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EVMS Biomedical Sciences Research Master's Program Print E-mail
FAQ | Overview | Curriculum | Faculty Research | Course Descriptions | Technical Standards | Program Forms (PDF) | Student Handbook (PDF) | More Information | Apply Online

The Biomedical Sciences Research Master’s Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) provides students with laboratory experience and a strong foundation of biomedical science knowledge.

students-and-computer
Students discuss images of cells and tissues obtained with the laser scanning confocal microscope.

Key advantages of this program:

  • Broad-based interdisciplinary curriculum
  • Personalized program of study
  • Close interaction with the faculty

Research focus areas include:

  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Diabetes
  • Infectious Disease
  • Neuroscience
  • Reproductive Biology

The EVMS Biomedical Sciences Research Master’s Program offers a two-year graduate degree. The program is multidisciplinary and provides general biomedical sciences training. This program is offered to students with three options: thesis, non-thesis or applied biotechnology. The curriculum for each option is specialized, depending on the student’s academic history and interest.

The thesis option requires one year of academic courses; the second year includes advanced coursework and laboratory research. The student is expected to submit and defend a thesis at the completion of his or her research.

The non-thesis option consists of two years of academic courses and two laboratory rotations. The second year consists of advanced electives chosen based on the student’s interests.

The applied biotechnology option is designed for students interested in acquiring technical skills appropriate for positions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries or in academic or government labs. Technical courses include instruction in molecular cloning, traditional and real time PCR, DNA sequencing, gene expression, gene manipulation, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics.

Career Opportunities

With the continuing growth of employment opportunities in biomedical research and technology, this program is designed to train students for the demands of research in a high-tech world.

Our highly trained faculty creates a cutting-edge learning environment for prospective researchers that will prepare them for rewarding careers in basic science or clinical medicine.

Educational Format

Students enrolled in this program benefit from the expertise of faculty at EVMS. A hands-on approach to learning is offered by EVMS basic research scientists in several the research focus areas. Students initially complete a one-year core curriculum, providing a foundation in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and research techniques. The curriculum for the second year is individually developed for each student to encompass the student’s specific areas of interest.

Program Costs

Tuition for the 2009-10 academic year is $262 per credit hour, with a 50 percent tuition waiver. The total tuition and fees for full time in-state students is about $3,900 per year (2009-10). Tuition rates for out-of-state students are slightly higher. The estimated textbook cost is $400 per year. Loans are available, and students are encouraged to contact the EVMS Office of Financial Aid for details.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Students must show proof of major medical insurance coverage. Students who are eligible for coverage under the policy of a parent or spouse are urged to do so. As an alternative, EVMS offers a student health insurance plan for an estimated $2,377 per year.

Admission Requirements

  • Have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better.
  • Have successfully completed one year each of biology and mathematics/statistics and two years of chemistry, including organic chemistry.
  • Have a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score within the last 5 years.

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer of credit may be allowed for courses comparable to those offered in our programs, which were taken in other accredited biomedical or biological sciences graduate programs in the U.S.A. Grades of B or higher or a passing grade in a pass/fail course are required. The Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. Program may accept up to 12 transfer credits, and the Biomedical Sciences Research Master's Programs may accept up to nine transfer credits. Transfer credit will be determined by the Program Director in consultation with program faculty after matriculation of a student into the program.

Application Procedures

The deadline for submitting an application is March 1. Applications are reviewed annually in the spring for the following fall semester, which begins in mid-August each year.

  • Complete and submit the online application form, including a personal statement, along with the $60 application fee.
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to EVMS. The ETS code for reporting GRE scores to EVMS is 5729.
  • Using the form provided within the online application system, submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty at colleges or universities attended by the applicant who can realistically evaluate the applicant's abilities and probability of success in the program. At least two of these letters should be from faculty.

Official transcripts and test scores should be mailed to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions at the address below. If you experience technical difficulties or related problems in completing your online application, please contact:

Rose Mwayungu
Director Enrollment for Health Professions
Attn: M.S. in Biomedical Sciences
Eastern Virginia Medical School
700 W. Olney Road
Norfolk, VA 23507-1607

Tel: (757) 446-7153/7096
Fax: (757) 446-8915
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For more information, please contact:
Program Director, Earl Godfrey, Ph.D.
Department of Pathology and Anatomy, EVMS
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Biomedical Sciences Program Office
Leah Solomon, Administrator
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Phone: (757) 446-5944
Fax: (757) 446-6179