View answers to frequently asked questions about the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program offered at our Pennsylvania and Georgia locations.
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHUREPCOM’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 two-year curriculum, 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.
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:
Additional research opportunities may be available, so please consult with the program directors and/or faculty members.
The topical information presented is similar. The order of topic presentation and course structures differ between the locations because of unique, individual faculty backgrounds and approaches to teaching.
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.
Students enrolled in the PCOM Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program have access to optional test preparation services designed to improve performance on a number of entrance examinations required by graduate and professional schools.
These test preparation services are made available through an Educational Services Agreement between PCOM and Kaplan Test Preparation, a division of Kaplan, Inc. Biomedical science students may enroll through the College in standard Kaplan live online courses to prepare for the MCAT, GRE, DAT, PCAT and/or OAT. The sessions vary in length and format, and all include online instruction and access to practice items and practice tests. Through the agreement, students are able to register for preparation sessions starting on a variety of dates throughout the year at a reduced cost.
Kaplan Test Preparation is solely responsible for the content and policies related to these services, and PCOM makes no representation as to effectiveness and assumes no responsibility for the operation or results of enrollment in Kaplan test preparation services.
“I knew I needed challenging classes that would help me learn how to study for the intensity that is expected of medical students.”
Jovante Dockery, MS/Biomed ’22
No, all applicants will use the same Biomedical Sciences application regardless if
you
want the one-year or two-year program.
Visit the biomedical sciences program application requirements page to learn about the application process, admissions requirements and academic success criteria for the accelerated master’s program.
Interviews are not a part of the admissions process for the certificate portion of biomedical sciences program. Once enrolled, however, if one wishes to advance into the MS program, an interview with a faculty member from the corresponding concentration is required. View the full admissions requirements for more details.
Candidates begin their studies in the fall term (mid-August start).
The Biomedical Sciences program operates on a rolling admissions basis. View the full admissions requirements for more details.
For the current tuition rates, please see the tuition rate tables.
Submit official reports of standardized test scores: GRE, PCAT, DAT, OAT, or MCAT. This requirement will be automatically waived for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on their bachelor's degree granting transcript. View the full admissions requirements for more details.
Candidates applying for admission to the biomedical sciences program need to have completed the standard pre-medical coursework in order to enroll (general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, other chemistry coursework and general physics). View the full admissions requirements for more details.
No, PCOM’s Biomedical Sciences program does not have minimum requirements. All completed applications will be assessed using a holistic review process. View the full admissions requirements for more details.
The Faculty Committee on DO Admissions has approved a policy regarding DO program candidates from the biomedical sciences program. For details, please review DO program admissions information for biomedical sciences candidates.
There are a variety of housing options in the area available to our students, including the Meta Christy House located adjacent to PCOM's Philadelphia campus. There is no on-campus housing at PCOM Georgia (Suwanee, GA) or PCOM South Georgia (Moultrie, GA). We do provide off-campus housing information as a courtesy to prospective students:
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