Biomedical Sciences
Major biomedical disciplines include anatomy (gross or microscopic); physiology/pharmacology (molecular, cellular and integrative); biochemistry/molecular biology; endocrinology; and toxicology. Specific areas of interest are exercise biology including cardiac, vascular and muscle biology; cardiovascular biology including neuroendocrine regulation; membrane transport biology including cystic fibrosis and cardiac disease; and reproductive biology including environmental estrogen toxicities and developmental processes.
Degrees Offered
Doctoral
Biomedical Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy
On Campus
About the Doctoral Degree Program
The Biomedical Sciences Area PhD is a multidisciplinary program that integrates molecular, cellular and systemic biology within the context of biomedical research. The program provides the student with the background to investigate questions relevant to the Medical sciences at the integrative, molecular or cellular level and to relate the findings to mammalian physiology. Training in both fundamental and state-of-the-art research methodologies help students develop the skills necessary for competitive biomedical research. The program is administered through the Department of Biomedical Sciences (College of Veterinary Medicine) that has research faculty representing a diversity of Medical-related basic science disciplines, including anatomy,biochemistry, histology, pathology, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology and toxicology. The program offers a rich environment for graduate study and a unique opportunity for training scientists in comprehensive interdisciplinary research.
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: January 5
Spring deadline: September 15
Summer deadline: January 5
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Required prerequisite courses: Biology (10 hrs), Physics (3 hrs), Biochemistry (3 hrs), Chemistry (10 hrs), Calculus (3 hrs)
NOTE: The GRE requirement may be waived for applicants with an MD or DVM.
Minimum GRE scores
| Test Type | Verbal+Quantitative | Analytical |
| GRE | 300 | 3.5 |
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Biomedical Sciences Program
- Program-specific application (built into the Graduate School online application)
- Letter of intent addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies. 500 words or more.
- GRE scores
- Copy of transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
Biomedical Sciences, Dual Degrees
On Campus
About the Program
The Biomedical Sciences graduate programs enable veterinary medical students to pursue studies in the basic biomedical discipline of their choice for a PhD or MS degree while enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced professional careers in universities and colleges, research institutes and industrial research.
With consent of the student’s graduate program committee, courses from the professional curriculum (which includes a major portion of the core curriculum) can be accepted toward the graduate degree.
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: December 15
Spring deadline: September 15
Summer deadline: Not Applicable
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Required prerequisite courses: Biology (10 hrs), Physics (3 hrs), Biochemistry (3 hrs), Chemistry (10 hrs), Calculus (3 hrs)
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Minimum GRE Scores
| Test Type | Verbal+Quantitative | Analytical |
| GRE | 300 | 3.5 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Academic Program
- Program-specific application (built into the Graduate School online application)
- Letter of intent addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies. 500 words or more.
- GRE scores
- Copy of transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
Master's
Biomedical Sciences with Biomedical Sciences Emphasis, Master of Science
On Campus
About the Program
MS program in Basic Biomedical Sciences provides in-depth training to prepare scientists in interdisciplinary basic research (molecular, cellular, organ and integrative). Departmental faculty members represent diverse Medical-related basic science disciplines that provide a unique opportunity for biomedical research training. Core courses include physiology, cell biology and an introduction to research methodology. The multidisciplinary focus of the program is also emphasized in the candidate’s MS program committee.
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: January 5
Spring deadline: September 15
Summer deadline: January 5
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Required prerequisite courses: Biology (10 hrs), Physics (3 hrs), Biochemistry (3 hrs), Chemistry (10 hrs), Calculus (3 hrs)
NOTE: The GRE requirement may be waived for applicants with an MD or DVM. Prerequisite courses may be completed during the master’s program.
Minimum GRE scores
| Test Type | Verbal+Quantitative | Analytical |
| GRE | 300 | 3.5 |
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Biomedical Sciences Program
- Program-specific application (built into the Graduate School online application)
- Letter of intent addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies. 500 words or more.
- GRE scores
- Copy of transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
Biomedical Sciences with Comparative Medicine Emphasis, Master of Science
On Campus
About the Program
This postdoctoral (post-DVM) program prepares graduates for careers in comparative medicine. This graduate program can be coupled with residency training and meet the requirements for eligibility for the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) certification examination.
Programmatic Strengths
- The opportunity for comparative studies in a joint veterinary and human medical environment
- The multidisciplinary nature of the faculty participating in the training program
- The potential to couple training in research with residency training in laboratory animal medicine, comparative pathology, diagnostics, and training toward board certification
- Strong research resources including AAALAC-accredited research animal facilities, a full-service, internationally-recognized research animal diagnostic laboratory, and NIH-funded research resource centers for mice, rats and swine
- A long history of successful training in comparative medicine
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: N/A
- DVM or equivalent from an accredited college of veterinary medicine or successful completion of the foreign equivalency examination and approval by the Comparative Medicine Program faculty.
- Meet standards for admission to the Graduate School.
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the CMP Postdoctoral MS Program
- Upload unofficial copies of all transcripts to the online application system. Applicants provide official transcripts if accepted by the academic program.
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of career goals and interests
- Graduate Record Examination Scores (if available)
- Three letters of reference
Biomedical Sciences with Veterinary Sciences Emphasis, Master of Science
100% Online
About the Program
The University of Missouri, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, offers online graduate training leading to the Master of Science in Veterinary Sciences. The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery does not offer the PhD degree, but this online Masters degree program can be precursor to a PhD program at MU or elsewhere. The MS in Biomedical Sciences degree is NOT intended as a means to prepare for admission to a DVM program.
Admission Criteria
Application deadline: 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the term
- This program accepts rolling admissions. It is recommended that completed applications are submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the term you plan to begin course work. This will allow the Graduate School time to process your application.
Qualified Candidates:
- Veterinarians (Graduates of an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine)
- Veterinary Technologists (Graduates of an AVMA and regionally-accredited veterinary technician/technologist program with a baccalaureate degree)
For more information on this program, please visit the program website at http://biomedonline.missouri.edu/masters-degree-in-biomedical-sciences-emphasis-in-veterinary-medicine-and-surgery/.
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Veterinary Sciences Emphasis Program
- GRE scores (Will be waived for otherwise qualified DVMs, veterinary technologists who have achieved VTS status, and graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Sciences)
- Departmental Application (built into the Graduate School online application)
Biomedical Sciences with Pathobiology Emphasis, Master of Science
On Campus
About the Program
The College of Veterinary Medicine offers a master of science degree in biomedical sciences with a specialization in veterinary pathobiology and/or laboratory animal medicine, which is administered through the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. The degree requires 30 credit hours of work including courses, seminars, research, and problems courses. The program includes research in a particular field and defense of a thesis which embodies the results of this work. Certain areas of emphasis require submission of a formal master’s thesis while others require preparation of a publishable manuscript.
Admission Criteria
Application deadline: Rolling
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0
- Designated faculty mentor
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Academic Program
- 3 letters of recommendation (can be submitted through the Graduate School online application as well)
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of support from mentor
- Resume or CV
Biomedical Sciences with Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Emphasis, Master of Science
On Campus
About the Program
The College of Veterinary Medicine, through the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, offers graduate work leading to the master of science degree in veterinary biomedical sciences with an emphasis in veterinary medicine and surgery. In addition, faculty within the department offer supervision for doctoral and postdoctoral study and research. Many but not all graduate students in this area of study combine their graduate degree training with clinical residency programs leading to board certification in some specialty field within veterinary medicine.
Types of Study
The program provides advanced training in anesthesiology, comparative cardiology, equine, food animal and companion animal medicine and surgery, neurology, oncology, comparative ophthalmology, radiation oncology, radiology, nutrition, and theriogenology among other areas.
Admission Criteria (Campus Program)
Fall deadline: December 15
Spring deadline: September 15
- Completion of a bachelor’s or professional degree
- Identification of a mentor with graduate faculty standing within the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
- Identification of funding (with advice of mentor) for the period of research and study
- Perceived likelihood of successful completion of the program by the VMS graduate committee based on the match of candidate and faculty advisors, academic qualifications of the candidate, and when requested, a minimum of 3 suitable letters of recommendation
Minimum GRE score
| Test Type | Total | Verbal | Quantitative |
| GRE | 292 | 146 | 146 |
- GRE is only required for applicants who are not employed in a MU VMS Veterinary Residency Program and can be waived for applicants who are employed in a MU VMS Veterinary Residency Program
- Minimum scores should be considered as guidelines not a guarantee of admission
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
The majority of MS students within our program are completing specialty residency training programs in some field of veterinary medicine simultaneously with the MS degree. Admission to these programs generally precedes admission to our graduate programs. The GRE requirement may be waived for exceptional students by the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Departmental Research and Graduate School Committee. Applicants may be asked to strengthen any deficiencies in prerequisites to the chosen area of concentration through enrollment in a post- or non-degree graduate student program.
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Emphasis Program
- GRE scores (Required for applicants who are not employed in a MU VMS Veterinary Residency program and can be waived for applicants who are employed in a MU VMS Veterinary Residency Program)
- Three letters of recommendation
Biomedical Sciences, Dual Degrees
On Campus
About the Program
The Biomedical Sciences graduate programs enable veterinary medical students to pursue studies in the basic biomedical discipline of their choice for a PhD or MS degree while enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The program is designed to prepare students for advanced professional careers in universities and colleges, research institutes and industrial research.
With consent of the student’s graduate program committee, courses from the professional curriculum (which includes a major portion of the core curriculum) can be accepted toward the graduate degree.
Admission Criteria
Fall deadline: December 15
Spring deadline: September 15
Summer deadline: Not Applicable
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Required prerequisite courses: Biology (10 hrs), Physics (3 hrs), Biochemistry (3 hrs), Chemistry (10 hrs), Calculus (3 hrs)
Minimum Language Requirements
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Minimum GRE Scores
| Test Type | Verbal+Quantitative | Analytical |
| GRE | 300 | 3.5 |
Required Application Materials
For the Graduate School
- Completed Graduate School online application
- Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
- Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)
For the Academic Program
- Program-specific application (built into the Graduate School online application)
- Letter of intent addressed to the Director of Graduate Studies. 500 words or more.
- GRE scores
- Copy of transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV