequisite coursework has been completed. View full admissions requirements for more details.

For those pursuing a career change, previous work experience may serve as a helpful resource during the course of the program.

The MS in Biomedical Sciences degree program welcomes non-traditional and returning students who possess the knowledge and desire to succeed.

A map of the entire curriculum—including concentration options—with links to more detailed course sequences and descriptions, may be found in the course catalog.

Our MS in Biomedical Sciences degree program students come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. In order to meet their diverse needs and goals, our program offers a range of concentrations with complementary skill development and application experience. This design allows the program to better address individual student outcomes and career trajectories.

The MS in Biomedical Sciences degree is a two-year, full-time program. Students who meet academic success criteria have the opportunity to complete an accelerated, one-year master’s program. Currently-enrolled DO students may apply for a one-year research MS as part of a dual-degree program.

We strongly discourage students from also maintaining full-time employment. Students often underestimate how much time they will need to successfully complete coursework, including (for some students) learning new study skills and habits.

Our most successful graduates report that they studied for four to eight hours per day, outside of class time. However, these times do not fully reflect the time commitment expected in order to gain the full value of the program. Additional career development and group work activities are scheduled during both day and evening hours.

Yes, research opportunities vary by location and include:

• Biomedical sciences research
• Advanced biomedical studies
• Work-study and volunteer options

Additional research opportunities may be available, so please consult with the program directors and/or faculty members.

Students will take the same courses at all three PCOM locations. The order of courses, topic presentation and course structures may differ between the locations.

The Biomedical Sciences Research concentration requires a thesis. All other biomedical sciences concentrations require a capstone experience or capstone-like experience project in which presentation and writing is required. For those concerned with writing a research thesis or public presentation, each of our three locations offer services and support in research, writing and public presentation.

All courses in the MS in Biomedical Sciences degree program are taught by highly-qualified faculty who are recognized in the professional community for their expertise in each topical area.

Our faculty members are known for their flexible accessibility and commitment to helping students succeed, with faculty members maintaining an open door policy (no appointment needed). Our students find comfort in knowing that their concerns will be addressed by faculty members, not graduate assistants. Department personnel are accessible during program operating hours. Our staff members are skilled at addressing a variety of concerns and are accessible during campus/department operating hours.

Annual program numbers fluctuate each year and vary from 15-80 entering students depending upon location. The enrollment typically decreases from the first to second year primarily due to students exiting the program after completion of the first (foundation) year to attend professional school. The program’s manageable class size allows our students to get to know each other and the faculty. Depending on the course and a student's focus area, this varies from small group sessions with individual faculty to moderate sized lecture interactions.

Our program has very low attrition due to non-academic circumstances. Visit the MS in Biomedical Sciences program data page for acceptance and matriculation rates.