Office: 1128 Scott Hall
Program Director: George S. Brush, Ph.D.

The Basic Medical Sciences (BMS) program offers a didactic, multidisciplinary (broadly-based), and human biology-oriented curriculum. The BMS program can enhance the academic preparation of individuals holding a bachelor's, master's or professional degree who are seeking to subsequently matriculate into human or veterinary medical, dental, or pharmacological professional degree programs. The curriculum can facilitate career advancement of individuals employed in the areas of biomedical research and science education. The curriculum is NOT for individuals holding M.D., D.D.S., Pharm.D. or equivalent degrees; such individuals interested in medical or biomedical research are referred to the M.S. in Medical Research program (see below).

The curriculum involves courses from several basic science departments and programs, each one representing a unique discipline within the Wayne State University School of Medicine. At least one BMS CORE course from each of at least four different disciplines is required. The curriculum also has advanced basic medical science electives. The Master of Science in Basic Medical Sciences degree is a Plan B master's essay curriculum that requires an original critical evaluation of a specific topic in current biomedical science commonly based on analysis of current biomedical literature; original experimental research is not required.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the BMS program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. A minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent is required. A major in a biological or chemical science is preferred; applicants with other majors will be considered. Applicants must have completed at least one year of general biology, two years of chemistry (inorganic and organic), and one year of physics at the undergraduate level or above. An earned cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 together with strong science grades are required for regular admission. Applications must be submitted online (see url at the end of this paragraph). A complete application requires submission of the basic application form, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, transcripts from all prior academic institutions in which the applicant is/was enrolled, and a recent standardized test score (original or copy): either MCAT, DAT, GRE or PCAT. Copies of transcripts may be submitted for application review; however, the Graduate School will require submission of an official transcript showing degree awarded prior to enrollment.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Basic Medical Sciences is offered only as a Plan B master's degree that requires completion of thirty-four credits in the BMS curriculum and must include a graded Master's essay (BMS 7999).All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine governing graduate scholarship and degrees.

Required Core Courses

A minimum of four CORE courses, each one from a different basic science discipline/subject area (as reflected in the different two- or three-letter course prefixes), must be chosen from the following (a few alternative Core courses are available with Program Director approval):

Elective Courses

Elective credits, from selected BMS elective courses, sufficient to complete the thirty-four earned cumulative credit degree requirement must be approved by written consent of the Program Director.

Plan of Work Requirement

The Plan of Work is developed and filed in association with the Program Director or his/her designee upon the completion of 12 credits. The deadline is specified by the Graduate School and enforced by the Registrar.

Essay Requirement

BMS 7999 – Essays in Basic Medical Science: Cr. 3

The Essay Advisor, Committee, and essay topic are selected with the advice and approval of the BMS Program Director. The committee must be composed of three graduate faculty members, including the Essay Advisor who may also be appointed as the student's academic advisor. The Essay Outline must be approved by the BMS Program Director. The Essay document must be presented to all Committee members for evaluation, approval and final grading. At the discretion of the Essay Advisor and Committee the evaluation may require an oral presentation and defense of the essay.