The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Sciences for Mayo employees is designed to develop the individual’s information base in a basic science field and to enable the individual to become competent in acquiring knowledge independently. This Master’s program emphasizes course work and a final project and does not include a research thesis.

The Master’s program provides the Mayo employee with an organized plan of study to enhance their professional development. The Master’s degree is the culmination of this educational program and documents the acquisition of a high level of knowledge in a particular area of science.

Application

Candidates must complete a Professional Master’s Degree Application form. This form is available on the MCGSBS Master’s Programs intranet site. Supporting documents include a program fee agreement form, transcripts from previous colleges and two letters of recommendation - one preferred from your direct supervisor/manager.  

Eligibility

Enrollment is restricted to current Mayo employees/appointees and is available at all three sites: Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota, as well as the Mayo Clinic Health System. Visiting clinicians, research trainees, and research collaborators are not eligible.  

Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, must have taken appropriate undergraduate science courses to adequately prepare for the Master’s program, must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average that demonstrates a record of academic excellence. 

Time Requirement

Time to completion can vary by student (three to five years), but all requirements for the Master’s degree must be completed within five years. The five-year period begins on the start date of the term the student is appointed to. If the student's Mayo employment ends prior to completion of the program, the MCGSBS appointment will also end.

Registration Requirement 

At least 75% of the coursework for the Master’s degree must be completed in MCGSBS.

Minimum Credit Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 45 credits, including MGS 6000 Responsible Conduct of Research. Didactic credits may vary by track - refer to specific program requirements for details. 

Transfer Credits

A total of 9 didactic credits may be transferred into the Professional Master’s Program.  For more details, see the Credit Conversion, Transfer, Waiver and Substitution Policy on the MCGSBS intranet site.  

Students are expected to make continuous and successful academic and professional progress toward graduation requirements for the M.S. degree. The concept of satisfactory progress mandates monitoring of a students’ academic and professional performance through items including, but not limited to:

• Complete Degree Planning Tool (DPT)
• Project Advisor Selection 
• Pass Written Qualifying Exam
• Masters Capstone Project
• Meet any program specific competencies as defined by track

Full details are included in the Academic Progress and Graduation Requirements for Masters Programs Policy on the MCGSBS intranet site. 

Minimum Grade Requirements

Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 in didactic course work. Students whose performance falls below this standard in a given quarter will be placed on academic probation, as described in the Deficiencies and Unsatisfactory Progress Policy and Warning, Probation, Dismissal and Appeal Policy outlined on the MCGSBS intranet site. 

Degree Planning Tool 

The use of a Degree Planning Tool (DPT) is required and allows students to list the course work to fulfill degree requirements, including transfer credits.  The DPT must be completed during the first academic year and should be updated as courses are completed throughout the training program.  A final completed DPT must be submitted to the school when a tentative defense date has been determined to be cleared to graduate.  

Project Advisor Selection

Project Advisor is selected with counsel from Program Director, done at any time during training but no later than end of year.  A list of Faculty with Privileges can be found on the MCGSBS intranet site.

Written Qualifying Examination

The written qualifying examination will test the breadth of biomedical knowledge, and analytic and critical reasoning skills. The content and format of the examination is determined by each track.  The written qualifying examination must be passed before the Master’s final project review may be scheduled.

For more details, see the Written Qualifying Exam Procedure on the MCGSBS intranet site.

Masters Capstone Project

This is required for all students in the Professional Master’s Program and serves as the final academic milestone of the degree. Students will complete a scholarly project that demonstrates mastery of their chosen track and area of interest. Projects may take the form of a critical review article, original research manuscript, case study, or another approved scholarly product suitable for presentation or publication. Students must register for MGS 6400 Masters Capstone Project during their final quarter in the program. The course may only be taken once for credit. Students must register with the Program Director for their track as the course director. 

Cost

Mayo Clinic employees accepted into the Master’s program continue to receive the salary from their primary appointment and do not receive a stipend from MCGSBS. 

Program Fees are charged for many Master’s programs to cover administrative costs, due upon admission.  The cost is covered by Mayo Clinic funds, either by the candidate’s home department or lab.