Certificate in Biomedical Sciences Approved

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved a new biomedical sciences certificate program for students with degrees from any background.

“This biomedical sciences certificate program formalizes courses offered to students who already have bachelor degrees, but wish to prepare for further training in biomedical fields,” said Dr. Myron Salamon, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NS&M).

“More than 100 students already pursue such goals but are not awarded a formal certificate or degree. The certificate program contributes to the University’s strategic goals of training leaders, improving health and the quality of life and reaching out to the broader community.”

According to Dr. Scott Wright, associate dean and director of the Health Professions Advising Center, a typical student who might pursue the certificate is a college graduate who has worked in another field before rededicating himself or herself to pursue an education in medicine, dentistry or other health professions.

“This certificate will allow anyone with at least a bachelor’s degree to have the appropriate undergraduate preparation for applying to a graduate health professions program,” Wright said.

He estimates that the program will initially serve 30 to 40 students per year, with more to follow as the word spreads. Students are mainstreamed into already existing science courses taught by existing faculty. They will integrate into the education and classroom infrastructure already in place on campus.

The biomedical sciences certificate program Wright administers is housed in NS&M and administered through the Health Professions Advising Center.

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