Master of Arts (MA) in Biomedical Science
Advance your healthcare career through West Liberty University’s accelerated, one-year Master of Arts in Biomedical Science. Build a strong foundation for medical and health professions programs, including the WVSOM Bridge Program.
Advance your path to medical
and health professions school
The Master of Arts in Biomedical Science provides graduate-level preparation for students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and related health professions. Through advanced biomedical coursework and personalized faculty support, students develop the academic foundation and confidence needed to compete for admission to professional programs.
At A
Glance
Build a stronger academic portfolio and gain advanced biomedical knowledge through an accelerated master’s program designed to prepare students for professional healthcare education.
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Biomedical Science
Total Credits: 30 credit hours
Format: On-campus
Time to Completion: Accelerated one-year program
Special Opportunity: WVSOM Bridge Program pathway
Institution: West Liberty University, West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education
Who This
Program is For
This program is designed for students who want to strengthen their preparation for medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, physician assistant, or other professional health programs. It is especially valuable for students seeking to enhance their academic credentials and demonstrate readiness for advanced healthcare education.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Plan to apply to medical school and want to strengthen their academic profile
- Need additional biomedical science coursework to improve competitiveness for professional programs
- Are pursuing careers in dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or physician assistant studies
- Want graduate-level preparation similar to first-year medical school coursework
- Desire a pathway that includes the potential for WVSOM Bridge Program participation
Background Requirement: Applicants typically hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, though applicants from other disciplines may be considered with sufficient biology coursework.
Career &
Outcomes
The Master of Arts in Biomedical Science develops advanced scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills that prepare graduates for success in professional healthcare programs and biomedical careers. Students gain a deeper understanding of human biology and medical sciences while strengthening their readiness for graduate and professional education.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Medical School (M.D. or D.O.)
- Physician Assistant Programs
- Dental School
- Pharmacy School
- Veterinary School
- Biomedical and Clinical Research Organizations
Employment in biomedical and medical science occupations
Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 11% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting continued demand for healthcare and biomedical research expertise.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Scientists Occupational Outlook
Median annual wage for medical scientists
- Median Annual Wage: Approximately $101,800+
- Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Scientists Occupational Outlook
Why Earn Your
Master of Arts in Biomedical Science at WLU?
At West Liberty University, you’ll benefit from a supportive learning environment, personalized faculty mentorship, and a curriculum designed specifically to help students achieve their professional healthcare goals. The program combines academic rigor with individualized support in a welcoming Hilltop community.
Program highlights include:
- Accelerated one-year completion pathway
- Graduate-level biomedical science curriculum
- Opportunity to participate in the WVSOM Bridge Program
- Faculty mentorship and personalized support
- Proven preparation for professional healthcare programs
- Affordable public university tuition and value
Tuition, Cost
& Value
Detailed tuition and cost information is available online.
Designed to provide an affordable pathway toward professional healthcare education
One-year format may reduce overall educational costs and time to degree
Eligible students may qualify for financial aid assistance
Strong return on investment through enhanced professional school competitiveness
Public university value with personalized support and instruction
Program
Format
The Master of Arts in Biomedical Science is structured to help students complete their degree in as little as one year while receiving focused preparation for professional health programs. The curriculum emphasizes intensive, in-person learning and close engagement with faculty.
Program delivery highlights include:
- On-campus program experience
- Accelerated one-year completion option
- Approximately 15 credit hours during fall semester
- Approximately 15 credit hours during spring semester
- Faculty-guided preparation for professional school admissions
- Structured curriculum designed to mirror the rigor of health professional education
What
You’ll Learn
Students develop advanced biomedical knowledge, analytical reasoning, and professional competencies necessary for success in healthcare and biomedical professions. The curriculum is designed to strengthen scientific understanding while preparing students for the challenges of professional education.
Biomedical Sciences Foundation
- Advanced human biology concepts
- Medical science fundamentals
- Disease processes and human health
- Applied biomedical knowledge
Scientific Analysis & Research
- Critical evaluation of scientific literature
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Research methodology
- Evidence-based decision-making
Professional School Readiness
- Advanced academic preparation
- Professional examination readiness
- Clinical and healthcare problem-solving
- Graduate-level learning strategies
Communication & Professional Development
- Scientific communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Professional ethics
- Healthcare professionalism
Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum combines advanced biomedical science coursework with educational experiences designed to enhance academic preparedness for medical and health professions programs. Students complete a focused sequence of courses that build scientific expertise and professional readiness.
Curriculum features include:
- Rigorous graduate-level biomedical science coursework
- Courses designed to strengthen medical school readiness
- Preparation for professional school entrance examinations
- Elective opportunities that support individual career goals
- Structured one-year completion model
Program Length: 30 credit hours total
Graduate Program
Concentrations
The Master of Arts in Biomedical Science does not currently offer formal concentrations. Instead, students follow a focused curriculum specifically designed to strengthen preparation for medical and health professions programs.
WVSOM Bridge Program Pathway
Students who meet specific academic, MCAT, and application requirements may participate in the WVSOM Bridge Program pathway. This opportunity allows qualified students to strengthen their credentials while pursuing a route toward admission at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Admissions
Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate academic preparation for graduate-level biomedical science coursework and a commitment to pursuing careers in healthcare or related professional fields. Admissions decisions consider academic background, performance, and potential for success in advanced study.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completed graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Preferred background in biology, chemistry, or a related science field
- Official academic transcripts
- Additional application materials as required by Graduate Admissions
- Applicants to the WVSOM Bridge pathway must meet additional GPA, MCAT, and recommendation requirements
WVSOM Bridge Program Requirements
For guaranteed bridge consideration, qualified applicants must meet standards that include:
- 3.4 overall undergraduate GPA
- 3.2 science GPA
- MCAT score of 498 or higher
- Required recommendations
- Completion of WVSOM application requirements
- Successful completion of the master’s program with a 3.4 graduate GPA or higher and no more than one C grade
Ready to Advance
Your Career
Take the next step toward medical school or another health professions program with a graduate degree designed to strengthen your academic credentials and professional readiness. At West Liberty University, you’ll find rigorous coursework, supportive faculty, and a welcoming community dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.