Biomedical Studies (MABS)

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Biomedical Studies (MABS) Overview

The demand for healthcare professionals has never been higher. As competition grows for advanced health science admissions, students are challenged to stand out in the crowd. The Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies (MABS) degree serves as an academic enhancement bridge to matriculating in MD, DO, PA, dental, and veterinary 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.
Application Deadlines

Varies by Term

Fall entry: July 1
Spring entry: November 1

Credits Required

30-31

The MABS program requires 30-31 credits and can be completed in one year.

Guided Research Projects

Work With Faculty

Click here to learn more about our faculty members' current research topics.

Advanced Degrees

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
    • Admissions Essay
    • Curriculum vita or resume
    • Three letters of recommendation if overall and/or required undergraduate courses (below) GPA is less than 3.0. Two must be from faculty (e.g., math, science). Only two are needed if overall and required courses GPA is greater than 3.0.
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Overall undergraduate cumulative 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.)

  • The following undergraduate courses are required for acceptance into the MABS program:
    • Introductory biology with lab (1 year, minimum 8 credits)
    • Introductory chemistry with lab (1 year, minimum 8 credits)
    • Organic chemistry with lab (minimum 4 credits)
    • Statistics (minimum 3 credits)
    • Upper-level college math (e.g., calculus, minimum 3 credits)
    • 3-4 upper-level biology courses (e.g., anatomy & physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience)

Alternatively, we also accept applications completed via PostBacCAS.  

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

The MABS program is linked with three other institutions: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), and Chatham University's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS).

Students who maintain a 3.5 GPA in MABS and who meet all other admission criteria required of the AACOMAS application are guaranteed an admission interview from WVSOM.  

For LECOM's guaranteed interview, students must provide recommendations from the MABS program director and the Health Professions Advisor and maintain a cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.2, a cumulative science GPA of 3.0, and a MABS GPA of 3.5, as calculated by AACOMAS

For both WVSOM and LECOM, an MCAT composite score of 500 or above, or an academic index score of at least 115, is also required for the guaranteed interview.  For Chatham's MPAS program, MABS students who present a CASPA-calculated GPA of 3.25 for both overall and science are guaranteed an admission interview with the PA program, provided all other admission requirements are satisfied as well. MABS students must submit CASPA no more than one year after graduating from MABS in order to remain eligible for the guaranteed interview. 

NOTE: Chatham and other institutions reserve the right to adjust linkages based on changing admission requirements and enrollment trends.

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.

View Course Catalog

The administration and instructors do a great job in preparing you and are vested in your future success! They were easily accessible and will work with you to accomplish your goal.

— YEVGENIY ZELONDZHEV, MABS ‘20

Photo of a medical professional surrounded by students in yellow protective suits and medical caps, perform a medical procedure.

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 : Checkerboard 1 - State-of-the-Art Cadaver Lab
Photo of Chatham University Professor Erin Williams-Hatala working in a lab

Research Opportunities

Engaging in guided research projects, students have opportunities to learn cutting edge theoretical and practical skills, while exploring interests in human physiology, evolution, microbiology, environmental chemistry, computational modeling, and more. Click the button below to read more about our faculty members' current research topics. We encourage students to identify with a faculty member's research interests first, then to email their graduate admission recruiter to discuss applying.

Learn About Research : Checkerboard 2 - Research Opportunities
Decorative image reading Faculty Listing

Program Faculty

Chatham's Biomedical Studies faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way. 

Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 3 - Program Faculty
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Tuition & Funding

The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Chatham also offers a 20% corporate partner discount, graduate assistantships, and professional campus work positions for many graduate programs that can help make a Chatham graduate education more affordable. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available. 

Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 4 - Tuition & Funding
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Visits & Events

Start the next steps in your graduate journey at Chatham University by visiting campus or attending upcoming events. Join virtual info sessions, open houses, or admitted student sessions to learn about our programs and the application process, interact with faculty, and experience the Chatham community. Click the button below to view the schedule and register, and email graduate@chatham.edu with any questions.

View Graduate Event Schedule : Checkerboard 5 - Visits & Events

Biomedical Studies (MABS)

Photo of a student wearing glasses and a mask, feeding fish in an aquarium

All the Ways to Do Research @ Chatham

Video Games Made Kevin Cloud, MABS ’22, Want to be a Dentist

Blurred photo of a busy hospital corridor

From MABS to Physician Assistant Studies

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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.

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

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

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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