Biomedical Science
About
Biomedical Science
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
College: Medicine
Biomedical science is the study of how the principles of science apply to medicine. The biomedical science major at Ohio State is for a select group of high-ability and highly motivated freshmen who wish to engage in biomedical research as undergraduates and plan to pursue graduate or professional education in medicine, research or other areas of health care. Students pursuing this major should have a strong interest in research and human disease and should enjoy course work in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology. Admission to the major requires a separate application; see the "Get started" section for details.
Get started
To be eligible to apply to the major, a student must (1) be a high school senior and (2) apply for freshman admission to Ohio State.
In addition to completing the Common Application for freshman admission to Ohio State, students must also submit a separate online application to the biomedical science major. Application instructions can be found at medicine.osu.edu/bms. The application deadline is November 15 of each year. (Due to the pandemic, the 2021 application deadline is November 30). Approximately 26 high school seniors are selected for the biomedical science major each year.
Please note: Due to the structured nature of the major, current Ohio State students and transfer students are not eligible to apply.
Curriculum
In addition to General Education courses, the biomedical science major requires the following:
- traditional pre-med courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and physics
- advanced science electives in areas such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
- courses in biomedical science, including an extensive research experience
The biomedical science curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and flexible. Students begin taking major course work in their freshman year as they learn to conduct scientific literature searches, develop a research hypothesis, and begin to read and analyze biomedical science literature. These skills are carried into the sophomore year as students focus on research being conducted at Ohio State by reading research manuscripts written by faculty of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and discussing the manuscripts with the authors. The junior year is largely spent in the research lab and preparing for graduate and professional school exams and applications.
In the senior year, students complete two series of classes. The first series addresses doctor-patient communication, health care organizations and leadership in medicine. The second series allows students to apply their scientific knowledge to particular diseases. Students take classes in translational science using immunology and infectious diseases, genetic and neurological conditions, and cancer as models.
Study abroad
An optional study abroad experience is offered for biomedical science seniors. While abroad, students perform community and educational services with partner agencies. Past senior cohorts have traveled to Malawi, Guatemala and Estonia.
Biomedical science students also take full advantage of study abroad opportunities offered by Ohio State's Office of International Affairs as well as outside agencies.
Internship
To help students determine which field is best for them, the biomedical science program offers students a variety of experiences, including a summer internship shadowing residents at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Honors and Scholars
The biomedical science major is the sole honors-based major at Ohio State, meaning all of the biomedical science courses are classified as honors.
The major has strong ties with the Honors and Scholars Center, and students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Honors or Scholars Programs through their freshman application. Students in the biomedical science program follow the College of Medicine's Honors Program, which includes Honors course work, research, service and leadership.
Research
Research is one of the hallmarks of the biomedical science major. Students are required to join a research lab in the second semester of their freshman year or first semester of their sophomore year. In fact, the junior year biomedical science courses are structured around the students' research endeavors. Students have opportunities to work in prestigious research labs throughout The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Student organizations
The Biomedical Science Major Student Organization (BMSMSO) is open to students enrolled in the major. The purpose of this organization is to foster community among the four biomedical science cohorts and to facilitate mentoring and tutoring opportunities for students in the major.
Possible careers
The biomedical science major is designed to strongly prepare students for graduate and professional programs in areas such as biomedical research, medicine and other areas of health care.
Currently, about 50 percent of biomedical science graduates go on to medical school, 25 percent go on to pursue a PhD or a joint MD/PhD, and 25 percent pursue other graduate programs (e.g., dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, public health). Placement into graduate and professional programs for biomedical science alumni is nearly 100 percent.
Program objectives
Graduates from the biomedical science program will:
- be prepared for success in a professional or graduate program in medicine or other advanced health-focused programs. The biomedical science major serves as an excellent undergraduate preparation for graduate study in non-health areas, such as business, engineering or law.
- possess the motivation to pursue graduate/professional education in biomedical research and/or the health sciences and be a leader in improving the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
- have the ability to acquire and evaluate information from a wide data source as it relates to complex problems.
- have the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and function comfortably in various cultural, political, and social environments within the context of healthcare and the biomedical sciences.
- be sensitive to the humanistic aspects of healthcare and healthcare-related services.
- possess knowledge and skills that are fundamental to the formulation, conduct, and reporting of clinical or basic science research.
- appreciate and value the importance of research and the advancement of knowledge for the progress of society.
- adapt to challenges and opportunities by bringing a wide knowledge base to problem-solving tasks, and who integrate life-long learning into all phases of life.
- have knowledge of policy issues related to healthcare and the interaction of social, political, and environmental factors that impact the field.
- be prepared to enter the workforce in areas such as pharmaceutical sales, forensic science labs, genetics labs, and other entry-level lab positions.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus