Biomedical Studies (MABS)

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Biomedical Studies (MABS) Overview

The demand for healthcare professionals has never been higher. As competition grows for advanced health science admissions, students are challenged to stand out in the crowd. The Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies (MABS) degree serves as an academic enhancement bridge to matriculating in MD, DO, PA, dental, and veterinary programs. With a curriculum dedicated to professional preparation—including MCAT content—the one-year MABS program at Chatham is the right choice for students looking to boost their credentials for advanced health science degrees.
Degrees Offered
  • MA
Program School
Application Deadlines

Varies by Term

Fall entry: July 1
Spring entry: November 1

Credits Required

30-31

The MABS program requires 30-31 credits and can be completed in one year.

Cost Per Credit

$1,160

Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.

Advanced Degree Programs

High Success Rate

We are proud that 90% of our students matriculate in advanced degree programs following graduation.

Explore the Master of Arts in Biomedical Studies Program:

Admission Requirements 

  • Completed application for admission, including:
    • Online application
    • Admissions Essay
    • Curriculum vita or resume
    • Three letters of recommendation if overall and/or required undergraduate courses (below) GPA is less than 3.0. Two must be from faculty (e.g., math, science). Only two are needed if overall and required courses GPA is greater than 3.0.
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Overall undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale and overall science grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, for all transcripts (undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate). Admission for students with less than a 3.0 overall and science GPA is rare but possible with clear evidence of improved academic or professional development (e.g. research or work experience, GRE scores, MCAT scores, etc.)
  • The following undergraduate courses are required for acceptance into the MABS program:
    • Introductory biology with lab (1 year, minimum 8 credits)
    • Introductory chemistry with lab (1 year, minimum 8 credits)
    • Organic chemistry with lab (minimum 4 credits)
    • Statistics (minimum 4 credits)
    • Upper-level college math (e.g., calculus, minimum 3 credits)
    • 3-4 upper-level biology courses (e.g., anatomy & physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience)

Students who are admitted conditionally may be required to enroll in the online Harvard HMX Fundamentals courses in immunology, physiology, genetics, and biochemistry prior to starting the program.

For more information about the Harvard HMX program, please email Admissions.

Alternatively, we also accept applications completed via PostBacCAS.  

Admissions materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Email Admissions

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

The MABS program is linked with three other institutions: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), and Chatham University's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program (MPAS).

Students who maintain a 3.5 GPA in MABS and who meet all other admission criteria required of the AACOMAS application are guaranteed an admission interview from WVSOM.  

For LECOM's guaranteed interview, students must provide recommendations from the MABS program director and the Health Professions Advisor and maintain a cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.2, a cumulative science GPA of 3.0, and a MABS GPA of 3.5, as calculated by AACOMAS

For both WVSOM and LECOM, an MCAT composite score of 500 or above, or an academic index score of at least 115, is also required for the guaranteed interview.  For Chatham's MPAS program, MABS students who present a CASPA-calculated GPA of 3.25 for both overall and science are guaranteed an admission interview with the PA program, provided all other admission requirements are satisfied as well. MABS students must submit CASPA no more than one year after graduating from MABS in order to remain eligible for the guaranteed interview. 

NOTE: Chatham and other institutions reserve the right to adjust linkages based on changing admission requirements and enrollment trends.

BIO516: Advanced Neuroscience

A study of the structure and function of the human central and peripheral nervous system, including vascular components and special senses.

BIO519: Immunology

This course covers fundamental principles of immunology with emphasis on molecular and cellular immunology, including antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, complement, major histocompatibility complexes, and the cellular basis for the immune response. Three hours of lecture per week.

BIO512L: Advanced Human Gross Anatomy Lab

This course uses human cadavers to facilitate a deeper appreciation for regional gross human anatomic structures. The course is clinically oriented with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, urinary and reproductive systems, via regional study of the head/neck, trunk, and upper/lower extremities.

View Full Curriculum 

The administration and instructors do a great job in preparing you and are vested in your future success! They were easily accessible and will work with you to accomplish your goal.

— YEVGENIY ZELONDZHEV, MABS ‘20

Our Faculty

Faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field.

Full Faculty
Photo of Robert Lettan
Chair of the Science Department and Associate Professor of Chemistry
Photo of John Dube
Program Director, MA Biomedical Studies, and Associate Professor of Biology
Photo of Lisa Lambert
Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Learning & Professor of Biology
Photo of a medical professional surrounded by students in yellow protective suits and medical caps, perform a medical procedure.

State-of-the-Art Cadaver Lab

Biomedical Studies students benefit from our state-of-the-art cadaver lab that provides hands-on-training, education, and preparation in the study of anatomy, disease sites, dissection, and surgical techniques. A number of cadaver lab visits are available for interested students. 

Schedule a Visit : Checkerboard 1 - State-of-the-Art Cadaver Lab
Photo of Chatham University Professor Erin Williams-Hatala working in a lab

Research Opportunities

Engaging in guided research projects, students have opportunities to learn cutting edge theoretical and practical skills, while exploring interests in human physiology, evolution, microbiology, environmental chemistry, computational modeling, and more. Click the button below to read more about our faculty members' current research topics. We encourage students to identify with a faculty member's research interests first, then to email their graduate admission recruiter to discuss applying.

Learn About Research : Checkerboard 2 - Research Opportunities
Photo of four female Chatham University students smiling in a lecture hall, with their laptops open in front of them

Help Funding Your Degree

Admitted students who plan to start in the fall term may apply for one of the limited number of assistantships available, typically to provide research assistance, lab assistance, or teaching assistance to undergraduate courses. Graduate assistantships offer funding in the form of tuition remission in the fall and spring terms.

View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 3 - Help Funding Your Degree
Decorative image reading Contact Us

Contact Us

For basic inquiries, please email John Dubé, Program Director, Master of Biomedical Studies.

Photo of Rachel Estadt in graduation robes and cap, posing in front of the Pittsburgh skyline with Alumni Profile in text

From MABS to Physician Assistant Studies

Chatham's Biomedical Studies program is designed to serve as a bridge for students to build their knowledge and prepare them for success in a variety of advanced healthcare degrees including MD, DO, PA, dental, and veterinary programs. This one-year program is the perfect opportunity to boost your credentials for an advanced medical degree—just ask Rachel Estadt, MABS ‘21.

Photo angling above, showing surgeons leaning over an operating table and conducting a procedure

Student Outcomes

Graduates have gone on to attend schools of medicine at University of Pittsburgh, Howard, LECOM, St. Georges and West Virginia universities; physician assistant studies programs at Chatham University and the University of Pittsburgh; the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. Georges University; and the College of Dentistry at CUNY Queens.

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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