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Master's in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Program

The mission of the Marian University biomedical sciences master's program is to prepare students for careers in medicine or biomedical sciences through compassionate and supportive mentorship and a rigorous curriculum that will serve as a foundation for the next phase in the student’s career.

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree includes two tracks for students to choose from. With the one-year track, students have the opportunity to enhance their medical or professional school applications by completing graduate science courses (similar to the first year of medical school.) With the two-year curriculum, students who wish to pursue a career in the life/biomedical sciences field or in research laboratories can gain the skills and credentials needed to do so.

Courses are taught by Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM) faculty, giving students an opportunity to learn and work with professors who have shared research interests. This allows students to grow academically in an environment focused on the biomedical and life sciences.

 Admission Requirements  to the Master's in Biomedical Program

BMS Curriculum

Marian’s biomedical sciences program offers students multiple concentrations in a first-class location. In 2011, the Wall Street Journal ranked Indianapolis as the life science hub of the United States. For students interested in continuing on to medical school or earning a professional degree, there is a capstone track that focuses on medical courses such as medical biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology. This track provides students with an opportunity to complete 38 credit-hours to finish their master’s degree in one year.

For students pursuing a career in the life or biomedical sciences, we offer a two-year thesis track. This 38 credit-hour program integrates courses similar to those offered by medical schools with research courses. This helps students develop critical thinking and research methods that prepare them for careers as research scientists.

Capstone Track

(Medical/Professional School)

Fall Semester

  • Public Health and the US Health Care System
  • Anatomy, Histology & Embryology 1
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Medical Immunology
  • Medical Physiology & Pharmacology 1
  • Biomedical Science Seminar 

Spring Semester

  • Medical Biochemistry
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Medical Physiology & Pharmacology 2
  • Anatomy, Histology & Embryology 2
  • Biostatistics and Statistical Analysis
  • Biomedical Science Seminar

Summer Semester

Capstone (Select one of three options)

  1. MCAT Prep Course
  2. Mentored Literature Review
  3. Mentored Research Project 

Total coursework Credits: 38

Thesis Track

(Research)

Complete statistical analysis and five of the remaining nine classes from the capstone track, plus the following courses:

Summer Semester
Thesis Research in Biomedical Sciences

Fall Semester
Thesis Research in Biomedical Sciences
 
Spring Semester
Thesis Research in Biomedical Sciences 

Total Research Credits: 38

 When Do Classes Start?

Semester Start Application Deadline File Completion Deadline
August 24, 2026 July 15, 2026 July 30, 2026

BMS Program Features

Marian's master's in BMS program features unique perks and benefits, which include:

  • Enhance your medical school, Ph.D., or other professional school application.
  • Guaranteed DO interview for those students who earn a 3.50 GPA in fall classes, have a minimum MCAT of 497, and must have AACOMAS application submitted by 10/15 and a complete file, including your supplemental application by 12/1.
  • Be taught by medical school faculty through a number of unique topics that will strengthen and broaden your scientific knowledge.
  • Prepare yourself for the academic rigors of a medical school curriculum.
  • Build relationships with MU-WCOM faculty and network with industry leaders throughout the Indianapolis and state communities.
  • Explore different fields in research.
  • Gain valuable experience conducting research in our biomedical science labs.

Visit our admissions requirements page for more information on how to apply to the master’s in biomedical sciences program.

Biomedical students learning in lab

Marian University’s M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program can prepare students for medical school, further graduate study, or careers in the biomedical sciences, based on the track that they choose.