Program Overview
The Master of Science in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Health Studies is a 12-month, 30-credit program designed to better prepare graduates of undergraduate science programs for entrance into health or medical professional schools. The rigorous coursework will prepare students for health-related professional schools and health-related employment. The program includes a free test preparation course, which allows students to choose the test prep course appropriate to their career goals.
Questions and Answers
- Does your program have a special focus? The program seeks to enhance the academic records of students and allow them to earn a graduate degree, while also improving standardized test scores for professional programs.
- Is your program degree- or certificate-granting? The program grants a Master of Sciences degree after successful completion of all coursework and a comprehensive exam.
- How long does it take to complete your program? Three semesters with a start date in June.
- Does your program require part-time or full-time attendance? Full-time attendance is required.
- Are classes offered in the evening, on weekends, or online? Classes are not offered on the weekends or online.
- Is there a deadline to apply? The deadline for applications is May 15th.
- Are there fees to apply to your program? The application fee is $50.00.
- Does your program offer shadowing or promote interaction with physicians? Shadowing opportunities with local physician assistants and in various medical departments at the Cleveland Clinic are available.
- How does your program support students with the medical school application process? The Office of Graduate Admissions assists students with the application process. The Center for Academic and Professional Success also offers resume/CV assistance, mock interviews, and a variety of other medical school application and professional development support.
- After graduating, what percentage of students matriculate to medical school? Approximately 60% of students matriculate to medical school. The other students matriculate into various other professional programs including dental, PA, AA, research etc.
- Is your program linked to any medical schools? If so, what school(s)? The program offers guaranteed interviews, after specific program requirements are met. These include NSU Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine and Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- If your school has a linkage agreement, how does it function? Students must complete certain program requirements specific to each medical school to be considered for a guaranteed interview.
- Is federal financial aid available or does your school offer any type of financial aid? Federal financial aid is available to qualifying students. The program also offers competitive teaching assistant positions to qualified students, laboratory assistant positions, as well as limited scholarships.
- Does your program accept international students? The program accepts international students.
- How can students learn more about your program? MS in Biological Studies-Health Studies | Halmos College of Arts and Sciences – Nova Southeastern University
A Student’s Perspective - Jovanni Gomez, M.S.
As a student in the Nova Southeastern University Masters of Biological Sciences program, I never doubted that I would be ready to take on medical school. From the program's outset, I was provided with an MCAT® preparatory course and acquired essential skills such as résumé-building and presentation development and delivery. Additionally, I was paired with a mentor from the first semester, offering invaluable guidance through every stage of the application cycle. My mentor, Dr. Roopnarine, was instrumental in my success and helped me at every point in the cycle — from reviewing my personal statement to practicing for interviews and even in deciding what to wear to visit the schools! Furthermore, my other professors, including Dr. Schmitt Lavin and Dr. Raja, provided unwavering support. Dr. Schmitt Lavin aided me in my community service endeavors, while Dr. Raja mentored me as a graduate TA laboratory instructor. Despite the increasing complexity of the material, the support network established by my instructors and fellow classmates empowered me to tackle even the most challenging topics with confidence. This program has truly prepared me to begin my medical journey and has served as a perfect foundation for the next step in my academic career.
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