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Master of Science in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs

Admissions

On this page: Application Deadlines | Minimum Admission Requirements | Required Application Materials | Application Steps |Graduate Non-Matriculated Students |International Students

The UW Master of Science in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs program is designed for those who want to launch or advance their careers in regulatory affairs.

Our applicants range from regulatory professionals seeking advanced training or roles in management to recent college graduates who want to break into the field. The program also serves other professionals who may need a broad understanding of biomedical regulatory affairs for their work, such as attorneys. 

Application Deadlines

A new cohort starts every fall. The general application deadline for domestic students and international students with visas or residency statuses that allow part-time enrollment is August 10. After that date, we'll consider applications from these students on a space-available basis until September 10.

The application deadline for international students who want to study on a F-1 or J-1 visa in the new full-time option — the Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs Applied — is March 1. The application deadline for domestic students is August 10. After this dates, we'll consider applications from domestic students on a space-available basis until September 10. 

We'll only review applications that are complete and meet the deadlines. We're unable to review incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline.

Applications for the 2025–26 academic year open on November 1.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a science discipline, health sciences, engineering or law from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from a foreign institution
  • A minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last graded 60 semester credits or 90 graded quarter credits
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English

At least one year of professional experience in the medical products industry and previous course work in basic statistics and/or writing is strongly recommended.

Required Application Materials

  • UW Graduate School online application and fee
  • Unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three recommendations
  • Demonstrated English language profiency for applicants whose native language is not English

Note: GRE scores are not required.

Application Steps

To apply to the part-time or full-time option, you’ll submit your application online through the UW Graduate School website. We recommend you begin your application early, because multiple steps are required.

Step One: Prepare to Apply

  • Get transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies.
  • Update your resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Write your statement of purpose. In a one- to two-page statement of purpose, describe why you are interested in our program. Make sure the statement demonstrates your writing skills.
  • Identify three people who can recommend you to the program.  Consider asking current or former employers or supervisors or former teachers. Make sure you choose people who can speak to your potential for a career in regulatory affairs. You'll need the email addresses of your references for the Graduate School application. They'll each be sent an email directing them to a secure website where they'll submit their recommendations.

Step Two: Apply Online

1. Start your online application to the UW Graduate School.

2. In the Program Selection tab, choose these options:

  • Select your application type: Graduate
  • Narrow your search: By Degree
  • Filter by degree: Master's
  • Select your program: 
    • For the part-time option, select: Biomedical Regulatory Affairs (MS)
    • For the full-time option, select: Biomedical Regulatory Affairs (MS) Applied

3. Upload all required documents.

4. Pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit your application.

Graduate Nonmatriculated Students

If you aren't sure that you want to pursue the full degree, you might consider enrolling as a graduate nonmatriculated student. Although GNM student status does not guarantee admission to the Master of Science of Biomedical Regulatory Affairs program, you can apply up to 12 credits toward degree requirements if you are later accepted for the degree.

You can also apply credits earned in the UW Certificate in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs or the UW Certificate in Clinical Trials toward the Master of Science in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs should you be accepted into the degree program. To quality for that credit, you must enroll in the certificate program and apply for GNM status before you register for the first course.

To apply for GNM status, you must follow the steps noted above and apply online to the UW Graduate School by the program application deadline. 

International Students

International applicants are welcome to apply to the new full-time option, the Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs Applied. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen, immigrant or permanent resident. International applicants must meet all admission requirements for the program.

Visa Status

International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. If you’re admitted to the program and plan to attend on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must study full time — at least 10 credits per quarter — to maintain your visa status. For more information, review the citizenship and visa status section of the Graduate School application process page, and contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services at uwgrad@uw.edu if you have any questions.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores for the TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 92), TOEFL ITP Plus for China (Level 1 minimum score of 627 (C1)), Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 120) or IELTS (minimum score 7.0 or higher). Please see the UW Graduate School's Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are essential for regulatory affairs professionals.

Test scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854. Only scores less than two years old will be accepted.

Optional Practical Training Authorization

Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization, which gives F-1 students the opportunity for hands-on work experience related to their field of study. Because BRAMS is designated as a STEM program, BRAMS students may also qualify for an OPT extension after they complete the program. Learn more about OPT authorization.

More Information

International Applicant Information

Visa Information for F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors