Biomedical Scholars Program
The Biomedical Scholars Program
The Biomedical Scholars Program is a unique degree program intentionally designed to develop students into well-rounded candidates for the health professions school of their choice. Students completing the Biomedical Scholars Program will graduate with a >Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences with a minor in Chemistry or Physics. This program is intended for motivated, ambitious, and well-prepared students. All Biomedical Scholars will leave Ouachita with:
- 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
What are the admission criteria for the Biomedical Scholars program?
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 earned ACT score of at least 30 or an earned SAT total score of at least 1370, 6 hours or more of transferrable college credit, and completion of the student application. The Biomedical Scholars Program does not use superscores.
- 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.
Can I get a Biomedical Sciences degree if I am not a Biomedical Scholar?
No. The Biomedical Sciences degree is currently limited to Biomedical Scholars.
If I join the Biomedical Scholars program, is there a minimum GPA required to remain in the program?
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.
How many credit hours would I take each semester as a Biomedical Scholar?
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.
If I am a Biomedical Scholar, will I have time for campus activities?
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.
I want to be a Biomedical Scholar, but I don’t want to study abroad. Can I still participate in this program?
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.
I am transferring in my foreign language credits. How does this influence the Biomedical Scholars Program’s study abroad requirement?
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.
