Beginning in the Summer I 2016 semester, Delta State University will offer a post-baccalaureate certificate in health sciences. To complete the certificate, students are required to take 24 credit-hours from a list of 500–600 graduate level biology, chemistry or physics courses over a 12-month period. The certificate would be signed by the department chairs and would be registered on a student’s transcript.
“Students enrolled in the program would maximize their chances of getting into competitive and professional health-related program and schools — medical, pharmaceutical, dental, veterinary, physical therapy or other graduate programs,” said Dr. Nina Baghai-Riding, professor of biology and environmental science. “With required supervision, students would be guided to take courses that would help fulfill admission requirements to these programs. Students who obtain a post-baccalaureate certificate could show they are capable of handling graduate level courses when applying for admittance or re-admittance to health-related professional programs.”
In Mississippi, post-baccalaureate programs are currently available at William Carey University, The University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi College.
According to Riding, students choosing the program at Delta State University would save money compared to other in-state options, be engaged in a rigorous program, and have the opportunity to improve their academic credentials. Additionally, due to smaller class size at Delta State, students would have more face-to-face time with faculty.
Students must apply to be eligible for the program. Requirements include a Bachelors of Science degree in biology, chemistry or physics and a GPA of a 3.0 or above. Students must also submit their scores on the GRE, Medical College Admissions Test or Dental Admissions Test. For more information about this opportunity, contact Dr. Ellen Green, chair of Biological Sciences (662-846-4484), or Dr. Joseph Bentley, chair of Chemistry and Physics (662-846-4482).
