MHS in Biomedical Sciences, 1-Year Option Curriculum

Program of Study

Students are required to complete the non-thesis option and a specialized medical concentration for this accelerated program, but can use open electives to participate in faculty-mentored student research (BMS 688 and BMS 689).

Non-Thesis Option Requirements

The accelerated curriculum includes a minimum of 32 credits including 2 credits of comprehensive examination (BMS 670). Students are required to take the medical focused courses listed below, along with 7 credits of science elective courses or independent study based on personal interest.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination (2 credits) is a requirement for the non-thesis option in the Biomedical Sciences program. It is an individualized exam, and includes material learned across the core classes. The purpose of the exam is twofold. First, the student must demonstrate broad and specific knowledge expected of someone holding a master’s degree. Second, the student must be able to integrate knowledge obtained from individual courses into unified concepts which link the student’s own specialization to other fields of study. The student is given two opportunities to demonstrate competency. A written essay exam is administered by a designated faculty member. Students should schedule an appointment with the program director before registering for the comprehensive exam.

Graduate Science Electives

Open electives are fulfilled with any 500 or 600-level graduate BMS Science electives offered. The student will take open elective courses so that the total adds up to a minimum of 32 credits to complete degree requirements. Additional options from the Molecular and Cellular Biology (BIO) program listed below may also be applied to open electives in the accelerated MHS in BMS degree (limited seats, based on space availability).