Frequently Asked Questions - MBS

Offered by the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, MS, the MBS program offers post baccalaureate students an opportunity to pursue graduate study in the biomedical sciences. The MBS is a versatile non-thesis Master’s degree designed to thoroughly prepare participants for the professional study of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health-related sciences. In addition, MBS graduates are more competitive applicants for positions in science education and leadership, biomedical research careers, and doctoral (PhD) programs.

The MBS curriculum is designed to provide highly motivated students an intensive learning experience in the medical sciences. It can server to boost the credentials of the MBS graduates for professional school and give them foundation to excel once they enter professional school. In addition, students will have their choice of electives to complement the core requirements of their program which will allow them to personalize their education.

Many individuals wish to pursue professional degrees in osteopathic and allopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary sciences. As a result, admission to professional programs continues to be highly competitive. While success in the MBS program does not guarantee admission to other professional programs, the degree will strengthen academic credentials and demonstrate the aptitude to succeed in professional programs. Once admitted, students have a strong foundation to build on in their professional program.

Approximately 80% WCUMBS graduates have gone on to professional school after graduation.

Proposed classes include MBS Human Gross Anatomy I & II, MBS Physiology I & II, MBS Histology, Cell Physiology, MBS Genetics, Research, Biochemistry I & II, Current Topics I & II, MBS Immunology, MBS Pharmacology, MBS Neuroscience, and Microbiology. Classes may change based on demand and/or availability.

This is a non-thesis degree. There is no required laboratory research but there will be components of the curriculum related to research skills and the biomedical literature. Students may participate in research for program credit.

No. While the MBS program is within the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine, completion of the program does not guarantee admission into the WCUCOM. However, a strong showing in the MBS program is viewed favorably by the WCUCOM admissions committee, particularly when coupled with a competitive MCAT score. Faculty members of the WCUCOM admissions committee are usually instructors for the MBS courses.

These possibilities must be discussed with individual medical programs, but the norm is that courses from masters programs do not substitute for courses in medical schools. The WCUCOM does not allow prior courses to substitute for medical courses and this includes courses from the MBS program.

MBS students can, and usually do, apply to professional schools while enrolled in the program. Our program staff will do everything possible to support the student's application, regardless of when students wish to apply to professional school. Beginning fall 2012 we will be assisting students with the various components of the medical school application and will provide assistance with interview skills. Students interested in applying to professional schools should pay close attention to application deadlines and specific admission requirements.

Applications for admission will be reviewed beginning in January. To guarantee full consideration applications must be received by July 1. Early applications are encouraged. See the MBS Application Checklist for details.

Since class size is limited and some accepted students are chosen from medical school waiting lists, it is expected that there will be a waiting list for the MBS program. Offers will be made to those on the waiting list as soon as a position is available.

The MCAT is the preferred test, with a minimum score of 495 required. Alternatively, a GRE score of 900 (Q+V) on the old scale or a total score of 290 on the new GRE scale will be considered the minimum, although a particularly low score in either category will be problematic. Use the major field code 0609 (medical sciences) under the WCU institution code (1907). Additionally, a DAT score of 15 or higher will be acceptable and PCAT scores of comparable rank will also be considered.

An overall GPA on undergraduate coursework of 2.75 or higher is required. The admissions committee will review the entire transcript with a particular interest in your performance in science courses.

Students will not be allowed to matriculate into the program unless they have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and all prerequisite course requirements have been completed, including: Physics – 8 credit hours including laboratories, General/Inorganic Chemistry – 8 credit hours including laboratories, Organic Chemistry – 8 credit hours including laboratories, and Biology – 12 credit hours. Courses pertinent to mammalian biology are particularly encouraged. These could include mammalian/comparative anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, immunology, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, etc. There is not a minimum GPA for prerequisites or a minimum grade for individual prerequisite courses.

The program does not require interviews at this time. At their discretion, the admissions committee may hold a telephone interview with candidates.

Students who have applied to the WCUCOM through AACOMAS may now give permission for their WCUCOM application to be substituted for portions of the MBS application. This includes MCAT scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. See the MBS Application Checklist for additional details.

Unfortunately at this time the only financial aid available to MBS students is graduate student loans such as Stafford loans. Tuition waivers and graduate assistantships are currently not available.

Since class size is limited, a successful applicant will need to make a $250 nonrefundable deposit to hold a position in the class. The deposit will be applied to the tuition upon matriculation.