Biological & Biomedical Sciences 4+1 Option
Earn your bachelor’s and master’s in five years, and save time and tuition.
The Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BBS) 4+1 accelerated option allows qualified UM-Dearborn undergraduates to complete their bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Biological & Biomedical Sciences with approximately one additional year of graduate study.
Students may double-count up to 12 credits of approved graduate-level (500-level) coursework toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Double-counted courses appear on both transcripts and are graded according to graduate standards.
This accelerated pathway prepares students for careers or advanced study in:
- Biomedical and health sciences
- Research and laboratory science
- Biotechnology and industry
- Professional programs (medical, dental, pharmacy, and related fields)
Admission Requirements
- Current UM-Dearborn undergraduate student
- Completion of at least 60 undergraduate credits
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
- Not enrolled in multiple undergraduate programs or dual-degree pathways
- Admission approval by the Department of Natural Sciences Graduate Committee
Applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation from a UM-Dearborn faculty member or instructor
Applying to the 4+1 program is a two-stage process coordinated with both your undergraduate and graduate advising teams. For detailed instructions and application links, please visit the central 4+1 programs webpage.
Curriculum Options
Students in the 4+1 program may choose from approved graduate-level courses, many of which have 400-level undergraduate equivalents, allowing the graduate version to count toward undergraduate major or elective requirements while also applying to the master’s degree.
Students may double-count up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework equivalent to undergraduate requirements.
Eligible courses include (graduate/undergraduate equivalent):
- BCHM 580 / BCHM 480
- BIOL 502 / BIOL 402
- BIOL 504 / BIOL/BBS 404
- BIOL 512 / BIOL 412
- BIOL 552 / BIOL 452
- BIOL 555 / BIOL/MICR 455
- BIOL 560 / BIOL 460
- BIOL 574 / BIOL 474
- BIOL 576 / BIOL 476
- MICR 505 / MICR/BIOL 405
- PHYS 522 / PHYS 422
- STAT 531 / STAT 431
Note: Students receive 3 graduate credits (instead of 4 undergraduate credits) when enrolled in a 500-level equivalent course. Courses previously completed at the 400-level may not be double-counted.
Program Policies & Planning
- Students must earn a grade of B or better in each 500-level course used for double counting.
- A minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 is required for good academic standing and graduation.
- Courses with a grade lower than C cannot be applied toward the master’s degree.
- All students must complete 30 graduate credits at the 500 level or higher.
- Double-counted courses are graded according to the graduate grading scale and appear on both transcripts.
Students who complete the maximum number of double-counted credits during their undergraduate program can typically finish the remaining requirements in approximately one additional year.
The M.S. in Biological & Biomedical Sciences requires 30 graduate credits and offers two pathways.
Plan A: Research/Thesis:
- 30 total credits
- 12 research credits
- 6 credits BIOL 599 (Graduate Independent Research)
- 6 credits BIOL 699 (Master’s Thesis)
- 18 credits of coursework (core + elective)
- Written thesis and oral defense required
Plan B: Coursework Only:
- 30 total credits
- 15 credits of core coursework
- 15 credits of electives
- No thesis or oral defense