• OVERVIEW
  • ADMISSION
  • ACCREDITATION
  • CURRICULUM
  • TUITION
  • FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
  • A Competitive Edge for Your Professional Journey

    About the Program
    About the Program

    This versatile program enhances your chances of acceptance into competitive medical, dental, physician assistant, or veterinary programs and unlocks opportunities in industries like biomedical research, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. Graduates also find rewarding roles with prominent government agencies, including the EPA, NIH, NSF, or CDC, as well as in forensic science, public health, regulatory affairs, medical writing, clinical trial management, and healthcare consulting.

    smu crest
    A Flexible Path

    This non-thesis master’s program is tailored for students pursuing medical, dental, or other professional tracks and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters). While most students finish within this timeframe, the program offers flexibility for those who need more time. Students starting in Fall or Spring typically take 12 credits per semester, while Summer entrants usually begin with a lighter course load.

    SMU Best Career Prospects
    Why Choose this Program?
    • Guaranteed interview with medical programs
    • Guaranteed interview with dental programs
    • Guaranteed interview with SMU PA program, 20% discount
    • Guaranteed acceptance to SMU DPM program, 20% discount
    • An established dedicated medical professional University
    • Modern curriculum, modeling first year of medical and dental school
    • High impact electives
    • Individualized mentorship
    • Located in the SF Bay Area

    The MBMS program is a specialized master’s degree designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, public health, or a related field. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria: 

    • Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 2.8 for all previous coursework. 

    • Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab.   

    • Submitting an MCAT or DAT score is not required; however, if you have taken either exam, you are encouraged to include your score with your application 

    • A personal statement. 

    • At least one letter of recommendation. 

    For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, Interim Program Director, at mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu or Dr. Chandra, Dean, College of Health Sciences at schandra@samuelmerritt.edu

    Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001. 

    Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
    Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
    Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
    Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
    Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030

    Core Courses

    • Profession Development for Success in Biomedical Sciences
    • Advanced Biochemistry I
    • Advanced Biochemistry II
    • Histology and Cell Biology
    • Histology and Cell Biology Lab
    • Structural And Social Determinants of Health
    • Human Anatomy
    • Human Anatomy Lab
    • Human Physiology
    • Human Physiology Lab
    • Neuroscience
    • Comprehensive Exam

    Dental Track additional Core Course

    • Oral Pathology

    Application Fees 
    Information to come.

    Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees 
    Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term. 

    Tuition  
    For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts. 

    Academic Year: 2024-2025 

                Per Unit Rate                =          $1,100/unit 

                Program Units               =          35 units 

                Total Tuition Guarantee*     =     $38,500 

    *The tuition rate is guaranteed provided a student begins within the listed academic year and maintains satisfactory progress toward degree. Failure to maintain progress may result in a change per unit rate. 

    Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.

    Financial aid info 

    We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. The Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.

    A Competitive Edge for Your Professional Journey

    About the Program
    About the Program

    This versatile program enhances your chances of acceptance into competitive medical, dental, physician assistant, or veterinary programs and unlocks opportunities in industries like biomedical research, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. Graduates also find rewarding roles with prominent government agencies, including the EPA, NIH, NSF, or CDC, as well as in forensic science, public health, regulatory affairs, medical writing, clinical trial management, and healthcare consulting.

    smu crest
    A Flexible Path

    This non-thesis master’s program is tailored for students pursuing medical, dental, or other professional tracks and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters). While most students finish within this timeframe, the program offers flexibility for those who need more time. Students starting in Fall or Spring typically take 12 credits per semester, while Summer entrants usually begin with a lighter course load.

    SMU Best Career Prospects
    Why Choose this Program?
    • Guaranteed interview with medical programs
    • Guaranteed interview with dental programs
    • Guaranteed interview with SMU PA program, 20% discount
    • Guaranteed acceptance to SMU DPM program, 20% discount
    • An established dedicated medical professional University
    • Modern curriculum, modeling first year of medical and dental school
    • High impact electives
    • Individualized mentorship
    • Located in the SF Bay Area

    The MBMS program is a specialized master’s degree designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, public health, or a related field. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria: 

    • Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 2.8 for all previous coursework. 

    • Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab.   

    • Submitting an MCAT or DAT score is not required; however, if you have taken either exam, you are encouraged to include your score with your application 

    • A personal statement. 

    • At least one letter of recommendation. 

    For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, Interim Program Director, at mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu or Dr. Chandra, Dean, College of Health Sciences at schandra@samuelmerritt.edu

    Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001. 

    Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
    Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
    Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
    Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
    Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030

    Core Courses

    • Profession Development for Success in Biomedical Sciences
    • Advanced Biochemistry I
    • Advanced Biochemistry II
    • Histology and Cell Biology
    • Histology and Cell Biology Lab
    • Structural And Social Determinants of Health
    • Human Anatomy
    • Human Anatomy Lab
    • Human Physiology
    • Human Physiology Lab
    • Neuroscience
    • Comprehensive Exam

    Dental Track additional Core Course

    • Oral Pathology

    Application Fees 
    Information to come.

    Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees 
    Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term. 

    Tuition  
    For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts. 

    Academic Year: 2024-2025 

                Per Unit Rate                =          $1,100/unit 

                Program Units               =          35 units 

                Total Tuition Guarantee*     =     $38,500 

    *The tuition rate is guaranteed provided a student begins within the listed academic year and maintains satisfactory progress toward degree. Failure to maintain progress may result in a change per unit rate. 

    Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.

    Financial aid info 

    We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. The Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.

    Additional Information

    • Apply principles from cellular biology, physiology, pharmacology, and other biomedical disciplines to real-world clinical and research scenarios. (ILO1, ILO5)
    • Critically assess scientific literature, interpreting experimental data, and applying findings to clinical or research questions. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO7)
    • Identify gaps in knowledge and use modern strategies to formulate testable hypotheses. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO7)
    • Evaluate ethical considerations in biomedical research and health care.  (ILO1, ILO2)
    • Clearly articulate biomedical topics, through oral and written communications for a wide range of audiences. (ILO1, ILO3)
    • Integrate knowledge of social determinants into biomedical research and healthcare approaches, to develop strategies that promote health equity and improve patient outcomes. (ILO1, ILO4, ILO6)
    • Engage respectfully and productively in interdisciplinary and multicultural environments. (ILO1, ILO3)

    Applicants must have the following to be considered for admission to the program: 

    • A BA or BS degree from a regionally accredited university (or international equivalent) 

     

    iPad initiative

    Faculty

    Man standing in a hallway wearing a business suit

    Sathees Chandra

    PhD Dean, College of Health Sciences
    Mary Premenko-Lanier

    Mary Premenko-Lanier

    PhD Associate Professor

    Lisa Margerum

    Assistant Professor
    karissa headshot

    Karissa Legleiter

    MA, EdD Assistant Professor

    SMU Perspectives