The
Department of Biomedical Sciences offers a coursework Masters B (MS-B) degree
with an emphasis in the discipline of Biomedical Science. The degree is
earned after satisfactorily completing 32 credit hours of upper division
and graduate-level courses in microscopic and gross anatomy, physiology,
cell biology, and neurobiology. The Department's Master's Program is designed
to provide increased academic strength to pre-professional students, those
seeking careers in biomedical education, and future PhD students. The proscribed
curriculum is completed in one year, beginning only in the Fall semester,
culminating in a final comprehensive examination on the core curriculum
usually at the end of May.
The Program is designed as a place for talented biomedical students to extend their education beyond that which the undergraduate curriculum can offer. Students in the Master's Program have many different career goals. Many are pre-professional students (pre-medical, pre-veterinary, etc....) seeking to strengthen their applications with an impressive roster of upper division science courses. Others are looking to a career in education, where a Master's-level degree can expand the available opportunities to teach. Some of our former students have found careers in biomedical technology or have gone on to enter doctoral programs. The broad-based, rigorous curriculum of the Department of Biomedical Sciences' Master's Program is designed to help students to meet the demands of a wide variety of biomedical career pathways.
The Master's Program in Biomedical Sciences is also intended to teach students to make the step to graduate education. Thirty-two credit hours are finished in two semesters, with most of these coming from 500-level "core" courses in anatomy, physiology and neurobiological sciences. These courses feature extensive laboratory instruction, hands-on dissection, and recitations with problem-based learning exercises. Students are expected to take a proactive approach to their education and learn to apply their knowledge outside the didactic classroom. A required course in managing a career in science makes use of discussion and a series of written assignments. Entering students are counseled that the coursework in the Master's Program will not represent a simple continuation of their undergraduate experience.
The core curriculum includes:
A Career in Science BMS610 (1 credit)-Fall semester
Mammalian Physiology I BMS500 (4 credits)-Fall semester
Mammalian Physiology II BMS501 (5 credits)-Spring semester
Neuroanatomy BMS545 (5 credits)-Spring semester
Human Gross Anatomy BMS575/BMS619 (6 credits)-Fall semester
- or - Domestic Animal Anatomy BMS531/BMS633 (4 credits)-Spring semester
Application to the Program
As a graduate degree-granting program, we are subject to the rules and requirements of Colorado State University's Graduate School. Admission into our program is contingent on acceptance to the Graduate School. Information and their application form may be found on the Graduate School website.
The Graduate School requires:
Although the Graduate School does not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Department Graduate Admissions Committee requires scores from a standardized examination. We prefer the GRE (Verbal, Quantitative and Writing sections) but will accept other standardized exams, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or similar professional school entrance exams. Students who are currently enrolled in the Masters B Program 2007 average a GPA of 3.43.
On occasion, students with special circumstances have merited individual consideration. Students who do not meet the minimum standards but who are admitted after favorable evaluation of their situation are enrolled on "Academic Probation." (see the CSU Graduate Bulletin)
The Graduate School's application, found on line at:
http://graduateschool.colostate.edu/index.asp?url=apply
along with scores from the GRE or other standard exam, and a personal statement
of goals need to be completed and sent with the required $50.00 (payable
to CSU) to:
Colorado State University
Office of Admissions, Spruce Hall
Fort Collins, CO 80523-8020
In addition, three (3) letters of recommendation (two (2) preferably from academic sources) and two (2) originals of official transcripts of every school attended need to be sent directly to our Graduate Education Coordinator at:
Master's in Biomedical Sciences
Erin Bisenius, Graduate
Education Coordinator
Biomedical Sciences Department, 246 Physiology Bldg.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1680
970-491-6188
Deadline for submission of applications for fall semester 2008 is April 1, 2008.
Career Opportunities
As of the beginning of the current academic year, 98% of the students admitted to the Department of Biomedical Science's Master's Program have successfully finished the degree. Many of our graduates have found careers in biomedical industry or academia. Others have entered doctoral degree programs or professional schools. The Program affords good students an opportunity to advance their education and compete with an edge in many biomedical fields.
Living in Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins is a city of just over 120,000, situated on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver. The casual lifestyle with easy access to many recreational opportunities recently helped earned Fort Collins the designation of "Best Small Town in the West" by Money Magazine. In and around town, residents take advantage of the nationally renowned park system with extensive trails that offer scenic views of the Poudre River and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Ski resorts, cross-country trails, and other winter recreational opportunities exist a short drive from the city, and summertime offers hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, and more. Trout fishing and whitewater rafting are popular activities on the nearby Cache la Poudre River.
For more information about living in Fort Collins, visit the City of Fort Collins web site.
Other links of interest:
Student Financial Services
Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau
