At present, the Division of Biomedical Sciences (certification #48; 1975-1976) of the Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, offers various specialties in two advanced degrees:
Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in:
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
The minimum requirements for admission are:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Higher degrees, such as Master in Science (MS) or Master in Health Sciences (MHS), or professional doctoral degrees, are also accepted in specific situations.
- Minimum general grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in a scale of 4.0
- Minimum grade point average in science courses (GPS) of 3.0 in a scale of 4.0
- Complete Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. The subject/advanced test in a science related area is not required.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, using the official forms provided in our website. At least two (2) of these must be from professors in the field of study.
- A working knowledge of English and Spanish.
- Submission of the application form and other required documents on time.
- Submission of an essay in English (250 maximum word count) describing the student’s interest in the field.
- An interview with faculty members of the Department to which the student is applying.
If a student lists previous research experience, they must provide evidence, such as abstracts, manuscripts, etc.
The grade point average in science courses (GPS) [science and mathematics courses] of the MS or MHS program, will be considered for the GPS calculation for admission.
Courses taken as a “Special Student” in the MSC, UPR system or another accredited institution of higher education, cannot be used to calculate the GPS for admission to the program.
“Special Student”, as defined by the “Manual del Registrador”, is a student that is not active in the UPR System or any other higher education institution, and has not been admitted to any graduate program, be it at the UPR system or at another accredited institution of higher education. The student must receive an authorization by the Director of one of the five departments indicated above, as well as by the Director of the Graduate Program of the Division for Biomedical Sciences, to take courses within the Graduate Program prior to seeking admission in any of its programs, or for other particular reasons (e.g., updating knowledge in a particular field of expertise needed for the person´s present job). A maximum of 8-semester credits for each of two academic sessions is allowed for special students1. However, if the courses taken as a special student are approved with a minimum grade of “B” or higher, and the student is eventually admitted to one of the Division´s Graduate Programs, some of these courses could be transferred to the student’s graduate academic record, if recommended by the Departmental Graduate Committee and the Graduate Program, up to a maximum of 10 credits for an MS program, or 20 credits for a Ph.D. program.
Basic science courses (two-semester courses) required by all the departments are:
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- General Physics
- Organic Chemistry.
Knowledge of Calculus and Statistics is highly recommended, however, it is not required for admission.
Candidates are encouraged to visit the departments of their interest to learn of additional course requirements.
Admission requirements will be evaluated using the following Admission Formula:
[(GPA/4.0)*25] + [(GPS/4.0)*25] + (%GREq*15) + (%GREa*15) + [(LR/66)*5] + [(I/20)*15] = SCORE
+ (RE Bonus/40)*10] = Final Score
GPA: grade point average
GPS: Grade point in Science and Mathematics Courses
GREq: graduate record examination score (percent) in quantitative area (GRE general test)
GREa: graduate record examination score (percent) in analytical area (GRE general test)
LR: Letters of Recommendation
I: Interview
RE: Research Experience
Each Department generates a list of candidates. This list is sorted by the score obtained, with the student that obtained the highest score as first on the list. The department sets the maximum number of students that can be admitted according to ranking scores, merit, and availability of positions in the department. Traditionally, students with scores of 60 or higher are recommended for admission to the Ph.D. program. Students with scores between 50 and 59 are recommended for admission to the MS program. The Admission Formula may be modified by the Graduate Committee of the Division of Biomedical Sciences following careful consideration, as established in the certification 76-9 (Academic Senate of the Medical Sciences Campus, July 21, 1976). The Division of Biomedical Sciences evaluates all students on equal terms and does not discriminate on account of sex, gender, race, place of birth, age, physical or mental handicap, origin or social condition, political or religious beliefs. Information regarding the application process, as well as the application and recommendation forms, are available at: www.md.rcm.upr.edu/biomed/qualifications.
