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Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences

The master of arts in biomedical sciences (MABS) — offered through Bluefield University is taught by SWAGÊÓƵVirginia and Bluefield University faculty on the SWAGÊÓƵVirginia campus. The program prepares you for applying to medical schools, and it can significantly bolster acceptance to our DO program. Graduates are also accepted to other medical schools and a variety of other doctoral healthcare programs. The program is also offered as an online master of arts in biomedical sciences (OMABS) degree.

Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences

If you dream of becoming a physician and want to make sure you’re ready to excel in medical school, then the Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (MABS) degree may be the perfect fit for you. The 9-month program, a collaboration between SWAGÊÓƵand Bluefield University, is taught on the SWAGÊÓƵcampus in Blacksburg, Virginia. (To date, over 70% of MABS graduates have been accepted to SWAGÊÓƵor other U.S.-based medical schools).

You can also earn the degree 100% online with an Online Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (OMABS), without the need to relocate to Blacksburg. Both programs prepare students for entry into medical school and a range of professions in healthcare. If students meet benchmarks in the program, they have a significant advantage for interview and acceptance into the following programs: SWAGÊÓƵD.O. degree, Anesthesiologist Assistant Program, and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy. MABS graduates have been accepted into other medical schools and a variety of healthcare professions.

For any questions about the program, please get in touch with Danielle Denney ddenney@vcom.edu.

DO graduates posing in regalia

MABS to DO Residencies

The MABS program can be an important step on your journey to successfully completing your medical degree. Many recent MABS graduates have gone on to complete the Doctor of Osteopathy degree at one of VCOM’s four campuses and have subsequently been accepted at residencies across the nation. Check out the link below to see a list of where some of our recent graduates have gone for their residencies.

MABS to DO Residencies (PDF)

Admission Requirements

To be accepted to the MABS program, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • GPA that meets the minimum requirements
  • Relevant coursework in science and English

OMABS Courses

OMABS 2024-2025 courses (PDF)

Applying to the MABS and OMABS Programs

Applications are submitted to Bluefield University, which manages the admission process for the MABS program at VCOM's Virginia campus. 

Application Materials

  • Online application
  • Official college/university transcripts
  • 2 letters of recommendation

The application period for MABS opens in September and closes in April with a July start date.

Applications for OMABS start in September.

  • For the class that begins in January applications close in December. 
  • For the class that begins in July applications close in April.

Two MABS students smiling

Need to Improve Credentials for Medical School? Learn More at Our Upcoming Info Sessions.

You’ll hear from MABS and OMABS alumni who are enrolled in medical school. Plus, meet SWAGÊÓƵadministrators who can answer your questions.

OMABS Virtual Information Session
Date: 11/11/24 Time: 5pm EST / 4pm CST

OMABS Virtual Information Session
Date: 12/10/24 Time: 5pm EST/4pm CST