Biomedical Sciences

MS

The Biomedical Sciences Department offers a program of graduate education providing an advanced level of study for students interested in biology as it relates to human health, medicine and disease.

• Major emphasis in the program is placed on developing an understanding of the mechanisms involved in human diseases and providing broad-based training in both basic and applied biomedical sciences.
• The MS degree has two tracks. You may apply for entry into our research-based Thesis Track or our coursework-based Non-Thesis Track to best fit your career goals.
  • The Thesis Track requirements include a thesis based on hypothesis-driven research conducted by the student to enhance problem-solving abilities and the student’s capacity to function more effectively in the biomedical field.
  • The Non-Thesis Track is designed for students who want to gain knowledge in the biomedical sciences by taking courses focused on human health and disease without a research component. This track may be suitable for a variety of students, including those who currently work in a laboratory setting and wish to obtain a higher degree and those requiring a degree beyond the bachelor’s level to teach.
• You will work with distinguished faculty, all of whom hold their PhDs, come from diverse research backgrounds, actively engage in research and perform active service activities.

An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus the following requirements to be considered for admission:

1. The program primarily enrolls individuals with backgrounds in biomedical sciences or related fields who have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution. For students entering without a degree in a related area, the faculty determines deficiencies to be overcome prior to admission. Applications will not be reviewed until all required materials are obtained by the program. Applications will be accepted for Spring or Fall/Summer starts for the program. Students are admitted to the Program in the Summer/Fall or Spring terms; applicants specify the term for which they intend to enroll. For enrollment beginning in the Summer or Fall terms, all completed applications received prior to January 15th will receive consideration. For enrollment beginning in the Spring term, all completed applications received prior to October 15th will receive consideration. Completed applications received after these deadlines may be considered for their respective terms if there is available space in the program. Students may enroll on a full-time or a part-time basis.

2. Applicants may be admitted to regular status if their grade point average is the equivalent of 2.75 or above (scale of 4.0). Averages below 2.75 may be considered for admission on a probationary basis, in which case particular attention is given to the last 60 hours completed in the undergraduate program, with special emphasis on performance in biomedical science-related courses. Probationary status is removed after successful completion of the first eight graduate credits with a grade point average of 3.0 or above.

3. Graduate Record Examination scores on the General Test are optional.

4. Three letters of reference, preferably from academic and/or research sources or supervisors, must be provided.

5. The applicant must provide a statement of not more than 1,000 words providing career objectives and reasons for seeking a degree in the UWM Biomedical Sciences Graduate program.

6. Students must identify, at the time of applying, whether they seek enrollment in the Thesis Track or Non-Thesis Track. Students wishing to change tracks after admission must receive approval of the program.

The minimum degree requirement is 32 graduate credits.

Thesis Track

Eighteen (18) core curricular credits and a minimum of 8 credits in research (BMS 799) must be taken. Substitutions to these courses require approval of the Program.

Course List

The remaining none credits required for the degree are electives, of which at least six must be taken for graduate credit from within the BMS Program. Program approval is required for BMS 590 credits to be applied toward the degree. BMS 599: Independent Study does not count toward completion of the degree. No more than three credits of BMS 999: Advanced Independent Study will be counted for the Thesis Track.

Non-Thesis Track

Fourteen (14) core curricular credits (one from each of the four categories below and BMS seminar), as well as the 2 credit Capstone Course (BMS 890) must be completed. Substitutions to these courses require approval of the Program..

Course List

Of the remaining 16 credits required for the degree, a minimum of 6 credits (excluding BMS 999) must be taken for graduate credit within the BMS Program. Up to ten credits may be taken as elective courses at the graduate level. These elective courses may be within the BMS Program or outside of the Program. BMS 999 will not be counted toward the Non-Thesis Track without approval from the Program.