Biomedical Sciences (MABS) Program Overview

The 9-month Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) program is offered in partnership with the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). It is taught on the VCOM Virginia campus, in Blacksburg. MABS students gain valuable knowledge and clinical experience to prepare for medical school and professional healthcare programs. Meeting the benchmarks in the MABS program can provide a significant advantage for acceptance into the VCOM D.O. program on one of the four VCOM campuses. The MABS program can also eliminate the lag or glide year that is mandatory in most other programs.

The online Biomedical Sciences degree (often referred to as OMABS) presents the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences 100% online, in an asynchronous format. The format and AI-monitored virtual testing will allow students to earn their master’s degree without the need to relocate to Blacksburg, VA. Just like the MABS program, OMABS will mimic a medical school curriculum and allow students to prove that they are academically ready for the rigors of medical school. While the degree is the same whether you decide to pursue your degree on-campus or online, there exist some differences beyond the classroom formats. You can learn more about the differences here.

Prepare for a Healthcare Career on Campus or Online

Our MABS program curriculum mirrors medical school by emphasizing biomedical coursework, research experience, field study, and seminars in professional development. Students spend 40+ hours interacting with rural Appalachian populations with limited access to basic health care due to location, poverty, and other systemic factors. Students teach children and adults about public health and/or participate in free clinics.

Courses within the program are taught by faculty who also teach in the VCOM D.O. program. “Faculty in this program love teaching because they play an instrumental role in shaping the lives and molding the philosophy of future physicians and scientists,” says Dr. Emily Lambert, Dean of Sciences.

The reasonable cost of tuition, no MCAT requirement, and opportunities offered by meeting the benchmarks make the BU Biomedical Sciences program the smart choice. Pursue your dream by emailing the MABS admissions office to learn how you can be among the 130 students in our program.

Please note: The MABS application cycle will open on August 12, 2022. The application deadline for this cycle is June 20, 2023. For more information, please email the Admissions Coordinator.


The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

The MABS Handbook should be utilized for more specific information on program details or policies.

Admission RequirementsBenchmarks & Acceptance to VCOMTechnical StandardsAccepted Student InformationFAQs

Tuition: $800 Per Credit Hour
Next Start: July 3, 2023 (Online)
Next Start: July 24, 2023 (Blacksburg Campus)
Time to Complete: 9-12 months

Courses &
Requirements

Online Master's Degree (MA)
Degree Requirements (37 Credits)

  • Health Policy & Social Determinants of Health (3 Credits)
  • Biochemistry (3 Credits)
  • Medical Anatomy (3 Credits)
  • Cell Physiology (3 Credits)
  • Neuroscience (3 Credits)
  • Research & Biostatistics (3 Credits)
  • Human Nutrition (3 Credits)
  • Immunology (3 Credits)
  • Histology/Embryology (4 Credits)
  • Human Genetics (3 Credits)
  • Clinical Prevention & Public Health (3 Credits)
  • Microbiology (3 Credits)
  • Epidemiology (3 Credits)
Total Credits: 37
On Campus Master's Degree (MA)
Degree Requirements (35 Credits)

  • Health Policy & Social Determinants of Health (3 Credits)
  • Biochemistry (3 Credits)
  • Medical Anatomy (3 Credits)
  • Cell Physiology (3 Credits)
  • Neuroscience (2 Credits)
  • Research & Biostatistics (3 Credits)
  • Human Nutrition (3 Credits)
  • Immunology (3 Credits)
  • Histology/Embryology (4 Credits)
  • Community Health (1 Credit)
  • Human Genetics (2 Credits)
  • Field Seminar (2 Credits P/F)
  • Microbiology (3 Credits)
Total Credits: 35

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Research Scientist
Health Policy Analyst
Biophysicist
Biomedical Technician
Epidemiologist

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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