Masters in Biomedical Sciences Programs | Masters in Biomedical Sciences Degrees

A Masters in Biomedical Science degree program is designed to build upon undergraduate science majors in order to prepare students to apply for advanced programs of study or for a variety of potential career paths. Some programs are flexible in that they allow students to focus their studies around their interests.

The prerequisite for entry to a Biomedical Sciences masters program is a bachelor’s degree in a science field. Research and a thesis are usually required in these master’s degrees and the programs usually take 2 years to complete.

Students often use Biomedical Science Masters programs to prepare themselves for admission to veterinary, dental or medical school. Others use the Masters in Biomedical Science degree as a stepping-stone to a PhD and may aspire to careers in academia, biomedical research or to work in the biotechnical or pharmaceutical industries.

What are the Biomedical Sciences?

As an academic field, the biomedical sciences is interdisciplinary, comprising a set of applied sciences that use parts of natural science to develop knowledge, interventions, or technology that are used in healthcare and medicine.  Disciplines such as medical microbiology, clinical virology, clinical epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and biomedical engineering are examples of medical sciences. The field itself is very broad, in large part due to the astonishing recent growth of fields like molecular science, biochemistry, and genetics.

Biomedical scientists conduct research to understand the complex workings of life organisms, and apply their research to developing new tools, methods and strategies for curing disease.

It is common for master’s in biomedical science degrees to focus on one of several areas of study, including:

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Anatomy
• Pharmacology

How to Find a Masters in Biomedical Sciences Degree Program

GradSchools.com has easy to use search tools to help students find a Masters in Biomedical Science program that aligns with their academic and vocational goals.

Search by location to find accredited colleges and universities with Biomedical Sciences Masters programs in the city, state or even country that you are interested in.

You can also use the program format to initiate a search. Campus-based biomedical science programs offer face-to-face interactions and hands on learning experiences. Also, since you will be conducting research and using the laboratories, the campus programs give you access to these facilities.

If you need a distance-learning option, these programs are more flexible in that web-based learning allows you to study from anywhere you are that has an Internet connection. Hybrid biomedical science programs are low residency, and combine on-campus with online coursework. In comparison, an Online Biomedical Science masters program is web-based and may be viable for working professionals.

Some of these choices might include: MS Biological and Bioprocess Engineering Master of Science in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Masters in Biotechnology Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, MS Biomedical Sciences and MS Medical Technology.

Use the tabs to request information from each school in order to ascertain:

• Curriculum
• Admissions requirements, and procedures
• Faculty
• Tuition
• Program length
• Access to laboratory (if considering an online program)

Make sure to keep a list and highlight the pros and cons of each program.

Biomedical Science Masters Curriculum and Program Specializations

The field of biomedical science is complex. Students who aspire to complete a masters in biomedical science or a Ph.D. in biomedical science should have a solid academic background in the sciences and mathematics, especially in physics, biochemistry, calculus and biology.

Coursework and program curriculum may vary between schools, and depend on any area of specialization that the student is focusing on. Some of the common components of a Masters of Biomedical Science involve research and laboratory work.

Students may be educated in how to write grants, perform laboratory work, analyze data and write scientific articles, and may have a chance to submit their work to scientific journals or present it at conferences. In terms of coursework, students may explore topics such as:

• Microbiology
• Molecular cell biology
• Genomics and proteomics
• Pharmacology
• Neuroanatomy
• Histology
• Biostatistics
• Biochemistry
• Gross Anatomy
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Courses in writing and communication

In terms of program specializations, this will depend largely on the ultimate career goals of each student. Some common choices may include:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Cardiovascular disease
• Optometry
• Neuroscience
• Reproductive science
• Disease prevention o
• Patient care
• Biotechnology

Potential Career Paths for Masters in Biomedical Sciences Graduates

Graduates of Masters programs in Biomedical Sciences may be qualified for a variety of potential career paths, however, for some careers, a PhD is necessary.

Medical scientists for instance, typically hold a PhD in biology or a related life science, and some may get a medical degree instead of a doctorate, but may prefer to do research rather than practice as a physician. Their role is to conduct research to ideally improve overall human health, and to do so, may use clinical trials and other methods. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical scientists held about 107,900 jobs in 2014, and where employed in research, universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and medical and diagnostic laboratories^[i].

With the exception of epidemiologists, this field comprises physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research^[ii].

Biological Technicians typically need a Bachelor’s degree in biology or closely related field, and to gain laboratory experience while in school. To advance to scientist positions such as microbiologist, usually requires a master’s degree or PhD. With experience and higher levels of educations, biological technicians may also move into positions such as Natural Science Managers or Postsecondary teachers. In 2014, biological technician held 79,300 jobs in research, universities, federal government, and chemical manufacturing^[iii].

Biological or Bioinformatics Scientists conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics^[iv].Professionals in these positions are employed in government, research, universities, management and consulting as well as engineering related services^[v].

FUN FACT: Technicians working in biotechnology apply the knowledge and techniques they have gained from basic research to product development^[iii].  

Continuing Education after a Masters in Biomedical Sciences degree

With a Masters in Biomedical Sciences degree, graduates may apply to doctoral programs in fields such as:

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Science
• Veterinary Medicine
• Dental Medicine
• Osteopathy

Biomedical Science provides a foundation for students who choose to apply to Medical School to study disciplines such as podiatry, pharmacy or optometry.

Ready To Pursue a Masters in Biomedical Science?

Students who are interested in both clinical care and human medicine might find that enrolling in a Biomedical Science masters program opens them to a variety of opportunities for further study or for potentially bright careers. Biomedical Science. These programs offer the scientific and professional preparation to students aspiring to a career in the health professions or in a related field requiring graduate level biomedical sciences. Start your search on GradSchools.com today!

Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm | wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomedical_sciences | [ii] onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1042.00 | [iii]  bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biological-technicians.htm |[iv] onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.01 | [v]  bls.gov/oes/current/oes191029.htm