Applying to BMS

About Applying to the BMS

Application Instructions

The application for the BMS program is online via the SIUC Graduate Admissions portal. Apply via Domestic Admissions (we unfortunately cannot accept international applications for the BMS; visit the MBBS program main page for concentrations that accept international student applications). 

Spring 2025 admission: In the SIUC domestic graduate application, select the Biomedical Science program and Master of Science degree in the Program Information tab, and select Spring 2025 for the entry term. Upload one document containing both your resume/CV and a 1-2 page essay stating your interest in the BMS program, in the Application Documentation tab. Complete the application per the instructions. 

Summer 2025 admission: Summer admissions to the BMS are only through MEDPREP. Applicants interested in the BMS with MEDPREP Option must apply to, and be accepted by, the MEDPREP program first. For additional information, visit the SIUSOM MEDPREP Page. 

Fall 2025 admission:  In the SIUC domestic graduate application, select the Multidisciplinary Biomedical and Biological Science program and Master of Science degree in the Program Information tab, and select Fall 2025 for the entry term. In the Departmental Requirements tab, select Non-thesis MS in Biomedical Science as the track, and complete the application per the instructions. 

Application Deadlines and Program Entry Dates

BMS accepts students in the fall and spring semesters. The preferred application deadline is May 1 for fall admissions, although applications are accepted through July 15. The preferred application deadline for spring admission is October 1, although applications are accepted through November 15.

Application review is on a "rolling" basis and typically takes 4-6 weeks. However, if you have applied and not heard from a BMS program representative within two weeks regarding receipt of your application, please email the BMS program to inquire about your application status.

Students wishing to apply to the BMS-MEDPREP Option must contact the MEDPREP program and apply to, and be accepted to MEDPREP first. For more information, visit the MEDPREP information and application pages. The MEDPREP program always starts in the summer, approximately June 15th each year. Application deadlines are in December (priority deadline) and February (main deadline). The MEDPREP program targets students who have faced educational or socioeconomic disadvantage, is two years in length, and has additional application requirements, including interviews. 

Do I need to take the MCAT, DAT, or GRE before I apply?

No. These tests are not required for admission to the BMS. If you have already completed one or more MCAT, DAT or GRE exams, we encourage you to self-report these scores on your application. For MCAT/DAT, ALL official test scores become part of your academic record in applying to medical or dental school. You should therefore not take these tests simply for the purpose of applying to BMS.

If you are planning to enter the BMS for the purposes of improving your professional school application, we strongly discourage you from taking the MCAT or DAT prior to entry. 

Application Costs

There is a $65 application fee to submit your application to the SIUC Graduate School.  We are not able to offer application fee waivers. You may submit an application with unofficial transcripts (you do not have to send official transcripts at the time of application). 

However, if accepted, you will be required to send official transcripts confirming the completion of your undergraduate degree to SIUC. You will not be able to register without an official transcript.

Transcript Requirements for Application

You must submit transcripts from all colleges (community colleges, 4-year colleges or universities) as part of your BMS application. Transcripts may be unofficial. You must, however, disclose all institutions and grades for college-level coursework to be considered for admission. Upon acceptance, official transcripts, sent directly from the institution, including one indicating your posted undergraduate degree, are required. Failure to submit official transcripts as required by the graduate school upon admission will prevent you from registering for SIUC classes.

Documents required for the BMS application

You will need to upload the following document as part of your application:

  • Resume/CV listing your educational institutions, work experience, medical exploration activities (shadowing, scribing, etc.) and community service activities.
  • Copy of Driver’s License or State ID (this will determine your state of residency for tuition purposes)
  • Personal statement, 1-2 pages in length, about your motivation for professional school (medical, dental, PA, etc.) and how you believe the BMS program fits into your career goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

MBS-MEDPREP Option applicants should NOT apply via the online portal. Applicants interested in MEDPREP must download a MEDPREP application and send application materials directly to the MEDPREP departmental admissions office. For more information visit the SIUSOM MEDPREP pages. 

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

The BMS requires two individual letters of recommendation. BMS will also accept composite letters from pre-health offices (committee letters or letter packets) in lieu of the two recommendation letters. At least one letter in your composite must be dated within the past year, and a minimum of two individuals must have contributed to your composite letter.

Academic letters of recommendation are preferred. However, MBS does not require academic references because many of our students are returning to school to follow their dream after being away from college for a while. Other appropriate recommenders might include: a volunteer coordinator, a research or work supervisor, a health care professional with whom you have worked/shadowed, or a co-worker who appreciates your career goals. Letters from family members or friends who do not know you in a volunteer or professional capacity are not accepted. 

Should I send copies of articles I have published?

No, it is not necessary to upload these as part of the application. However, you are welcome to list them or refer to them in your resume/CV portion of the application.

Additional Program Information

For more FAQs about the BMS Program, visit our ABOUT page. 

For more on the Carbondale IL area, visit our ABOUT CARBONDALE page.

For more about the BMS curriculum visit our CURRICULUM page. 

APPLY

About the cost

BMS Program Costs

BMS students pay tuition at the SIUC graduate rate. The in-state rate is applicable to students applying from Illinois as well as from the surrounding states of Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Out-of-state students from all other states pay the out-of-state tuition rate. All students pay fees in addition to tuition costs. We strongly encourage out-of-state students to consider carefully the cost of attending SIUC. 

A minimum of 30 credit-hours is required to complete the degree. Students enroll for 15-16 credit hours per semester if using the 2-semester option. Students taking 3-4 semesters may take between 6 and 15 credits per semester. Please utilize SIUC's online tuition and fee calculator (for on-campus, graduate students) to receive an accurate tuition and fee cost estimate for your residency status and program goals. You may also find the SIUC budget estimation page helpful.

Because the BMS is a coursework-only degree, we do not have graduate TA or RA (teaching or research assistantships) available for first-year students. Limited TA-ships may be available for students continuing in their second year. Students may also apply for graduate school tuition waivers, but this funding is NOT guaranteed. Students should plan their finances assuming that they will NOT receive departmental or graduate school funding. 

BMS-MEDPREP Option students must complete a minimum of 47 credits, including MEDPREP coursework. For  more information, visit https://www.siumed.edu/medprep. 

Carbondale, IL Cost of Living

Cost of living in a small town in the Midwest is generally considered to be less expensive than in a large U.S. city. However, living in a university town can cost more than one might anticipate. Rental costs can vary from $500 to $1,000 per month, depending on location, roommates, etc. For apartment availability and rates, visit apartment-listing sites such as ApartmentFinder.com, or Apartments.com. SIUC does have campus housing available for graduate students. For more on graduate housing options on the SIUC campus, visit the SIUC Housing page.

BMS does not endorse any particular housing in the Carbondale area. Students are strongly encouraged to investigate all housing options to find accommodations that will fit their needs. 

You may find the SIUC Estimated Cost and Budgeting page helpful as well.

Illinois Residency and Tuition Costs

BMS welcomes applications from all US states and territories, but students should be aware of the difference in the tuition rate for IL and surrounding state residents, and the tuition rate for residents from other states and territories.

Determination of state residency is done at the time of application from your submitted application documents. Students from out-of-state pay out-of-state tuition, but may consider becoming an Illinois resident once they move to the state. More information about changing residency to Illinois can be found at the Illinois Residency page of the SIUC Graduate school. 

Please note that residency changes for tuition purposes require proof of IL state residency for a minimum of six months. 

Graduate Stipends, Tuition Waivers and Scholarships

A small number of tuition waivers are available for SIUC graduate students each semester through the graduate school; the application deadlines are July 15 for the fall semester, November 15 for the spring semester, and April 15 for summer courses. Tuition waivers are not guaranteed and should not be used for financial planning purposes. For tuition scholarship information, visit Graduate School Scholarships.

Because of the intense nature of the program, we do not offer TA or GA positions (graduate student jobs), and students are discouraged from working while completing their degree. 

Once a bachelor’s degree is received, the term “grant” virtually disappears from available financial aid, and scholarships are limited.  Students may apply for SIUC scholarships via Academic Works. However, most SIUC scholarships are directed toward undergraduate students. For financial aid help, contact the Financial Aid Office.