MS in Biology of Health

The Master of Science in Biology of Health (MSBH) program is a postbaccalaureate premedical program designed to provide graduate-level health sciences and basic biomedical training. It is intended for US resident students who intend to transition to medical and other health professions schools (e.g., dentistry, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, etc.), and enables them to complete additional coursework in the foundational sciences, demonstrate the ability to succeed in graduate-level studies, and prepare for national admissions examinations.

As well as taking courses, students participating in the MSBH Program will be advised by the NJIT Pre-Health Advisory Committee, which provides mentorship on course selection, professional school applications, and national admissions examinations (MCAT or similar). It is also the formal entity behind the 'committee letter' of recommendation that most health professional schools prefer to receive.

Students are expected to complete a total of 30 university course credits (usually 10 courses). This includes 18 credits from 6 required courses, at least 3 credits (1 course) from the list of neuroscience electives, and 9 credits (3 courses) from the list of other elective courses. Required courses can be substituted with good justification and permission by the program advisor, and a second neuroscience elective can count towards the other elective requirements. Students may choose an elective outside the list with approval of the program advisor.

In order to graduate, students must have achieved a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for 24 credits, with no more than 6 credits of C grades and no failing grades. Courses in which a student received a failing grade must be repeated and can only be satisfied by earning a grade of B or better.

The typical study time to complete the program is either one year (Summer-Fall-Spring or Fall-Spring-Summer) or eighteen months (Fall-Spring-Fall or Fall-Spring-Summer-Fall). Applicants wanting the first sequence will have the option to select a Summer start in the admissions portal. Note that summer courses are relatively intense and require a significant time commitment while they are in session. Also note that we recommend taking only the course load that will guarantee your best performance in each course, as that is what will matter the most to your subsequent application. Consult the program director if you have questions. No matter what, you will be advised on the best sequence of courses to show significant advancement for early applications to medical or other professional programs. The sequence of course work for each student will be planned with the Pre-Health Committee and targeted to the dates of specific professional program application deadlines and admissions tests (MCAT or similar).

For more information, please contact the director: Dr. Daphne Soares soares@njit.edu