Biomedical Scholars Program
The Biomedical Scholars Program
- An excellent Ouachita education
- Integrated Honors Program requirements
- Coursework chosen to strengthen students academically and interpersonally
- An experimental research project with a faculty mentor
- Experience presenting scholarly work both on- and off-campus
- A study abroad program of their choice
- At least 60 hours of documented community service
- At least 50 hours of clinical shadowing
FAQ
Q: What are the admission criteria for the Biomedical Scholars program?
A: Qualified students may join the Biomedical Scholars Program as incoming freshmen
or rising Ouachita sophomores.
- Admission to the Biomedical Scholars Program as an incoming freshman requires an ACT score of at least 30 or an SAT total score of at least 1370, 6 hours or more of transferrable college credit, and completion of the student application.
- Admission to the Biomedical Scholars Program as a rising Ouachita sophomore requires an overall 3.6 GPA, a 3.5 GPA in General Biology I and II and General Chemistry I and II, satisfactory completion of Freshman Research Experience and one Honors CORE course, and completion of the student application.
Q: Can I get a Biomedical Sciences degree if I am not a Biomedical Scholar?
A: No. The Biomedical Sciences degree is currently limited to Biomedical Scholars.
Q: If I join the Biomedical Scholars program, is there a minimum GPA required to remain
in the program?
A: Students in the program must maintain a 3.6 GPA. If a student’s GPA falls below
this, he/she will have a one semester probationary period in which to bring his/her
GPA back up to this minimum level. If a student’s GPA remains below a 3.6 after the
probationary semester, he/she must default to a Biology degree. The BIOL 1014 requirement
will be waived for Biomedical Scholars defaulting to a Biology degree.
Q: How many credit hours would I take each semester as a Biomedical Scholar?
A: If you come in with 6 hours of college credit and complete only the Biomedical
Sciences Program, you will take 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. These semester
hour values will change if you bring in more college credits or add an additional
major or minor.
Q: If I am a Biomedical Scholar, will I have time for campus activities?
A: Yes! All of our students are involved in the Ouachita campus community, participating
in Tiger Tunes, intramural sports, and/or clubs. We encourage extracurricular activities
because participation in these activities will broaden your point of view and help
you to be a better healthcare professional.
Q: I want to be a Biomedical Scholar, but I don’t want to study abroad. Can I still
participate in this program?
A: No. We believe study abroad is critical for the experiential learning component
of this program, teaching our students to rely on others and deepening their empathy.
Q: I am transferring in my foreign language credits. How does this influence the Biomedical
Scholars Program’s study abroad requirement?
A: Your foreign language credits will satisfy the university’s Intercultural Appreciation
and Communication requirement, but will not fulfill the study abroad requirement of
the Biomedical Scholars Program. For your study abroad experience, you may choose
a traditional foreign language experience, you may opt for an English-language experience,
or you may complete experimental research in another country. If you are interested
in pursuing an international research experience, let your academic advisor know.
If you have any questions about the Biomedical Scholars Program, please contact Dr. Ruth Plymale.
