Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program at California Health Sciences University (CHSU) to help students navigate the application, admissions, and financial aid processes.
Q. How long will it take to complete the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program at California Health Sciences University (CHSU)?
A. There are two tracks in the CHSU MSBS program, including a 1-year non-thesis track (30 credits) and optional 2-year thesis track (50 credits).
Q. What is the current accreditation status for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. Full Accreditation Status was granted by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and approval to operate was granted by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BBPE).
Q. Do I need to take the MCAT to apply for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. We do not require an MCAT score when applying for the CHSU MSBS program. Students who are accepted in our program can chose to enroll in the MCAT Prep optional course (2 semester credit hours) and prepare for the MCAT through The Princeton Review. However, if you have taken any MCAT before applying to our program, we encourage you to submit your scores.
Q. When do classes take place for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. Classes for the CHSU MSBS program take place in the evenings Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 or 5:00 pm until 7:00 or 8:00 pm, and Saturday mornings from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Some classes or exams can be scheduled on selected Mondays.
Q. Are letters of recommendation required to apply for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. The CHSU MSBS program requires 2 letters of recommendation (LOR) when applying for the CHSU MSBS program. The Graduate Admissions Committee Strongly recommends at least one LOR be from a science instructor.
Q. Can letters of recommendation be transferred from Interfolio to PostbacCas?
A. Yes, each letter is assigned a unique email address that you must enter in the PostbacCAS application. Click the letter’s title to view the email address (e.g., send.Sample.87E56D6B04@interfolio.com), then enter the address into the application.
Q. Are there required prerequisite courses for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. The required prerequisite courses for the CHSU MSBS program must be completed with a grade of C or better within 9 years prior to matriculation into our program by August 1st of the matriculation year. See below for required prerequisite courses or visit the Admissions webpage.
- Behavioral sciences: 3 credits (semester hours)
- Biology: 8 credits (semester hours)
- General or Inorganic Chemistry: 8 credits (semester hours)
- Organic Chemistry: 8 credits (semester hours)
- Physics: 8 credits (semester hours)
- English: 6 credits (semester hours)
Q. What does the interview process look like for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. Virtual Interviews for the CHSU MSBS program are held on select dates from October through July. The entire interview process is approximately 45 minutes long.
Q. Do you offer an application fee waiver for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. There are no supplemental fees for the CHSU MSBS program in PostbacCas. PostbacCas does charge a $139 fee for the first program you apply to and an additional $54 for each additional program application.
Q. Can I still apply to CHSU if I have not met all the prerequisite requirements?
A. To be considered for the CHSU MSBS program, you must meet all admission and prerequisite criteria. If you are missing any prerequisites, they can be taken at community colleges. However, you can still apply for the program’s Fall matriculation if all prerequisites can be completed with a letter grade of C or better by August 1st of the same year.
Q. I am interested in your MSBS program, what are the necessary steps to follow to get more information and to apply?
A. Join the interest list to receive emails from our MSBS Team, RSVP for our Virtual information sessions, and reach out to us at msbsadmissions@chsu.edu. Feel free to ask for a 1 on 1 meeting with one of our team members. Contact Us – College of Biosciences & Health Professions (chsu.edu)
Q. What is the expected class size for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. The expected class size for the CHSU MSBS program is up to 50 students.
Q. Is Federal Financial aid available for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. Yes, students enrolled in the CHSU MSBS program are eligible and can apply for Federal Student Loans. CHSU also provides 5 scholarships of up to $5,000 to eligible students enrolled in our program. It will be awarded to students based on merit and need basis. Any other questions can be answered by our Office of Financial Aid financialaid@chsu.edu.
Q. Are there any opportunities for CHSU MSBS program students to participate in the Federal Work Study Program?
A. Yes, Federal Work Study is available to students enrolled in the CHSU MSBS program. Students must apply and be selected by the university to hold a part-time position at CHSU.
Q. Where can I apply for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. Students can apply for the CHSU MSBS program through PostbacCas. https://postbaccas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
Q. What is the probability of being admitted into the CHSU Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program?
A. Students from the CHSU MSBS program inaugural class of 2024 that applied and met all admissions criteria were admitted into CHSU DO program. Find more information about MSBS Program Graduate Statistics on the Admissions webpage.
Q. What is the curriculum for the MSBS program 1-year and 2-year tracks?
A. The CHSU MSBS program 1-year non-these track program curriculum offers courses that prepare students for their chosen health care profession. The CHSU MSBS program 2-year thesis-track curriculum includes a 2nd year dedicated to research. Learn more about the MSBS Program Curriculum online.
Q. Are all courses graded or are there pass/no pass courses in the CHSU MSBS program?
A. All courses for the CHSU MSBS program will be granted a letter grade, but there will be a longitudinal course that will be pass/no pass course.
Q. Where can I find more information about the CHSU MSBS program?
A. You can find information about the MSBS program in our Brochure, at information sessions, and online at https://healthprofessions.chsu.edu/.
Q. Who should I contact for more information about the CHSU MSBS program?
A. If you have questions or need further information about the CHSU MSBS program, please contact the Office of Admissions at MSBSAdmissions@chsu.edu.
Q. How much is tuition and the cost of attendance for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. The tuition and cost of attendance for the CHSU MSBS program can be found online at the Office of Financial Aid webpage.
Q. What are the advantages of living in central California?
A. There are several advantages to living in the central California, including:
- Health Career Opportunities – Students benefit from plentiful local health careers opportunities throughout the Central Valley due to the shortage of health providers in the region.
- Cost of Living – We offer competitive tuition with affordable housing relative to other parts of California. Plus, we offer free parking, and light traffic for easy commutes.
- Clovis Way of Life – The City of Clovis believes they are the best city in Central California for safety, schools, families, and affordability.
- For more information visit the Living in Central California webpage.
Q. What is the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program mission?
A. The CHSU MSBS mission is: To provide an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to strengthen their knowledge in the field of biomedical sciences, develop critical thinking skills through mentored research, prepare for healthcare professional school programs, and obtain successful careers within the health sciences field.
Q. What is the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program vision?
A. The CHSU MSBS vision is: To foster educational and health career success for diverse students to increase the number of healthcare professionals in the Central Valley and decrease health disparities.
Q. What are the MSBS program minimum requirements for applicants for the 2024-2025 application cycle?
A. The CHSU MSBS program minimum requirements for the 2024-2025 application cycle can be found listed below and on the Admissions webpage.
- Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- An overall cumulative and science GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required.
- Provide 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Satisfactorily complete the prerequisite courses listed below prior to matriculation.
- U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Resident, or DACA Recipient
- Optional: Submit MCAT, DAT, or PCAT scores to strengthen your application.
The following requirements apply to all prerequisite coursework:
1. Must Be Taken at Accredited College or University
All prerequisites must be completed at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For international students, please see separate provisions in the Admissions Policy applicable to international coursework.
2. Deadline for Prerequisite Completion
Applicants must complete or plan to complete all prerequisites prior to August 1 preceding enrollment in the MSBS, unless an exception is approved by the Director of MSBS Program. If courses are not complete and shown on transcript at the time of application, please provide a plan for completing them prior to August 1.
3. Letter Grade of C or Better Required
Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” or higher to satisfy completion of each prerequisite course. Grades of “C-”, pass/no pass, credit/no credit will not be accepted. CHSU-MSBS will accept a grade of PASS in a pass/no-pass grading system or CREDIT in a credit/no credit grading system, for courses taken during grading periods affected by COVID restrictions (beginning in Spring 2020).
4. Courses Must Be Taken within nine (9) Years of Enrollment
All applicants must complete all science prerequisite requirements nine (9) years prior to enrollment in the MSBS. Applicants who have taken science prerequisite courses more than nine (9) years ago may be required to repeat that coursework prior to matriculation.
Applicants who wish to have coursework taken more than nine (9) years prior to enrollment count for prerequisite requirements may request that those courses be counted as fulfilling a prerequisite by contacting the MSBS Office of Admissions. Such exceptions are accommodated as per the MSBS admissions policy.
Q. Are AP credits accepted as prerequisite coursework for the CHSU MSBS program?
A. Yes, AP credits are accepted for the CHSU MSBS program if specified on transcripts.
Q. Does the CHSU MSBS program offer rolling Admissions?
A. Yes, the CHSU MSBS program accepts students on a rolling basis during the application cycle on a first come, first serve basis.