Biomedical Sciences Info Page for prospective students of the Master of Science Program in Biomedical Sciences at Morgan State University

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MS-BMED) Program at Morgan State University aims to increase diversity in medical and graduate schools by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. It prepares students for medical school and careers in allied health professions through specialized training and coursework. MS-BMED also offers pathways to careers in fields like epidemiology, microbiology, and public health, making it an ideal option for students to enhance their academic credentials and gain experience during a gap year or as a standalone program for technical positions in the health sciences industry. See the program webpage on the website of School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (SCMNS).

Contents

BMED Tracks

Prospective students have the option to apply to either the Accelerated Medical Track (non thesis) or the Traditional Research Track (thesis).

1. The MS-BMED Accelerated Medical Track is designed for applicants who have shown a strong academic performance in undergraduate school but wish to spend a gap-year in a rigorous graduate program resembling the first year of medical school before applying or reapplying to medical school. Students selected for this track are expected to successfully complete all program courses in three semesters. The MS-BMED Admissions Committee will select students for this track based upon academic merit and program interview. Those accepted into the MS-BMED Accelerated Medical Track may opt to or be advised to shift to the MS-BMED Traditional Research Track.

2. The MS-BMED Research Track follows the traditional design of Master of Science degree programs. Students in this track have the opportunity to choose elective courses so that they can explore other related subjects and broaden their educational experience. Although the course load per semester may be slightly less intensive in this track, students are expected to complete a master’s capstone or thesis, and successfully defend their project.

Explore the MS-BMED program at Morgan State University! At this link, you'll find details about the program’s objectives, curriculum, faculty, and admission requirements. Whether you're considering the Accelerated Medical Track or the Research Track, this resource provides everything you need to understand how the program prepares students for careers in biomedical research and healthcare. Learn more here: MSU Graduate Catalog, MS-BMED Program Information

The Plan of Study for the MS-BMED outlines the course progression, credit requirements, and advising process for students in both the Accelerated Medical Track and Research Track. Students must enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours per term to maintain full-time status. The curriculum includes core courses in biomedical sciences, with specialized coursework depending on the chosen track. Research Track students complete a capstone or thesis, while Medical Track students take a comprehensive exam in their third semester. The plan also details advising procedures, transfer credit policies, and candidacy requirements. Explore the full details here: MSU Graduate Catalog, MS-BMED Curriculum and Plan of Study

Contact us: BMED@morgan.edu

Admission Criteria

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program, an applicant must:

- have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university preferably in areas such as biology biochemistry, health sciences, etc.,

- have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher prior to matriculation (for these prerequisite courses, credits earned at a community college is accepted)

  • General biology with laboratory (2 semesters)
  • General chemistry with laboratory (2 semesters)
  • Organic chemistry with laboratory (2 semesters)
  • General physics with laboratory (2 semesters)
  • College level mathematics (1 semester)
  • English composition/grammar (2 semesters)

- posses an undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to be considered for regular admission. Students applying to the 1-year Accelerated Medical Track of the MS-BMED program must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher. Students who possess a cumulative undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission to the Traditional Research Track of the MS-BMED program. Post-bachelor’s undergraduate credits will not be used to enhance GPA requirements for admission to graduate study.

- submit an application for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. All required documents must be submitted as directed by the School of Graduate Studies prior to program review and admission decision.

- use the application system to arrange for three letters of recommendation to be placed with the application. These letters must be from officials or faculty members of institutions previously attended who are acquainted with the applicant’s ability for graduate study or from employment supervisors where applicable.

- submit a typed exposition regarding the candidate’s personal academic and professional plans and the reasons for selecting Morgan State University.

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements and submitting all the required documents does not guarantee that an offer of admission will be made to the applicant. The decision of the Program Admissions Committee involves a review and analysis of all the elements of the application as well as the availability of positions in the program. The committee then recommends to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies that an offer of admission should be made based on that review.

Coursework

Program Course Requirements

Core Courses (26 Credits)

The following 10 core courses are required for all students (26 Credits):

  • BMED 514 Medical Terminology - 1 Credit - Summer
  • BMED 515 Biomedical Statistics - 3 Credits - Summer
  • BIOL 527 Microbiology of Emerging Pathogens - 3 Credits - Summer
  • BMED 516 Ethics in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - 1 Credit - Summer
  • ***
  • BMED 511 Gross Anatomy - 3 Credits - Fall
  • BIOL 520 Biological Chemistry - 3 Credits - Fall
  • BIOL 525 Cellular Biology - 3 Credits - Fall
  • ***
  • BMED 521 Histology - 3 Credits - Spring
  • BMED 531 Physiology - 3 Credits - Spring
  • BIOL 528 Immunobiology - 3 Credits - Spring

Students in the Accelerated Medical Track will also take:

  • BMED 522 Medical Genetics - 3 Credits - Fall
  • BMED 532 Introduction to Pathology - 3 Credits - Spring

Students in the Traditional Research Track will also take:

  • BMED 794 Capstone Research - 3 Credits (if doing a capstone project)
  • BMED 799 Thesis Defense - 3 Credits (if competing a thesis)
  • and 2 elective courses - 3 credits each
Application & Enrollment

Application & Enrollment

MS-BMED offers rolling admission, allowing students to begin in the summer, fall, or spring semester. While summer is the ideal entry point for a smooth progression through the curriculum, students may also be admitted for fall or spring based on their qualifications and transcript. Applicants seeking fall or spring admission must have completed prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology to ensure they are prepared for the curriculum.

Make sure to review the contents of this page which provides information for the application process: https://www.morgan.edu/school-of-graduate-studies/admissions/application-process

The application portal for Morgan State University's Graduate Programs, including the MS-BMEDcan be found here: https://morgan.elluciancrmrecruit.com/ApplyGRAD/Account/Login

  • Upcoming Application Deadlines
  • Spring 2026 admission: December 1, 2025
  • Summer 2026 admission: March 1, 2026
  • Fall 2026 admission: August 8, 2026
Tuition & Funding

Tuition & Funding

Find tuition information here: Morgan State Office of the Bursar - Tuition and Fees

Read about Graduate Funding here: School of Graduate Studies - Funding

BMED Faculty
From top left: Dr. Hughes Darden, Chair and Professor; Dr. Shiva Mehravaran, Interim BMED Director, Research Associate Professor; Dr. Valerie Odero-Marah, Professor; Dr. Frank Denaro, Associate Professor; Dr. Yuejin Li, Assistant Professor; Dr. Anna Dellomo, Assistant Professor; Dr. Viji Sitther, Professor; and Dr. James Wachira, Associate Professor. 
International students

Apply Here

https://www.morgan.edu/apply

BMED students at ABRCMS 2024

for questions, contact BMED@morgan.edu

CREATED BY
Shiva Mehravaran

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