Is This a Good Master's Program? Is it considered an SMP?

[dodolol21]

Looking for some input from adcoms on whether or not this is a good program for someone who has a low GPA (2.9 to 3.1) but decent MCAT 510-512. Is this worth it or a waste of time? All input is appreciated.

Here's a link New Program - University of Houston

Program Overview
The Department of Biology and Biochemistry in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers a non-thesis master’s degree in biology with a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences.

This one-calendar-year program provides students with additional preparation for admission into professional degree programs in medicine, dentistry, and allied health professions.

Program provides:

• Graduate-level coursework in relevant subject areas
• Research and internship opportunities
• Co-curricular activities for exploring various healthcare professions and the application process for professional degree programs
• Individualized advisement for educational and career planning.

Program Highlights

• Certificate consists of 18 credit hours to include:
  • 4 core classes (12 credit hours):
    • Integrated Anatomy and Physiology; 3 credit hours
    • Molecular Cell Biology of Human Diseases; 3 credit hours
    • Contemporary Strategies in Biomedical Sciences; 3 credit hours
    • Medical Ethics; 3 credit hours
  • 6 credit hours of practicum:
    • Internship in Community Health
    • Laboratory Research under Faculty Supervision
      (Students can choose 6 hours of internship, or 6 hours of research, or 3 hours of each.)
• Students expected to complete 30-hour M.S. degree within a calendar year, with an additional 12 hours of elective courses to be chosen from:
  • BIOL 6315: Neuroscience
  • BIOL 6324: Bioinformatics for Biologists
  • BIOL 6333: Advanced Microbial Physiology (currently BIOL 6233)
  • BIOL 6374: Cell Biology
  • BIOL 6384: Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 6354: Endocrinology
  • BIOL 6323: Immunology
  • BIOL 6330: Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases
  • BIOL 6397: Biology of Cancer
  • BIOL 6310: Biostatistics
  • BCHS 6361: Clinical Biochemistry
• Typical course load for completion of the M.S. degree with Certificate will consist of 12 hours in each of the Fall and Spring semesters, and 6 hours in the Summer.
• Opportunities for MCAT preparation; Guidance with application and interview processes for medical and dental schools, or other health-related programs.

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[tekkenman11]

Not sure if it’s a SMP per se but the curriculum sounds robust and I like research integration. Additionally, it offers MCAT prep which is a nice bonus.

If anything it offers just as much, if not more, than some ofher SMPs when it comes to classes and resources.

 

[gyngyn]

Ask them for their outcomes for those pre-meds who have completed the degree.
Edit: Sorry, it says "new program" right up top!
Without data, it's anybody's guess.

 

[rong8]

Haven't heard of the program, but if you haven't already done so, what about a post-bac? It'd raise your undergrad GPA while still showing up as a separate line on the AMCAS GPA grid. (a master's GPA would also appear on its own, but without any of the aforementioned boosting)

 

[Goro]

Looking for some input from adcoms on whether or not this is a good program for someone who has a low GPA (2.9 to 3.1) but decent MCAT 510-512. Is this worth it or a waste of time? All input is appreciated.

Here's a link New Program - University of Houston

Program Overview
The Department of Biology and Biochemistry in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers a non-thesis master’s degree in biology with a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences.

This one-calendar-year program provides students with additional preparation for admission into professional degree programs in medicine, dentistry, and allied health professions.

Program provides:

• 
  
  
  • Graduate-level coursework in relevant subject areas
  • Research and internship opportunities
  • Co-curricular activities for exploring various healthcare professions and the application process for professional degree programs
  • Individualized advisement for educational and career planning.

Program Highlights

• Certificate consists of 18 credit hours to include:
  • 4 core classes (12 credit hours):
    • Integrated Anatomy and Physiology; 3 credit hours
    • Molecular Cell Biology of Human Diseases; 3 credit hours
    • Contemporary Strategies in Biomedical Sciences; 3 credit hours
    • Medical Ethics; 3 credit hours
  • 6 credit hours of practicum:
    • Internship in Community Health
    • Laboratory Research under Faculty Supervision
      (Students can choose 6 hours of internship, or 6 hours of research, or 3 hours of each.)
• Students expected to complete 30-hour M.S. degree within a calendar year, with an additional 12 hours of elective courses to be chosen from:
  • BIOL 6315: Neuroscience
  • BIOL 6324: Bioinformatics for Biologists
  • BIOL 6333: Advanced Microbial Physiology (currently BIOL 6233)
  • BIOL 6374: Cell Biology
  • BIOL 6384: Developmental Biology
  • BIOL 6354: Endocrinology
  • BIOL 6323: Immunology
  • BIOL 6330: Molecular Basis of Infectious Diseases
  • BIOL 6397: Biology of Cancer
  • BIOL 6310: Biostatistics
  • BCHS 6361: Clinical Biochemistry
• Typical course load for completion of the M.S. degree with Certificate will consist of 12 hours in each of the Fall and Spring semesters, and 6 hours in the Summer.
• Opportunities for MCAT preparation; Guidance with application and interview processes for medical and dental schools, or other health-related programs.

Very nice course list. Interesting that they have electives; most programs have a set of required classes.

 

[dodolol21]

Very nice course list. Interesting that they have electives; most programs have a set of required classes.

Thank you everyone for the input! Especially @gonnif @Goro and @gyngyn

My main concern about it was that since the medical school associated with this school is not yet open (coming 2020) and will be really competitive (class of 30) when it starts. So there doesnt seem to be any chance for linkage.

I thought it might be good though since the tuition is quite affordable, the classes are relevant and rigorous, there is integrated research required and since its a new program the school will probably try to help its graduates do well in order to bolster the reputation of the program.

 

[Goro]

Thank you everyone for the input! Especially @gonnif @Goro and @gyngyn

My main concern about it was that since the medical school associated with this school is not yet open (coming 2020) and will be really competitive (class of 30) when it starts. So there doesnt seem to be any chance for linkage.

I thought it might be good though since the tuition is quite affordable, the classes are relevant and rigorous, there is integrated research required and since its a new program the school will probably try to help its graduates do well in order to bolster the reputation of the program.

Why are you considering an SMP with a LizzyM of 70????

 

[FlavivirusProtease]

Why are you considering an SMP with a LizzyM of 70????

As a Texas Resident as well.

 

[dodolol21]

Why are you considering an SMP with a LizzyM of 70????

Sorry thats probably confusing, no I am already applying and submitted for this cycle with LizzyM 77-78. I’m asking about the program for a friend

 

[Hawk4077]

I'm pretty interested in this program but haven't found any first hand experience about it (this previous year was the first year) or others applying. Anyone know anyone who is currently in the program and what they think about it? Anyone else applying here?

 

[Fall_of_Dorian_Gray]

This is not considered an SMP because there's no mention of medical school classes. Based on the information you posted, it's a regular master's degree with a certificate attached.

I think the general rule of thumb is only to do regular master's if you're interested and were already planning on getting it after MD/DO. In terms of GPA remediation, a regular Master's is "usually" not very impactful due to the grade inflation (at least from ADCOMs eyes). SMP is what you would want for grade remediation, but you would essentially pay a lot of money for a useless degree (only good for getting you into medicals school).