Biomedicine Programs
Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD, FAAO, Program Director
Salus University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and an embedded Master of Science (MSc) graduate research degree program in Biomedicine.
This fully accredited program allows students to specialize in any area of health science such as:
- Optometry
- Audiology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Rehabilitation Sciences
- Biological Sciences
Master’s and Doctoral graduate students in Biomedicine will be trained and challenged to:
- Use effective means of reviewing literature
- Find and master the most specific and sensitive research techniques
- Produce and manage data with sensitivity to quality assurance
- Understand ethical and confidentiality mandates
- Publish findings using methods that maintain the integrity of the research and its interpretation
Flexible Learning Options
Distance Learning/Online
This distance learning option meets the needs of the University’s unique international and domestic student markets. In this 84-credit program, students take all courses online and link research projects with established mentors in successful research laboratories in the student’s community.
This program format allows the mid-level faculty member who requires a PhD for academic advancement and professional growth to remain embedded in his/her community. Most students continue to maintain full-time employment while completing this program in about four years.
On-Campus Option
Students selecting this option will need to relocate to the Philadelphia area. With this option courses are presented on-campus and research projects are arranged with established mentors in successful research laboratories either at Salus University or other sites in the Philadelphia community.
Program Goals
The main goal of the Office of Graduate Programs in Biomedicine is to provide students with the experiences and education needed for them to become independent scholars. Two options are available; a traditional, on-campus learning approach, and a non-traditional, distance learning option that allows a student to complete the program while remaining embedded in their own community and work. Both options are designed with a goal of efficiency, productive research training, strengthened personal intellect, and multiple experiences that enrich the student’s confidence and facilitate a more seamless transition into the academic or clinical workplace.
To support this goal, the program emphasizes publications, presentations, and the ability to develop and execute lucid research plans. Student mentors are expected to take on an aggressive role in guiding the student through the process. The interaction between mentors and their students is a crucial component of the Salus program. The mentor is responsible to be an advisor, a teacher, a role model, and even, if need be, a disciplinarian.
Degree Programs in Biomedicine
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Science (MSc)
Program Overview
Both degree programs are designed for those individuals who:
- Hold various bachelors or master’s degrees or terminal clinical degrees (such as OD, AuD) and wish to secure either a doctoral or master’s research credentials
- Currently work (or intend to work) in the health sciences in medicine, optometry, audiology, speech-language pathology, audiology, physician assistant, rehabilitation, and related fields, or basic medical or vision lab-based research.
MSc applicants with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions for eligibility requirements.
The Master of Science (MSc) degree program is designed to have research completed under normal circumstances in 18 full-time months and provide an additional six months for completion of the dissertation for the Master of Science (MSc) degree program. (Part-time programs also are permitted).
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program is designed to have research completed under normal, full-time circumstances in three full-time years, and provide one additional year for completion of the dissertation and passing of the Oral Defense (viva) examination for the PhD program. (A part-time program is allowed and will generally consist of six years of research and one year for the writing of the dissertation and oral defense (viva) examination).
Admissions
Salus University's Graduate Programs in Biomedicine accepts applications to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedicine degree programs online through the GradCAS application service.
The intended program start date of the Biomedicine degree programs (PhD and MSc) is August (fall term) of each year. Applications received on or before July 1 of the year of desired enrollment are given priority consideration.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
- Review and selection begins after applicants submit all the necessary documents via the GradCAS application service.
- To receive priority consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply early and to complete the application requirements as soon as possible.
During the review process, the academic background of the applicant is assessed to determine academic eligibility and his/her entry point into the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedicine (PhD) or the Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSc). Each candidate is evaluated by the Biomedicine Admissions Committee and the evaluation includes a formal interview.
If you are interested in applying to the Biomedicine degree programs or have questions regarding the application process, please contact an admissions counselor at admissions@salus.edu, or 800.824.6262 (toll free in North America), or 215.780.1301 prior to initiating the online GradCAS application.
Criteria & Prerequisites
All applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and must hold an undergraduate (or equivalency) or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in order to be admitted to the Graduate Biomedicine programs.
The Biomedicine program seeks individuals who have educational prerequisites, interest and motivation for undertaking advancing in biomedicine and research careers, consistent with the program’s stated mission, goals and objectives.
To Be Considered, An Applicant Must Submit:
Salus University is now accepting applications through the GradCAS centralized application service. Please follow all instructions as indicated on the application portal.
- Submit a completed application through GradCAS: If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create a new account. Once your account is created:
- Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.
- Use the search filters to locate the Salus University, Graduate Programs in Biomedicine program.
- Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
- Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource.
- A non-refundable fee of $124.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges (undergraduate, graduate, professional) attended. Partial transcripts should be submitted if courses are still in progress. Official transcripts must be issued directly to the GradCAS Transcript Processing Center from each institution, not to the student. A transcript marked "issued to student" is not acceptable, even when delivered in a sealed envelope.
- Educational Resume/Curriculum Vitae - the document should list, in chronological order, an applicant's education and work experiences, publications, honors and achievements to date and can be submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
- Two Letters of Evaluation - to be submitted through the GradCAS application portal on your behalf. When completing the online application, applicants must supply the name and email address of two people who are not related to the applicant and who will provide the University with a reference. References will be contacted by GradCAS and provided with instructions on how to submit an evaluation electronically. The references should be from persons familiar with the applicant's academic work, employment record, and/or personal characteristics.
- Life Experience Essay - describe those life experiences that have contributed to your perspectives on biomedical issues, values and needs, both domestically and internationally, as appropriate. This essay is submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
- Statement of Interest (5-page single-space limit) - the application process serves as an entry point into the program. It is important that the applicant has previously thought through which of the general areas and disciplines he/she wishes to embrace. From the point of registration forward, the student begins the process of becoming a scholar in his specific chosen area(s) and will thereby devote the greater time of his professional academic life to the pursuit of stewardship of this discipline(s). Please follow the guidelines below when crafting your statement, which is submitted through the GradCAS application portal.
Statement of Interest Guidelines:
- Please provide examples of the research questions you are interested in pursuing. Include sufficient background information to explain why you view such questions as important to pursue. Lastly, you should identify what society will gain in your pursuit of this type of research. (e.g. clinical sciences, laboratory sciences, rehabilitation sciences and population sciences)
- You may indicate more than one choice. Please describe any sub-specialization within the areas below:
- clinical including clinical trials
- basic research
- military application
- industrial (pharmaceutical, development of devices or equipment or other)
- The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedicine (PhD) and Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSc) degrees teaches the student to investigate and apply facts and concepts in a unique manner that are taught within individual professional goals and areas of interest. In addition, it is equally important that the student utilize their training and experience to begin to establish a network of colleagues and facilities in their home country that embraces interests similar to their own. The goal of the educational experience is to facilitate continuing further research activities immediately upon graduation.
It is essential, therefore, in the selection of both students and their mentors, for each applicant to reflect upon and answer the following questions/statements:
What is your purpose in earning a Master of Science or a PhD degree? Which of the biomedical disciplines would you apply to the above questions? How would you classify your area of research interest?
Please provide a brief synopsis of your professional experience so far, including any research.
All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
International Students & Practitioners
International Transcripts
An international student whose degree was completed outside of the U.S. and Canada will be required to submit a course-by-course credential review from an accredited agency, which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. The official credential review (not a copy) must be sent from the accredited credentialing agency directly to the GradCAS application service.
- If using the World Education Services (WES) You can request electronic WES evaluations directly through the GradCAS application. Click Order WES Evaluation after listing your foreign school in the Colleges Attended section. Once WES completes your evaluation, they will send it to GradCAS electronically. GradCAS also accepts paper WES evaluations sent via mail:
- GradCAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9217
Watertown, MA 02471
- Further instructions on submitting foreign credential evaluations
English Language Proficiency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare team. Official results from the TOEFL (or IELTS) examination are required for all students for whom English is a second language (ESL).
Exceptions will be made for ESL applicants who hold degrees or diplomas from accredited post-secondary institutions in countries where English is the official language and in which English is the language of instruction (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand).
The TOEFL (or IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
- If submitting TOEFL scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
- If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
Admissions Selection Process
Admission procedures and policies include appropriate consideration of an individual applicant’s experience and/or the applicant’s ability to apply educational preparation from such diverse fields as clinical sciences, laboratory sciences, rehabilitation sciences and population sciences, etc. In addition, it is expected that the successful candidate for the degree (PhD or MSc) programs will possess:
- A documented record of academic achievement.
- Demonstrated academic competency in mathematics/quantitative methods.
- English language skills (both written and oral) essential to the successful completion of the coursework.
Interview Process
Individuals successfully meeting the required selection criteria may receive an invitation for an interview, which provides further insight into the applicant’s character and motivation, and allows an applicant the opportunity to speak with the program director. Interviews may be held via phone conference.
Notification of Acceptance and Matriculation
An applicant may be notified of his or her acceptance on a rolling admissions basis. Upon receipt of acceptance, an applicant is required to complete the Matriculation Supplement form in order to reserve a seat in the entering class.
Advanced Standing or Transfer Credit
Applicants who have earned credits at another institution have the right to petition for the transfer of some or all of those credits at the time of application.
Any applicant holding a master’s degree or equivalent training (e.g., courses, grants or other) may be considered for direct entry into the PhD sequence. The applicant, however, may be required to take specific courses that are part of the Salus University master’s degree curriculum and that are missing from the applicant’s previous training. The decision as to the entry point will be administered by the program director or designee.
Any additional training or special credentials applicable to the PhD will be evaluated and determined according to Section 9.5.3 of the Academic Policy, which reads in part “Other transfer requests will be evaluated on an individual basis and must be approved by the vice president of Academic Affairs.”
Following the above process, a course of study will be developed for each student.
Deferment of Admission
An accepted student with an unforeseen, extenuating circumstance prohibiting them from matriculating may request a deferment of admission in writing. The request must be directed to both the Dean of Student Affairs and the Director of Graduate Programs in Biomedicine, and made via the Office of Admissions.
For deferment consideration, the following is required:
- A deferment request submitted in writing by June 1, before the August start of the academic year. Please note, submission of a deferral request by the deadline does not guarantee approval.
- Official documentation verifying the extenuating circumstance.
- All matriculation materials must be received (as directed in the University’s official Letter of Acceptance).
If deferment is approved:
- Admission will be extended to August matriculation of the next academic year.
- A deferment will not extend beyond one admission cycle.
- The student must contact the Office of Admissions, in writing, by April 1 of the deferred admission calendar year regarding his/her intention to resume enrollment.
- The student will be required to meet with a member of the Admissions Committee prior to matriculation (this may be done in person or via phone/online).
If a deferral request is denied:
- A student has the option to withdraw acceptance from the Program, and reapply through GradCAS for future admission.
For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@salus.edu.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Non-degree student status is appropriate for the applicant who may desire to take one or more of the courses offered in this program, but is not enrolling in the full Biomedicine degree program (MSc or PhD).
MSc Program in Biomedicine Courses
Core
| BIO-5001 | Introduction to Academic Writing | 3 |
| BIO-5100 | Research Methodology: Introduction | 1.5 |
| BIO-5101 | Research Methodology: Measurement | 2 |
| BIO-5102 | Research Methodology: Data Analysi | 2 |
| BIO-5103 | Research Methodology: Approaches an | 2 |
| BIO-5300 | Research Seminar: Introduction to | 1 |
| BIO-5301 | Research Seminar: Critical Review | 1 |
| BIO-5302 | Research Seminar: How to Prepare P | 1 |
| BIO-5600 | Prep Course: The Qualifying Exam | 0.5 |
| BIO-6300 | Research Seminar: Epidemiology and | 1 |
| BIO-6330 | Research Seminar I: PR, D & H | 1 |
| BIO-6930 | Research Project 1 | 3.5 |
| BIO-6931 | Research Project 2 | 5 |
| BIO-6932 | Research Project 3 | 5 |
| BIO-6933 | Research Project 4 | 4.5 |
| BIO-6934 | Research Project 5 | 7.5 |
| BIO-7100 | Research Methodology: Epidemiology | 2 |
| BIO-8330 | The Qualifying Exam (VSI) | 0.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
Elective (1 - 2 credit req)
PhD Program in Biomedicine Courses
Core
Elective (3 credits req)
- Successful completion of OGB - BIO-8330 -AA (The Viva Seminar 1) = Candidacy Status
Total Semester Credits for Master of Science (MS) = 45
(MS requires 44 core credits and 1 elective credit)
Masters Level Courses -- 5000/6000 Series
- Total Semester Credits for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) = 84
(PhD requires 81 core credits and 3 elective credits)
Doctoral Level Courses -- 7000/8000 Series