Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Program in Biomedical Sciences
Majors Overview April 25, 2015Get information about master’s degree programs in biomedical sciences and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Information on Biomedical Sciences Program
Students enrolled in flexible master’s degree programs in biomedical science are allowed to devise their study plans focused on their interests. They get the opportunity to specialize in topics of choice, such as patient care, disease prevention, cardiovascular disease, biochemistry, or oncology. Students learn about writing grant proposals, collecting and analyzing data, and working in the laboratory.
The research-intensive programs typically require the completion of a thesis and research project. It takes students two years to complete most programs. The program is used by many students as preparation for enrollment to medical, dental, or veterinary school. Others pursue careers in the biotechnical or pharmaceutical industries or biomedical research.
Master’s Programs in Biomedical Sciences
Schools typically devise graduate biomedical science degree programs as methods of expanding on undergraduate science majors and training students for applying to advanced programs of study or for seeking professional occupations.
Students are often allowed to tailor the curriculum in accordance with their professional needs and personal interests. Students can seek concentrations in various topic areas, such as disease prevention, patient care, reproductive science, neuroscience, optometry, cardiovascular disease, and oncology.
Laboratory and research components are commonly in the curricula. Students learn about designing projects, writing grants, carrying out laboratory work, analyzing data, and writing scientific articles. Students are often required to complete an original research project and thesis before they graduate. They also get the opportunity to submit their work to scientific journals or present it at conferences.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences before they can enroll in the master’s degree program. The program requires prior completion of fundamental courses, such as physiology, chemistry, and biology.
Coursework
After they complete necessary science courses, students can seek admittance to classes in accordance with their areas of interest. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Research methodology
•Neuroanatomy
•Pharmacology
•Biostatistics
•Genomics and proteomics
•Molecular cell biology
•Microbiology
•Imaging
•Ethics of medical research
Career Choices
Those who complete a master’s degree program in biomedical science can seek various jobs in academia and research within laboratories, education institutions, government agencies, and health care facilities. They may choose from career options such as the following:
•Clinical scientist
•Biological scientist
•Laboratory manager
•Research technician
•Medical science specialist
•Biomedical sciences educator
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates from the master’s degree program can seek admittance to doctoral programs in numerous fields, including dental medicine, veterinary medicine, biomedical science, and biochemistry. A foundation in biomedical science will allow students to seek admission to medical school to study various disciplines, including podiatry, pharmacy, and optometry.
