Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Department Website: https://www.biomedicalsciences.bsd.uchicago.edu/
The Pritzker School of Medicine and the Institute for Translational Medicine offer a program of study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences. The curriculum focuses on the applications and innovations in clinical care and medical treatment, statistics, bioethics, and the American healthcare system, in addition to more specialized elective courses in science communication, biomedical data science, and health systems science. The MsBmS program draws on UChicago’s considerable strengths in neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular metabolism and nutrition, ecology and evolution, biochemistry, medical education, and medical ethics.
Program Requirements
The program requires the successful completion of 9 graduate-level courses, including:
- A core curriculum of 6 courses
- A concentration consisting of 3 additional courses in the chosen field
Science communication
Biomedical data science
Health systems science
In addition to coursework, students are required to complete an independent project. The project provides students the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills they learned during their coursework. The independent project is highly customizable and will differ depending on the individual student’s chosen track, interest, and career objectives.
Students are also encouraged to participate in seminars and workshops that are of interest to them.
Required Courses
The core courses consist of the following:
- BMSC 30000: Foundations in Biomedical Sciences I
- BMSC 30002: Foundations in Biomedical Sciences II
- BMSC 30003: Foundations in Biomedical Sciences III
- BMSC 32000: The American Healthcare System
- One graduate-level course in statistics
- One graduate-level course in bioethics
Three elective courses in a student’s chosen concentration are also required.
Requests for substitution of a required course with a similar course are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students wishing to substitute an equivalent course in place of a required course must first seek permission of the faculty director. Approval by the course instructor and satisfaction of required prerequisites is also required.
Application for Admission
The program recognizes application deadlines of January 15 and March 15 for matriculation in Autumn Quarter. The application consists of an online application, copies of transcripts from all postsecondary education, TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable), three letters of recommendation, resume or curriculum vitae, and a personal statement.
Interested students should visit the program website at https://www.biomedicalsciences.bsd.uchicago.edu/.
Master of Business Administration- Master of Science Joint Degree (MBA-MS)
The joint degree program in biomedical sciences and business is an opportunity for students seeking to combine business expertise with foundational knowledge in biomedicine. Students in this program pursue both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Chicago Booth and a Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Sciences from UChicago. Students gain a strong understanding of the scientific substrate on which healthcare businesses are built to become leaders and innovators in the healthcare industry.
Program Structure
In order to earn a dual MBA and MS, students complete 14 Booth-only courses (+LEAD) and 6 MS-only courses over the course of two years.
Booth Courses
Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD)
One course in Financial Accounting
One course in Microeconomics
One course in Statistics
700 units in Functions, Leadership & Management, and Business Environment
400 units of electives
BMS Courses
BSMC 30000: Foundations I
BMSC 30002: Foundations II
BMSC 30003: Foundations III
BMSC 32000: The American Healthcare System
One course in Bioethics
One elective course
Admissions Process
Applicants interested in the MBA/MS Biomedical Sciences Program should apply through our centralized, joint-application process. Applicants must apply using the Chicago Booth Full-Time MBA application in either Round Two or Round Three and should select the MBA/MS as their program of interest. Admissions decisions for each department are made independently and candidates can indicate in the application if they would like to be considered for Chicago Booth and/or the MS Biomedical Sciences independently if they are not admitted to the joint program.
As part of the online application, candidates will be required to submit a GMAT or GRE score for the joint program. International applicants may be required to submit proof of English language proficiency by submitting a TOEFL iBT or IELTS test score. The minimum TOEFL iBT score required for admission is 104; the minimum IELTS score required is 7. Proof of English proficiency may be waived under certain criteria noted by UChicago GRAD Admissions.
Eligibility Requirements: Students admitted to Booth’s Full-Time MBA Program who wish to do the joint degree with BMS must be admitted to and begin both programs in the same academic year. Students who have already started their MS or MBA are not eligible for the joint degree.