Biomedical Sciences, MS

Program Description

The graduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology is designed for students preparing for entry into doctorate or health professional programs, or for expanding career opportunities in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, health science research, bioinformatics, and genomics sectors. The program offers students with biological or biochemical preparation to increase knowledge in the molecular biosciences and provides initial or additional experiences using the biotechnologies emerging from the rapidly-growing disciplines in cell and molecular biology. The development of laboratory research skills occurs in a laboratory-focused curriculum that has a health and human emphasis.

Program Objectives

1. To educate students at the graduate level in modern concepts and methodologies of cell and molecular biology.
2. To build upon the student’s foundation of knowledge in cell and molecular biology through enhanced exposure to course, laboratory, and research opportunities.
3. To enhance the student’s ability to carry out independent research in cell and molecular biology.

Entrance Requirements

Admission to the program requires a strong science and mathematics background identical to that required of a student completing the undergraduate program in cell and molecular biology. In addition, admission to the program requires evidence that the applicant will be able to successfully complete a rigorous graduate program in the sciences at a high level of performance. Entrance into the program requires completion of the following.

1. Two semesters of organic chemistry
2. Two semesters of physics
3. A course in calculus
4. A bachelor’s degree from a Missouri State University recognized accredited college or university and a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, overall, or for the last 60 hours
5.  Applicants must have:
   1. an official transcript including all undergraduate work
   2. three letters of recommendation
   3. GRE scores
   4. a statement of research interest

Applicants will be evaluated for admission based upon their submitted materials. By the end of the first semester, candidates must be accepted into a research laboratory by a member of the Graduate Faculty who becomes the student’s advisor.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Option

Majors in cell and molecular biology may be accepted into the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program after admission requirements for the accelerated master’s option are met. Once accepted for early admission, up to 12 credit hours of approved 600 and 700-level coursework may be counted toward both the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science degree programs. Other required 600-level courses in the master’s program that are taken by the undergraduate student, but not included in the accelerated option, maybe waived on the master’s degree program by the student’s graduate advisor if the required courses were taken less than four years previously and the student earned at least a grade of B or better in those courses. Additional graduate coursework to replace waived courses may be needed to meet the 32 hours degree requirement. Accelerated option students must enroll in BMS 730 each semester.

The accelerated option allows biomedical science majors who are interested in biomedical research to complete the requirements for the Master of Science degree in two semesters and a summer rather than the typical four semesters and a summer. Contact the program director in the School of Health Sciences for information and guidelines.

Before enrolling in each course to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and complete a mixed credit form. Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s). See the Graduate College for further information.

Admission Requirements for the Accelerated Master’s Option

1. Junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.40 or better
2. Completion of BMS 110, BMS 231, BMS 321; CHM 160, CHM 170, CHM 175, CHM 310 with a GPA of 3.40 or better
3. Undergraduate laboratory research experience is strongly recommended before applying
4. Applicants must submit:
   1. an official transcript including all undergraduate work
   2. three letters of recommendation, one written by the future graduate advisor formally accepting the student into their research laboratory.
   3. GRE scores
   4. a statement of research interest
5. Acceptance of the applicant by the graduate faculty in cell and molecular biology under the accelerated master’s option