WVSOM Bridge Program
West Liberty University & WV School of Osteopathic Medicine
Joint Master of Arts in Biology with Medical School Emphasis
The Master of Arts in Biology, with a major in Biomedical Sciences (MAB), is designed for students to demonstrate they can be successful at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). Students will take West Liberty University graduate-level courses in human biology and medicine to improve their overall academic credentials and prove they can handle the rigors of medical school.
Learn about West Liberty University's accelerated Master's Program in Biomedical Sciences that links to Medical School. Finish in 1 year!
Requirements for Guaranteed Bridge Admission to WVSOM:
For Students Who Meet the Guaranteed Bridge Admissions Criteria:
• Students must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.4 with a 3.2 Science GPA by July 15th (application deadline).
• Have at least one recommendation from an M.D. or D.O. (non-relative), one recommendation from a pre-med advisor, and one additional recommendation from a faculty member or employer.
• Have an MCAT score of 498 or higher by July 15th (application deadline).
• Complete AACOMAS application, WVSOM supplemental application, and all other documents required for matriculation at WVSOM.
• Date of matriculation to West Liberty (August)
• 1st semester (15 credit hours) August to December
• 2nd semester (15 credit hours) January to May
• Graduation (2nd weekend of May)
• After acceptance, students must complete the bridge program within one year from the date of matriculation.
• Students must graduate from the bridge program with a GPA of 3.4 or higher and have no more than one “C” grade in their graduate coursework.
• Deposit due within 2 weeks of graduation and acceptance to WVSOM
Requirements for Non Guaranteed GAP Year Program
For Students Who Meet the Non Guaranteed GAP Admissions Criteria:
- Students must have an undergraduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. Consideration will be given to students receiving a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated area as long as 18 biology course credits were completed.
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher with a science GPA of 2.8 or higher.
- Rolling admission – applicants are due before the start of classes in the ensuing fall or spring semester
- Applications are due prior to July 15th
- Applicants reviewed
- WVSOM pre-matriculation interviews will be in June or early July
- Date of matriculation to West Liberty (August)
- 1st semester (15 credit hours) August to December
- 2nd semester (15 credit hours) January to May
- Graduation (2nd weekend of May)
- Deposit due within 2 weeks of graduation and acceptance to WVSOM
Applicants submit their applications before the semester starts in Fall or Spring.
Application Deadlines
- June 1st is the application deadline for students who
do not meet the minimum MCAT and GPA requirements for guaranteed admission. - July 15th is the application deadline for students eligible for guaranteed admission to WVSOM.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 304-336-8015.
Instructions for Applying Through CAS
- 1. Click on the CAS system that corresponds with your graduate program.
- 2. Create a CAS account if you haven’t already.
- 3. Log into your CAS account.
- 4. Go to the Program Search section and search for West Liberty University.
- 5. Select West Liberty University and choose the specific graduate program you are applying to.
- 6. Follow the application instructions provided on the program’s main page within the CAS portal.
- 7. Important: All official transcripts must be submitted directly through CAS to complete your application.
The MAB Program Requirements:
- Students must take a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Biomedical Science major, of the following disciplines:
- Anatomy, histology, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pathology, cell biology, and/or genetics.
- Students must complete the MAB in one year from the date of matriculation.
Students who successfully complete the MAB with the specified GPA and MCAT score will be guaranteed admission to the upcoming Osteopathic Medical School class at WVSOM.
Graduation from the MAB Program:
- Successful completion of the MAB requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher and no more than six (6) credit hours of “C” grades may be applied to the total hours for graduation.
- Students who wish to be considered for admission who did not meet the Guaranteed Admission Requirements to WVSOM may apply through the regular admission process and their application will be reviewed after the first semester and may be invited to interview by the WVSOM admission office for matriculation to WVSOM after completion of the MAB. Students who graduate from the program, who apply the following year will have their files reviewed by WVSOM for next year’s admission cycle.
Biomedical Major Required Courses:
Fall Semester (14 hours)
BIO 502 3 credit hours Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO 503 1 credit hour Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
BIO 570 3 credit hours Biological Chemistry
BIO 513 1 credit hour Professional course/MCAT prep
Elective 1 3 or 4 credit hours
Elective 2 3 credit hours
Total hours = 14 or 15 credit hours
Optional Electives (Need at least 4 courses)
BIO 501 3 credit hours Advanced Genetics and Geonomics
BIO 507 3 credit hours Human Genetics
BIO 512 3 credit hours Neuroscience
BIO 516 3 credit hours Medical Microbiology
BIO 532 4 credit hours Histology
BIO 534 3 credit hours Endocrinology
BIO 560 3 credit hours Molecular Biology
BIO 562 3 credit hours Microbial Pathogenesis
BIO 564 3 credit hours Medical Parasitology
BIO 565 3 credit hours Virology
BIO 572 3 credit hours Cell Biology
Spring Semester (16 hours)
BIO 528 3 credit hours Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO 529 1 credit hour Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
BIO 523 3 credit hours Pathophysiology (or Elective)
BIO 517 3 credit hours Advanced Immunology
Elective 3 3 credit hours
Elective 4 3 credit hours
Total hours = 16 credit hours