Application and Admission
What are the academic requirements for admission into the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences?
A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Pre-requisite courses include two semesters of General Chemistry, two semesters of Organic Chemistry, at least one semester of Biochemistry, Introductory Biology and Cellular/Molecular biology. Physiology or Anatomy/physiology is recommended, but not required. In place of the pre-requisite courses, students may be eligible for admission with an MCAT score above 500 with no sub-score below 123 (30th percentile) [as an indication they have some background in all those areas].
How do I apply for admission?
Please see the Admission Criteria & Application Checklist section of this webpage. The entire application process is completed through the PostBacCAS website.
What are the application deadlines?
For students applying to begin in Fall: the PostBacCAS online application should be submitted and all supplemental application documents should be received by August 1.
For students applying to begin in Summer: the PostBacCAS online application should be submitted and all supplemental application documents should be received by May 1. (Please note that only one class is available to take in the Summer. We highly encourage students to begin the program in the Fall term).
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the application deadline for each term.
Does the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program require an undergraduate degree in a specific program? What are preferred undergraduate majors for admission into the program?
The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program requires a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a science-related major.
How long will it take to receive a decision regarding my application?
We have rolling admissions for this program; therefore, after your application file is complete and verified in PostBacCAS, we will be in touch within approximately two weeks with our admission decision.
How will I be notified of the admission decision?
You will be contacted by email once a decision has been made.
Can I take some courses as a non-degree student?
Individuals who would like to take some graduate courses for professional development, continuing education credits, or just personal enrichment may take up to 9 graduate credits as a non-degree (“Special”) student. Special students may not enroll in practicum, clinical, or internship courses without approval from the program director.
In order to enroll in the course(s):
- Complete the free Loras College Special Course Application. Select “Graduate Course” as the Course Registration Type. You will need to upload copies of your unofficial transcript(s) from each college/university attended before submitting the application.
- The transcripts will be evaluated by the Program Director to ensure that any necessary pre-requisite course requirements have been met.
- After review of the transcript(s), the Registrar’s Office will be in touch with information about your next steps.
- Please note that enrolled degree-seeking students have registration preference if a course is full.
- After the completion of 9 non-degree credits, a student must then apply for formal admission into the graduate program in order to move forward and take additional courses.
- Graduate courses completed by a “Special” student with a grade of B or better may be applied to a future graduate degree at Loras College with the approval of both the Program Director and the Academic Dean.
- Financial aid is not available to non-degree “Special” students.
- Students interested in any of Loras’ Professional and Continuing Education programs should refer to the individual program webpage for application and enrollment instructions.
Is there an option for conditional admission?
Candidates can discuss deficiencies in the admissions criteria with the Program Director for possible admission. Exceptions to the admission requirements would be made by the Director in consultation with the Postbac/Pre-health Admission Committee. Interviews via Zoom/Skype may be required in borderline cases or if program capacity is exceeded.
How can I receive more information about the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program?
For more information about the application and admission process, please contact Megan Henderson: Director of Admission for Graduate and Professional Education Programs, at megan.henderson@loras.edu or 563.588.7140. For more information about the Biomedical Sciences curriculum, please contact Dr. Kate Cooper: Program Director, at kate.cooper@loras.edu.
Curriculum and Class Format
What type of internship/shadowing/research opportunities are available to students in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program?
The Dubuque area has a robust healthcare environment with several hospitals and larger physician groups that provide opportunities for our students in the program to shadow a wide variety of healthcare professionals, including specialists. Moreover, we will connect students with direct patient care experiences (certified nurse aide, emergency medical technician, phlebotomist, scribe) as well as volunteer opportunities depending on each student’s timeline and interest. Since there are no university medical teaching hospitals in the area, our students do not have to compete for observation hours.
How many credits are required in the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree?
A minimum of 34 credits are required to complete the degree. However, due to the credit load of some of the elective courses, students may take up to 36 credits to complete the degree.
What is the format of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences classes?
The format of the courses is face-to-face instruction.
Is there a preferred entry point into the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program?
Students are highly encouraged to begin the program in the Fall term; however, one class is offered in the Summer if students would like to get a head start and begin early.
Does the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program accept transfer credits?
Students can transfer a maximum of 9 graduate credits into the program from a previous institution. The courses must be similar in content to coursework offered at Loras and approved by the Program Director.
How long does it take to complete the program?
This program is designed to be completed in two years. However, a longer, personalized schedule may be created for students who wish to take fewer credits per term.
What is the maximum course load per semester?
Typically 9 credits, however, students are allowed to take up to 12 depending on their program plan of study that they set up with their advisor.
What is the time commitment outside of class?
Time commitments vary depending on the course and individual’s specific skill set. As a general rule, students will spend 4 – 6 hours per week outside of classroom instruction on class-related work for each class.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held in several buildings across the beautiful Loras College Campus.
When do classes meet?
Each face-to-face class meets during the day. Please see the Course Listings/Schedule section of the Registrar’s Office webpage for specific course dates and times.
Will there be an orientation prior to the first class?
Yes, students are required to attend the Graduate Student Orientation prior to beginning coursework so they can become familiar with the faculty, campus services, and their peers.
Does the program offer online courses?
No. At this time, all courses are offered in person.
Is Loras College accredited?
Yes, Loras College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Does Loras have linkages to any medical schools?
Loras does not have linkages to medical schools. We strive to connect our students with schools that are the right fit for them.
If I’m interested in playing a sport at Loras while in graduate school, how many credits do I have to take?
Graduate students must be enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program to be eligible to participate in NCAA athletics at Loras.
Student-athletes enrolled in one of our degree-seeking master’s programs need to have full-time status (taking at least 6 credits per term) during the semester(s) they’re practicing or competing in the sport. Students also need to be making satisfactory progress towards their degree (as determined by Loras). If a student wants to participate in athletics while being enrolled less than full-time, they will need to work with their coaches to determine if they are eligible for a waiver.
Please note that while 6 credits per term are considered full-time for graduate students at Loras, students only need to take at least 3 credits per term in order to be eligible for federal financial aid.
Financial and Housing
What are the current tuition rates for the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences?
Visit the Graduate section of our Tuition & Fees page for detailed cost information.
Tuition and Fees are subject to change at any time.
Is financial aid available?
Degree-seeking graduate students (enrolled in a master’s program) are eligible to receive $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds for each academic year. Students may choose to accept all or just part of the $20,500 amount. To obtain a loan, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year at: https://studentaid.gov/ and take at least 3 credits per term. Loras’ school code is 001873.
The loan will disburse directly to Loras to cover the cost of the term(s). For financial aid purposes, the Loras academic year runs from summer-spring (ie: summer 2023 through spring 2024). Please be sure to complete the correct FAFSA for the term(s) you wish to receive loans. For example, students beginning a graduate program in summer 2023 would complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA. In addition, students beginning a graduate program in the summer term must also complete a short supplemental Summer Financial Aid Application, which is typically emailed to students in April.
Loras College does not offer institutional scholarships or federal grants for graduate and professional education students at this time.
Information about private loans can be found at: https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/187300/1
Students who have outstanding loans from their undergraduate education may be able to defer payment on those loans while enrolled in a degree-seeking master’s program. Deferment options are generally available to students who are enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program (3 credits or more per semester). If deferment is a requirement for you to be able to afford to enroll in a graduate program, we advise you to connect with our Financial Planning Office or your loan service providers to make sure you know exactly how deferment applies to your previous loans.
Does Loras offer on-campus housing for graduate students?
Loras-owned housing is available for graduate Biomedical Sciences students in Smyth Hall. Smyth is an alternative residence hall located in the center of campus. Smyth is comprised of single and triple rooms; and houses a limited, diverse population including transfers, upperclassmen, Postbac Pre-Med/Pre-Health, and graduate Biomedical Sciences students. Smyth is also home to the Religious Studies and Theology departments.
Amenities include:
- Free laundry facilities (washers and dryers)
- Free wifi
- Kitchen (stocked with pots, pans, baking sheets, etc.) on B level
Room information:
- Rooms contain a bed/dresser/desk unit, desk chair, and wastebasket
- Beds are XL Twin sized, so students are encouraged to bring extra-long sheets
- Students may bring a mini-fridge under 5 cubic feet
- Heat is included, but A/C is not, so students are welcome to bring their own window air conditioning unit (must be 5000 BTU or less) or else a portable A/C unit. Contact fixmyroom@loras.edu if you need help installing the window air conditioner
- Basic cable is not provided, but students are welcome to bring a streaming device of their choice to use in Smyth.
*To get your mailbox set up: please stop by the mailroom in the Alumni Campus Center (ACC).
Please see https://www.loras.edu/tuition-fees/#postbac for current housing costs.