Description of Degree Program and Purpose Statement
The California Health Sciences University (CHSU) and College of Biosciences and Health Professions (CBHP) is committed to ensuring its admissions policies and procedures are fair, transparent, ethical and timely, making study accessible to a diverse range of prospective students. The purpose of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) Program, Admissions and Enrollment Policy is to explain the admissions process for applicants at CBHP-MSBS program and provide guidance on the minimum requirements to apply to the program. Additionally, the policy discusses record retention procedures for admissions records, and program academic and technical standards.
This policy outlines admissions processes and requirements for the MSBS program and applies to all prospective students applying for admission to MSBS program at California Health Sciences University.
The core of CHSU’s mission is to educate healthcare professionals who will be prepared to serve the growing health needs of the Central Valley. To accomplish this mission, it is essential that the CHSU MSBS program admit students who will be successful in the program and, ultimately, succeed in the healthcare professions. Additionally, CHSU seeks to achieve diversity among the members of the MSBS program’s student body because learning in an environment with students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences generates a level of cultural competence needed in delivering healthcare. By bringing together talented applicants from all backgrounds, CHSU uses a holistic approach to admissions that considers more than an applicant’s GPA and completed coursework. Specifically, the admissions process will evaluate factors such as an applicant’s extracurricular activities, relevant life experiences, research, work, and volunteer experience, family responsibilities, intellectual curiosity, respect for and knowledge of cultural differences, ability to overcome hardship, integrity, personal maturity, creativity, exceptional circumstances, status as a first-generation college student, and/or commitment to serving the Central Valley or disadvantaged communities (“Non-Academic Factors”). These Non-Academic Factors are all taken into consideration during the admissions process.
Non-Discrimination Admission Statement
The CHSU- CBHP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, reproductive decision-making, service in the uniformed services, national origin, age, disabilities or religion, or based on any other membership in a protected class. CHSU-CBHP selects applicants in compliance with CHSU’s Governing Statute Number 4, Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement.
Graduate Admissions Committee (GAC) Description
The MSBS Graduate Admissions Committee (GAC) and the Admissions Staff review application materials for applicants to the CBHP, along with input from selected faculty members who have interviewed applicants in accordance with procedures established by the College. Recommendations regarding admissions decisions are made to the Director; the Director of the program makes the final decision regarding whether an applicant is admitted to the MSBS program. The GAC is comprised of faculty of the MSBS program, and CHSU- or other CHSU college-level admissions personnel, as appointed by the Director.
Competitive Applicant Profiles
A competitive applicant will likely have one or more of the following or similar qualities:
- A demonstrated interest in and commitment to healthcare/academic/industrial careers;
- Service to the community (e.g., volunteering/humanitarian/altruistic work); or
- A determination to learn about the continued advancements in biomedical sciences through research and other scholarly activities.
Pre-Application and Timeline
Prior to applying to attend CHSU, applicants should familiarize themselves with CBHP’s admissions and enrollment process. Therefore, admissions decisions will be offered on an ongoing basis throughout the application process. Applicants will be notified by mail, email, and phone if they have been accepted into the MSBS program. Instructions and deadlines regarding the application are available from the Post Baccalaureate Centralized Application Service (PostbacCAS (www.postbaccas.liaisoncas.org/students/).