Biomedical Studies (MABS)

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800-837-1290

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412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

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chathamadmissions@chatham.edu

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Biomedical Studies (MABS) Overview

The demand for physicians, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals has never been higher. As competition grows for medical school admissions, students face challenges when it comes to standing out in the crowd. The Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies (MABS) degree serves as an academic enhancement bridge to matriculating in MD, DO, dental, and PA programs. With a curriculum dedicated to professional preparation—including MCAT content—the one-year MABS program at Chatham is the right choice for students looking to boost their credentials for advanced health science degrees.

Degrees Offered
  • MA
Program School
School of Arts, Science & Business
Application Deadlines

Varies by Term

Fall entry: July 1
Spring entry: November 1

Credits Required

30-31

The program can be completed in one year

Cost Per Credit

$1,017

Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.

Advanced Degree Programs

High Success Rate

We are proud that 90% of our students matriculate in advanced degree programs following graduation.

Explore the Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies Program:

Admission Requirements 

  • Completed application for admission, including:
    • Online application
    • One to two page essay on career plans and reasons for pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical studies
    • Curriculum vita or resume
    • Two letters of recommendation (three if GPA is less than 3.0). At least one recommendation must be from an academic source, preferably from a math or science professor.
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and overall science grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, for all transcripts (undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate). Admission for students with less than a 3.0 overall and science GPA is rare but possible with clear evidence of improved academic or professional development (e.g. research or work experience, GRE scores, MCAT scores, etc.)
  • Possession of a baccalaureate degree in biology or a related field from an accredited college or university. At a minimum, students should have successfully completed the following:
    • 1 year introductory biology (with lab)
    • 1 year introductory chemistry (with lab)
    • 1 semester organic chemistry with lab (2 semesters preferred)
    • 1 course in statistics
    • 1 additional college-level mathematics course
    • 3–4 upper level courses in human biology, biochemistry, or psychobiology. 

Students who are admitted conditionally may be required to enroll in the online Harvard HMX Fundamentals courses in immunology, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry prior to starting the program.

For more information about the Harvard HMX program, please email Tyson Schrader.

Alternatively, we also accept applications completed via PostBacCAS.

Prospective students who have an overall GPA and science GPA close to or higher than 3.0 and have no more than one missing prerequisite are welcome to email an unofficial copy of their transcript for evaluation of their qualifications in advance of applying. 

 

Admissions materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: 412-365-1609
Email

BIO516: Advanced Neuroscience

A study of the structure and function of the human central and peripheral nervous system, including vascular components and special senses.

BIO519: Immunology

This course covers fundamental principles of immunology with emphasis on molecular and cellular immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, complement, major histocompatibility complexes, and the cellular basis for the immune response. Three hours of lecture per week.

BIO512L: Advanced Human Gross Anatomy Lab

This course uses human cadavers to facilitate a deeper appreciation for regional gross human anatomic structures. The course is clinically oriented with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, urinary and reproductive systems, via regional study of the head/neck, trunk, and upper/lower extremities.

Full Curriculum Coming Soon

The professors at Chatham truly care about your success and try their best to advise and guide you in the right direction for your future careers. My experience at Chatham was crucial to my current success, and I am so thankful for everything that I learned there from the coursework and the people.

—Sabina Spigner, MABS ‘18

Our Faculty

Faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field.

Full Faculty
Lisa Lambert
Lisa Lambert
Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Learning & Professor of Biology

State-of-the-Art Cadaver Lab

Biomedical Studies students benefit from our state-of-the-art cadaver lab that provides hands-on-training, education, and preparation in the study of anatomy, disease sites, dissection, and surgical techniques. A number of cadaver lab visits are available for interested students. 

Schedule a Visit

Guaranteed Interviews

Students who graduate from the program with a CASPA calculated GPA of 3.25 or higher for both overall and science are guaranteed an admission interview for Chatham’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, if submitting the CASPA application within one year of graduating from the MABS program. Students who maintain a 3.5 GPA in MABS and who qualify for admission to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine are guaranteed an admission interview.

Help Funding Your Degree

Admitted students who plan to start in the fall term may apply for one of the limited number of assistantships available, typically to provide research assistance, lab assistance, or teaching assistance to undergraduate courses. Graduate assistantships offer funding in the form of tuition remission in the fall and spring terms.

Learn More

MS in Biology

Looking to start a career in research, science communication, education, healthcare informatics, or government and advocacy? Chatham offers a Master of Science in Biology degree (with or without a thesis option).

Learn More

Student Outcomes

Graduates have gone on to attend schools of medicine at University of Pittsburgh, Howard, LECOM, St. Georges and West Virginia universities; physician assistant studies programs at Chatham University and the University of Pittsburgh; the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. Georges University; and the College of Dentistry at CUNY Queens.

Health Professions Advising Committee

Our faculty and staff can assist you with job shadowing, portfolio preparation, and mock interviews.