Question 1: Is a college degree required for admission?
Yes, either a BA or BS degree in a science field from an accredited US institution is required. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Question 2: Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Yes. WesternU’s code is 4152 and you must have taken the GRE within the last five (5) years. Official test scores for the general aptitude portion (verbal, quantitative and analytical) of the GRE must be mailed directly from Educational Testing Service to Western University's Admissions Office.

Question 3: Do I need to take any of the GRE subject tests (Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics)?
No, but if you do, they may help strengthen your application.

Question 4: What score(s) do I need to get to be admitted?
The minimum recommended GRE score is 1000 (combined) on the Verbal and Quantitative sections. There is no set criteria for admittance; the most qualified applicants will be selected.

Question 5: Can I transfer from another graduate program?
No, the MSBS program does not currently accept transfer students, however up to 10 units of credit can be transferred, subject to the approval of the Graduate Dean.

Question 6: Can I transfer credits from another institution?
A maximum of 10 units from other institutions will be accepted as transfer credit at the discretion of the Dean.

Question 7: Do I need lab experience to apply to the MSBS program?
No, but lab experience may help you with your application.

Question 8: Is there an application fee? If so, how much is the application fee?
Yes, there is a non-refundable $50.00 application fee.

Question 9: Is there an advantage to being an in-state applicant?
No. All students are considered on the basis of their ability to complete the program.

Question 10: Is the application paper or electronic?
The application is available for download on the Apply Now page, but must be filled out and mailed in.

Question 11: Do you accept international students?
Not at this time. Applications for the class entering in January 2010 will only be accepted from invididuals who are citizens of the United States and permanent residents who have received, or will receive, a baccalaureate or master's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution by December 2009.

 

Question 1: Is the program accredited?
Western University of Health Sciences is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Master's of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences (MS-BS) in the Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences represents a significant addition to the University's mission and goals, and requires approval. The MS-BS degree program received interim approval from WASC in March 2009 and is awaiting full accreditation.

Question 2: Are all classes held on the WesternU campus?
Yes, classes as well as laboratory rotations take place on the WesternU campus in Pomona, CA.

Question 3: As a graduate student, will I have an office?
No, but adequate workspace will be provided by your faculty advisor.

Question 4: When do classes begin?
January 2010 for the founding class, then every August thereafter.

Question 5: When are classes or rotations typically held?
Classes are held during the day Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Laboratory work can also take place at other hours, including weekends, depending on experimental schedules. Those arrangements are made between individual students and their advisors.

Question 6: Is this a “Medical Masters” program?
No, although some classes might be taken alongside osteopathic medical students.

Question 7: Who will be teaching the classes?
Faculty will hold joint appointments between the Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences and other WesternU colleges, such as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Pharmacy.

Question 8: Is this a full-time or part-time program?
Full-time.

Question 9: How long is the program?
2 years of full-time study.

Question 10: Can I take time off for family or health reasons?
Each case is considered on an individual basis, and the Dean makes the final determination.

Question 11: Are there different tracks?
At this time the MSBS program is a thesis-track only program.

Question 12: How much is tuition?
Each admitted student will receive a teaching/research assistantship and a tuition waiver. The assistantship stipend is intended to cover basic living and school expenses.

Question 13: Can I just pay my own tuition if I meet the admission requirements?
No. The class size is limited to the number of students that the program can support with teaching/research assistantships.

Question 14: Is the program on a semester or quarter system?
The MSBS program utilizes the semester system.

Question 15: How many students are in the entering class?
We expect to enroll 5 students in the founding class. This enrollment expectation is subject to change.

Question 16: Does WesternU offer a PhD program? A DO/PhD dual degree program? What about a DVM/PhD?
While WesternU may offer a PhD program in the future, a PhD program or dual degree program is not offered at this time.

Question 17: Will I be required to write a thesis?
Yes, you will be expected to produce a professional-quality thesis by the end of the 2-year program.

Question 18: Will this program help me get into medical school? How about WesternU’s medical school?
Successful completion of this program may help applicants applying to medical school, but it has been specifically designed to help graduates find employment in biomedical research.

Question 19: I would like more information on WesternU’s research laboratories, where can I find this?
See WesternU’s research web site for more information regarding the facilities and equipment available for use.

Question 20: Is a laptop computer required? If so, what are the minimum specifications?
Yes, a laptop computer is required. You will be expected to supply your own computer or use computers available in the library or through arrangement with your faculty advisor.

Question 21: Are classes available online?
No, class attendance is mandatory for all enrolled MSBS students.

Question 22: Will WesternU fund my travel to scientific conferences?
Arrangements for travel to scientific conferences are made between individual students and their advisors.

Question 23: Do I get time off for the holidays?
The WesternU campus normally closes on major holidays, see the university calendar for more details.

Question 24: Do I get summers off? Will I be expected to work in the lab over the summer?
Students supported on teaching/research assistantships are expected to be in attendance throughout the year, as arranged with their faculty advisor.

Question 25: Can I work in any laboratory at WesternU?
A number of WesternU faculty in the different colleges have agreed to mentor MSBS students. Students do rotations in several different labs as part of the process of selecting an advisor.

Question 26: How is this program/degree different from the MS Pharmaceutical Sciences degree?
The MSBS program is taught by faculty from across WesternU, and student research can entail a broad range of research topics, rather than one specific area. Also, the program seeks to prepare students for employment in a variety of biomedical research settings rather than just in the pharmaceutical industry.