Master of Biomedical Science

The Master of Biomedical Science prepares graduates with the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed for advancement into a wide range of healthcare-related graduate programs, such as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery), (Physician Assistant) PA, Nurse Practitioner (NP), and others. 

The Master of Biomedical Science is a nine (9)-course, thirty (30)-graduate-credit hour program that prepares graduates with the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed for advancement into a wide range of healthcare-related graduate programs, such as D.O., D.D.S., PA, NP, and others. Students may complete the coursework for the M.B.S. program in two (2) academic years, taking one (1) course during each eight (8)-week term, or on an accelerated schedule by increasing the number of courses taken per term.

1. Advanced Biomedical Knowledge: Graduates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced biomedical concepts and their applications in research, healthcare, and industry.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Graduates will be able to critically analyze complex biomedical problems, apply evidence-based approaches, and develop innovative solutions to address challenges in the field.
3. Research Skills and Innovation: Graduates will possess strong research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, and will be prepared to contribute to cutting-edge biomedical research.
4. Professional Development and Leadership: Graduates will develop the professional skills and leadership qualities necessary to succeed in a variety of biomedical careers, including academia, industry, and healthcare.
5. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility: Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles and social responsibility in biomedical research and practice.

1. Apply advanced integrated knowledge of biological sciences as related to medicine and human health.
2. Critically appraise and apply evidence-based skills in biomedical sciences to medicine and other health disciplines.
3. Advance responsible conduct and ethical standards in medical and other healthcare professional settings.
4. Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders across interprofessional education and practice.
5. Research, develop, and disseminate evidence-based materials and work products at an audience-appropriate level for topics related to the biomedical sciences. 

*Prerequisite course(s) required.

MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE

Matriculated graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or better. Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Any student receiving a grade below B- on any individual course has failed that course must re-enroll and repeat the course to achieve a grade of B- or better. Students receiving a grade of F in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. Any student who receives a grade of F in two (2) or more courses is dismissed from the program.

GRADUATION

Candidates must fulfill all program requirements and are required to earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to be eligible to graduate. All students must file an Application to Graduate with the registrar’s office via UNE Compass. Please visit the Office of the Registrar website for complete instructions and the answers to frequently asked questions.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 p.m. ET of the first week of the A term and B term and Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the AB term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s Office.

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL

Matriculated students intending to withdraw from the University must complete the University Withdrawal and LOA Request form (PDF) online or at the University Registrar’s Office. The form requires signatures from designated academic and administrative personnel.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (ACADEMIC STOP OUT)

Students may stop out of their program for up to two (2) semesters. Students need to coordinate stop-outs in advance with their assigned Enrollment and Retention Counselor, and stop-out time is considered part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time or who exceeds two (2) semesters of stop out will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Readmitted students are subject to the re-admittance term’s catalog (this may mean that policies and/or program requirements have been changed or updated since previous admission, and should be reviewed for potential impact on degree requirements, time to complete the degree, and degree planning).

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Stop-out time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
• Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
• Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one (1) course without permission from each instructor.
• Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the program director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the dean, whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.

Student Access Center

The Student Access Center works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability. Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to one (1) course into the Master of Biomedical Science program. 

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to and will be granted at the discretion of the Program Director.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five (5) years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of B or better.
• Be worth three (3) credits.
• Be equivalent to one (1) of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The MBS program does not grant academic credit for life experiences or previous work experience.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding the  evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness. The admissions committee values previous academic performance as indicated on transcripts and considers it as part of the review process.
• Computer with an internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described in our Technical Requirements. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.

Application Process

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Goal Statement / Writing Sample.
• Two (2) professional/academic references.
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree or above from a regionally accredited institution.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Professional Studies, either electronically or sent to 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.
• If an applicant cannot prove English Proficiency in another way, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
• All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

RE-ADMISSION

Students who have been withdrawn from the program for any reason must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply. Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five (5) years old may not be accepted for credit in the program.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for readmission through the reapplication process. The application essay must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and a plan for the successful completion of the program. 

Policy Exceptions

The Healthcare Administration Admissions Committee in collaboration with the College of Professional Studies reserves the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case-by-case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.