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.
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:
- 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 $138.00 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.
- International Students, please review the section below for any additional requirements needed.
- All credentials submitted on behalf of an applicant become a part of that applicant’s file with the University and cannot be returned.
Statement of Interest Guidelines:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedicine (PhD) and Master of Science in Biomedicine (MSc) degrees teach 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 MSc or a PhD degree?
- 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.
Which of the biomedical disciplines would you apply to the above question?
- (e.g. clinical sciences, laboratory sciences, rehabilitation sciences and population sciences)
How would you classify your area of research interest?
- 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)
Please provide a brief synopsis of your professional experience so far, including any research.
The University reserves the right to use software to detect plagiarism in the application essays. The applicant’s statement must be written in his/her own words.
International Students & Practitioners
International Transcripts
For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:
A course-by-course credential review from a NACES recognized agency which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult the agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation.
- Recommended agencies include:
- An official credential evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to: Office of Admissions, Salus University, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.
- Applicants also have the option to submit their credential evaluation directly to GradCAS. If you choose this option, please view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details.
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/student safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or education team.
Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
A recommended score for the TOEFL iBT is 70 or above (or its equivalent if taking an approved alternate exam).
- If submitting TOEFL iBT scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
- If submitting an approved alternate English proficiency exam, please send official scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
While we recommend that applicants submit and hold at least the recommended scores for TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:
- successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or
- successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program
*Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.
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 accredited institution have the right to petition for transfer credits at the time of application.
A maximum of eight (8) courses (24 credits) can be transferred by credit into the Biomedicine Program. Other transfer requests will be evaluated on an individual basis and must be approved by the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
More information regarding transfer credit may be found in the Program's Academic Policy.
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
Selected courses in the graduate programs in biomedicine are open to non-degree seeking students wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in biomedicine. 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).
Students successfully earning a grade of 'B' or better are eligible for transferring these courses for credit into the degree programs. These transfers are contingent on the student meeting all the admissions requirements.