
Master of Biomedical Sciences
Prepare for a career that makes a difference. 海角直播鈥檚 Biomedical Sciences (MBS) Program is your gateway to dental, medical, optometry, physician assistant, or podiatric schools, as well as diverse science careers.
This versatile program enhances your chances of acceptance into competitive dental, medical, optometry, physician assistant, or podiatric programs and unlocks opportunities in industries like biomedical research, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. Graduates may also find rewarding roles with prominent government agencies, including the EPA, NIH, NSF, or CDC, as well as in forensic science, public health, regulatory affairs, medical writing, clinical trial management, and healthcare consulting.
This non-thesis master鈥檚 program can be fully completed in-person or online synchronous. It is tailored for students pursuing dental, medical or other professional healthcare tracks and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters). While most students finish within this timeframe, the program offers flexibility for those who need more time. First semester students generally take between 10 and 13 credits.
Located in the SF Bay Area with a synchronous remote option
The MBS program is a specialized master鈥檚 degree designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, psychology, or other related science fields. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria:
鈥BA or BS degree awarded from a regionally accredited university
鈥Personal Statement
鈥Resume/CV
鈥At least one letter of recommendation
鈥Minimum recommended cumulative and science GPAs of 2.8 for all previous coursework
鈥Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab. All pre-requisite courses must have an earned grade of C or higher.*
鈥Submitting an MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc. score is not required; however, if you have taken an exam, you are welcome to include your score with your application
*Applicants with more than two prerequisites in progress for dental, medical or PA school are encouraged to apply for the MBS program once those courses are completed. Applicants who are missing more than one prerequisite, should also consider completing the necessary prerequisites before applying.
We use PostBacCAS by Liaison for our MBS applications. This is a centralized application system allowing applicants to use a single online application and one set of credentials to apply for post-baccalaureate or specialized graduate degree programs.
Please click the APPLY button on the right side of this screen to access PostBacCAS.
For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, MBS Program Director, at mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu or Pamela S. Johnson, MS, Associate Director for Student Support & Engagement, at pjohnson1@samuelmerritt.edu.
海角直播 is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Our rigorous biomedical sciences curriculum is designed to prepare students for their first year of dental or medical didactic education. The following 35 credits of coursework consist of 29 core credits and 6 elective credits:
Elective courses (6 credits required) will vary by semester. Anticipated electives include:
*All students pursuing a medical program (DO, MD, OPT, PA, POD, etc.) must take Neuroscience. Oral Pathology may be an elective option.
**All students pursuing a dental program (DDS, DMD) must take Oral Pathology. Neuroscience may be an elective option.
Application Fees
Application fees are paid directly to PostBacCAS, which is the centralized application service we use for MBS applications and is non-refundable. We do not have a fee waiver process for PostBacCAS fees.
Non-Refundable Tuition Deposit
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class.
Program Tuition, Books & Fees
The MBS program requires 35 credits. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition is $1,100 per credit or a total of $38,500. We do anticipate tuition will increase slightly each academic year.
Electronic versions of textbooks are included as part of your tuition.
Lab fees for some elective courses will range from $150 to $200 depending on materials to be provided.
For additional information, please visit Student Accounts.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming.鈥疻e are here to help. The Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process.鈥疶he SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student.鈥疻e have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu鈥痮r 510.879.9200.
This versatile program enhances your chances of acceptance into competitive dental, medical, optometry, physician assistant, or podiatric programs and unlocks opportunities in industries like biomedical research, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. Graduates may also find rewarding roles with prominent government agencies, including the EPA, NIH, NSF, or CDC, as well as in forensic science, public health, regulatory affairs, medical writing, clinical trial management, and healthcare consulting.
This non-thesis master鈥檚 program can be fully completed in-person or online synchronous. It is tailored for students pursuing dental, medical or other professional healthcare tracks and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters). While most students finish within this timeframe, the program offers flexibility for those who need more time. First semester students generally take between 10 and 13 credits.
Located in the SF Bay Area with a synchronous remote option
The MBS program is a specialized master鈥檚 degree designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, psychology, or other related science fields. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria:
鈥BA or BS degree awarded from a regionally accredited university
鈥Personal Statement
鈥Resume/CV
鈥At least one letter of recommendation
鈥Minimum recommended cumulative and science GPAs of 2.8 for all previous coursework
鈥Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab. All pre-requisite courses must have an earned grade of C or higher.*
鈥Submitting an MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc. score is not required; however, if you have taken an exam, you are welcome to include your score with your application
*Applicants with more than two prerequisites in progress for dental, medical or PA school are encouraged to apply for the MBS program once those courses are completed. Applicants who are missing more than one prerequisite, should also consider completing the necessary prerequisites before applying.
We use PostBacCAS by Liaison for our MBS applications. This is a centralized application system allowing applicants to use a single online application and one set of credentials to apply for post-baccalaureate or specialized graduate degree programs.
Please click the APPLY button on the right side of this screen to access PostBacCAS.
For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, MBS Program Director, at mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu or Pamela S. Johnson, MS, Associate Director for Student Support & Engagement, at pjohnson1@samuelmerritt.edu.
海角直播 is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Our rigorous biomedical sciences curriculum is designed to prepare students for their first year of dental or medical didactic education. The following 35 credits of coursework consist of 29 core credits and 6 elective credits:
Elective courses (6 credits required) will vary by semester. Anticipated electives include:
*All students pursuing a medical program (DO, MD, OPT, PA, POD, etc.) must take Neuroscience. Oral Pathology may be an elective option.
**All students pursuing a dental program (DDS, DMD) must take Oral Pathology. Neuroscience may be an elective option.
Application Fees
Application fees are paid directly to PostBacCAS, which is the centralized application service we use for MBS applications and is non-refundable. We do not have a fee waiver process for PostBacCAS fees.
Non-Refundable Tuition Deposit
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class.
Program Tuition, Books & Fees
The MBS program requires 35 credits. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition is $1,100 per credit or a total of $38,500. We do anticipate tuition will increase slightly each academic year.
Electronic versions of textbooks are included as part of your tuition.
Lab fees for some elective courses will range from $150 to $200 depending on materials to be provided.
For additional information, please visit Student Accounts.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming.鈥疻e are here to help. The Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process.鈥疶he SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student.鈥疻e have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu鈥痮r 510.879.9200.
Applicants must have the following to be considered for admission to the program:
*Applicants with more than two prerequisites in progress for dental, medical or PA school are encouraged to apply for the MBS program once those courses are completed. Applicants who are missing more than one prerequisite, should also consider completing the necessary prerequisites before applying.
Please see the ADMISSION tab above for additional information.
All SMU students have access to extensive databases and articles within our library system and a highly trained library staff to assist your research needs
Personal Statement assistance through MBS 600 course
Mock interview preparation for all professional school tracks
How long is the MBS program?
The MBS program is 35 credit hours completed in one year (3 semesters). Due to our course schedule, the program cannot be completed in less than 3 semesters. However, the program allows flexibility if a student wishes to extend the length of the program as long as it is completed within 7 years of your start date.
Can I complete the MBS program in-person or online?
The MBS program is located at our Oakland, CA campus. Students can elect to take classes in-person or through our synchronous remote option. Faculty members teach from the classroom or lab. Students either join the professor in-person in the classroom, or they join remotely at the time class is being offered (PT). If you choose to learn remotely, you are expected to participate with your professors and peers, and you may be expected to have your camera turned on.
Can I work during the program?
We encourage students to focus on their rigorous graduate studies while enrolled in the MBS program. Our classes are offered at set times based on faculty availability and we cannot schedule your lectures or labs around your work schedule. If you must work, we encourage you to consider part-time employment to maximize your success in the MBS program. You may also wish to speak to our Program Director to consider part-time enrollment.
What are the technology requirements for the program?
Students must be able to satisfy computer hardware and software system requirements prior to enrolling in classes to complete assignments and assessments. While smartphones are convenient and may be utilized for some course functions, they cannot be the primary device for completing program coursework.
We actively collaborate with professional schools to provide our MBS students with networking and advocacy opportunities for their healthcare futures. Please review our current signed professional school affiliation agreements: Dental, Medical, Physician Assistant, Podiatry
Dental
We currently have one signed agreement with a dental school and are actively working on others.
Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM)
This information represents a summary of the key agreement details. MBS program administration will assist students in confirming full agreement details.
Medical
We currently have five signed agreements with medical schools and are actively working on others.
Medical School Interview Agreements:
This information represents summaries of the key agreement details. MBS program administration will assist students in confirming full agreement details.
California Health Sciences University (CHSU)
Available for up to five (5) SMU MBS students who:
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)
Available for up to a total of ten (10) SMU MBS students each year who:
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMUDCOM)
Available for an unlimited number of SMU MBS students each year who:
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM)
To be eligible for the Program, students must, at the time of application:
Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM)
Available for up to a total of ten (10) SMU MBS graduate students each academic year who:
Physician Assistant
We have signed a guaranteed interview agreement with our own Master Physician Assistant (MPA) Program
Master Physician Assistant Program (MPA) at 海角直播
This information represents a summary of the key agreement details. MBS program administration will assist students in confirming full agreement details.
Podiatry
We have a signed admission agreement with our own College of Podiatric Medicine
College of Podiatric Medicine at 海角直播
This information represents a summary of the key agreement details. MBS program administration will assist students in confirming full agreement details.