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Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization

Bachelor-Master Program

Admission Requirements

Expandable List

One (1) official, digital transcript of academic work completed to date, sent directly from the issuing institution. If the final transcript does not show that a completed degree has been conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required.

Applicants should have:

  • Senior research thesis involving extensive biomedical & biochemistry research experience
  • Organic chemistry courses
  • Fundamental commerce courses (accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behaviour)
  • A minimum B+ average (9/12 on the McMaster Scale)

Please see the courses listed in level III and IV of the undergraduate program to gauge your eligibility.

Confidential letters of recommendation from:

  • Two (2) instructors most familiar with your academic work (i.e. academic referees; faculty members)
  • Please note that McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. By entering the email address of your referee through the online application, the system will automatically send an eReference form on your behalf.  Be sure to submit your application a few weeks before the deadline in order to ensure your referees have enough time to complete their references and your application is submitted on time.
  • Please note we do not accept references from employers.

A personal/professional resume (submitted online with the application)

A written statement of interest describing why you want to pursue Biomedical Discovery & Commercialization graduate studies, and how you plan to benefit from the Master’s program (submitted online with the application; maximum 750 words).

Domestic Students

For admission requirements for non-Indigenous Canadian students please refer to the previous tabs.

International Students

Admission requirements for international students remain the same as for non-Indigenous domestic applicants. However, please review the School of Graduate Studies checklist for international applicants for the necessary steps to apply.

If English is not your native language, an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English is required. A minimum TOEFL (iBT) score of 92 (580 on the paper-based TOEFL test or 237 on the computer based TOEFL test) or IELTS “Academic Version” with overall score of 6.5 (5.5 minimum score in each section). Our institution code is 0936 and department code is 34.

Indigenous Students

We value Indigenous participation in the MBDC Graduate Program. To ensure equitable admissions, we have a facilitated admissions process for First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants.  In accordance with the Self-Identification policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) applicants who wish to apply through this stream must complete the supplementary Self-identification Application. Information on the policy, application requirements and the online application can be found at: https://ishs.mcmaster.ca/admissions/self-identification.

PLEASE NOTE:  Indigenous applicants are also required to complete all other application requirements by the specified deadline.

Indigenous applicants need to meet the following requirements:

While admission into the MBDC graduate program will be almost exclusively to students who have completed the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program and who have obtained a B+ average (9/12), Indigenous applicants whose average may fall slightly below a B+, but demonstrate other outstanding qualifications are encouraged to apply and will be given special consideration.