Applications for the 2024/25 academic year are now open.
Among the many post-bac programs offered around the country, and even at Drexel University, the Master of Science in Biomedical Studies (MBS) program stands out with its unique blend of undergraduate and graduate coursework and MCAT preparation. Located on Drexel University's Center City Campus in Philadelphia, Pa., this full-time, two-year special master's program is designed for students with a lower undergraduate science GPA. It offers a unique opportunity to enhance students' credentials to become competitive applicants for medical or other health professional schools. The structured, carefully balanced biomedical studies curriculum evolved from our former one-year Medical Science Preparatory and second-year Master of Science in Biological Science programs.
What does the Biomedical Studies program offer?
Stepwise academic challenge
In Year 1, advanced undergraduate science courses in chemistry and physics help boost students' science competencies and undergraduate science GPA; graduate coursework supports implementing study and time-management skills essential to succeed in the rigorous second-year coursework.
In Year 2, students immerse themselves in coursework equivalent to the first year of medical school, taught by the same College of Medicine faculty members who teach Drexel medical students. Students' academic success will demonstrate their readiness for medical and other health professional schools and, if certain criteria are met, guarantees an interview with Drexel's MD program.
Extensive preparation for the MCAT
Both undergraduate and relevant graduate coursework (including biochemistry and psychology) are designed to provide the background tested in the various sections of the revised MCAT. MBS also includes a dedicated on-campus, year-long MCAT preparation course offered by Princeton Review, to further enhance the coursework and instill strong test-taking skills.
Building a strong application portfolio
The Biomedical Studies program focus extends beyond academics to support the growth of a well-rounded applicant by providing opportunities for community service and summer research. Our team-based holistic advisement approach helps students fine-tune all steps of the medical school application process.
Biomedical Studies students also benefit from our linkage and affiliation opportunities. Students who take the full Biomedical Studies curriculum and meet specific GPA and MCAT criteria are guaranteed an interview with Drexel University College of Medicine's MD program. Additional linkage and affiliation agreements exist with Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (New York) and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).
Please visit the curriculum page for more information
Admission to the MD Program
A number of academically excellent pre-medical and pre-health program graduate students are interviewed each year for admission to Drexel University College of Medicine's MD program. The MD program enrolls a strong cohort of students from our pre-med and pre-health programs. For the past several years, pre-med and pre-health graduates comprised about ten percent of the entering MD class.
Meet Our Faculty
Tameka Jackson-Leung, DHSc, teaches Diversity in Healthcare and serves as a co-instructor for the Community Dimensions of Medicine course. These courses are offered via the Master of Science in Biomedical Studies program, and the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program, within the Division of Pre-medical and Pre-health Programs of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies. Read more.
Meet Our Students & Alumni
"The unique aspect of the MBS program is that it does not focus solely on improving one aspect of one’s medical school application, such as grades. The program is comprehensive and designed to improve all aspects of one’s application, and it also provides application support."
Read Caroline's Story
"I don't think I would be in medical school if it weren't for the Biomedical Studies program. It not only helped me with my GPA, but I significantly increased my MCAT score too. Additionally, the faculty helped me with figuring out where to apply, gave me advice on my essay and prepared me for interviews." Read Brian's Story
In The Media
Erica Riddick, MS Biomedical Studies '20, MD '24, wrote about "Health Disparities During COVID-19" in the winter 2021 issue of Pulse. Read more (see page 3).
Media Watch: Drexel Students 3-D Print a Helping Hand for Young Violinist
When 11-year-old Julian Caraballo performed in his elementary school's spring concert this year, he saw a few new fans in the audience: three Drexel University graduate students. More...
Drexel graduate students create device to help young musician
A local boy is able to play the violin better than ever and it's all thanks to a couple of graduate students. More...