About this Program
Tailored specifically to the demands of the region鈥檚 growing hub of life science research employers, the program offers an alternative to conventional graduate education for those who work full time with courses that are taught in the evenings.
Program Overview
Tuition & Fees
Funding Opportunities
The biomedical science degree is a 33-credit program of graduate research and academic study developed for:
- Persons holding a bachelor鈥檚 degree and currently employed in a biomedical or biotechnological research establishment who are seeking additional academic background as part of a career and professional growth program;
- Teachers and other professionals with interests in biomedical science who wish to obtain a graduate degree; and
- Professionals already holding advanced degrees who desire to update or extend their previous academic experiences in biomedical or biotechnological sciences.
Why Biomedical Science?
There is an emergent need for individuals with advanced degrees in biomedical sciences, particularly those who are trained in laboratory research. Though great progress has been made, ongoing work is necessary to address the health-related challenges we face, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and many other diseases. Now, more than ever, we need additional highly skilled individuals from programs geared toward providing the knowledge and expertise necessary to fill these roles. Hiring managers are increasingly seeking individuals who have master's degrees to fill higher-level positions within their organizations and are particularly interested in those with demonstrated familiarity of or skills in research. 91视频专区鈥檚 Biomedical Science (BMS) graduate program provides what is necessary for its graduates to become equipped to serve these important roles, are well-positioned for success, and are strong candidates for these jobs.
Well connected, close to home
91视频专区鈥檚 close proximity to Fort Detrick and the burgeoning biotech corridor make it the convenient choice for the area鈥檚 large population of lab and science employees. Strategic location also affords the program strong relationships with top R&D firms, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and nearby federal and private laboratories. In addition to highly qualified full-time faculty, students benefit from the knowledge of adjunct instructors who are leaders at NCI, USAMRIID and other major research organizations.
Meaningful courses
Coursework begins with molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics, after which students select a track in molecular biology or microbiology. Capstone project options include conducting laboratory research at the workplace or writing and defending a mock grant proposal. Classes are small and taught by instructors who know how to connect instruction to the real world.
View 91视频专区 Talks webinar with Dr. Yeager.
Partnerships and More
*Active duty Fort Detrick soldiers are eligible for a full tuition waiver for this program or any other graduate certificate and masters program at 91视频专区 College per our special 91视频专区/Fort Detrick MOU.
*To learn more about our partnership with FAES and course transfer equivalency, please visit our partnership page.
*The 4PLUS program is designed for highly motivated students who have the desire to build career options into their undergraduate curriculum and earn a master's degree in biomedical science.
91视频专区 College students currently majoring in biology are eligible to participate in a 4PLUS program that allows for a combined, and in some cases accelerated, master鈥檚 degree in biomedical science after the completion of their undergraduate program.
Degrees Offered
- MS
Are you ready to go further?
Master's in Biomedical Science
- Applicants will be accepted into the program based on selection criteria that include undergraduate coursework, grade point average, area of research interest and experience.
- Relevance of the undergraduate degree is considered. Priority is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry or chemistry.
- Required undergraduate coursework includes completion of the following with a grade of B or higher: microbiology, organic chemistry, pre-Calculus, upper level genetics (equivalent to 91视频专区's BIOL 316) and cell biology (equivalent to 91视频专区's BIOL 339).
- To apply to the biomedical science program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
- All official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended; and
- An essay that discusses your work experience and future professional goals
In order to be admitted into the Biomedical Science master's degree (BMS), applicants are required to complete the following undergraduate classes (with a grade of B or higher):
- Microbiology
- Organic chemestry
- Pre-Calculus
- Upper-level-genetics (equivalent to 91视频专区's BIOL 316)
- Cell biology (equivalent to 91视频专区's BIOL 339).
Because not all former biology majors take each of our listed prerequisites, we designed BMS 501 as a one-semester course to replace one or two of these prerequisites. BMS 501 is not meant to replace the lack of a degree in biology, and certainly not the lack of completion of any undergraduate biology course.
Transfer credit policy for admitted students
Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another 91视频专区 graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the .
Prerequisite Course
The prerequisite course provides background knowledge and skills necessary for the completion of the degree requirements. Students admitted to the BMS program that do not meet all of the academic requirements for admission to the program will be required to take this course in addition to the 33 credits necessary for program completion.
| / | Foundations in Life Sciences | 3.0 |
Core Courses (all concentrations)
The core courses provide a foundation for electives in either curricular concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biology or Microbiology/Immunology/Virology. The program accepts up to 9 credits of transfer credit at the discretion of the program director.
| / | Protein Biochemistry | 3.0 |
| Cell Structure & Function | 3.0 | |
| / | Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells | 3.0 |
| / | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 3.0 |
Curricular Concentrations
Students are encouraged to select elective courses within a concentration. The curricular concentrations are the faculty鈥檚 suggestions to help ensure a cohesive program of coursework. However, students, in consultation with their academic advisers, may select a combination of elective courses individualized to their own needs and interests.
Concentration in Biotechnology/Molecular Biology
| Biostatistics | 3.0 | |
| / | Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism | 3.0 |
| Protein Purification and Characterization | 3.0 | |
| / | Virology | 3.0 |
| / | Immunology | 3.0 |
| Oncology Drug Discovery | 3.0 | |
| / | Basic Principles & Methods in Molecular Genetics | 3.0 |
| Methods of Molecular Research | 3.0 | |
| Molecular Immunology | 3.0 | |
| Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Genome Analysis & Mapping | 3.0 | |
| Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function | 3.0 | |
| Ethics in Science | 3.0 | |
| Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques | 3.0 | |
| Internship | 1-3 |
Concentration in Microbiology/Immunology/Virology
| Biostatistics | 3.0 | |
| / | Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism | 3.0 |
| / | Virology | 3.0 |
| Pathogenic Microbiology | 3.0 | |
| / | Immunology | 3.0 |
| Oncology Drug Discovery | 3.0 | |
| Medical Virology | 3.0 | |
| Molecular Immunology | 3.0 | |
| Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function | 3.0 | |
| Ethics In Science | 3.0 | |
| Advanced Immunology | 3.0 | |
| Biomedical Literature Review | 3.0 | |
| Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques | 3.0 | |
| Internship | 1-3 |
Thesis Track Requirements
| Four core courses | 12.0 | |
| Four elective courses | 15.0 | |
| Biomedical Science Thesis A | 3.0 | |
| BMS 580B | Biomedical Science Thesis B | 3.0 |
: under the direction of a thesis adviser and a reading committee (6 credits).
An oral defense of the thesis is required. Click here for BMS thesis guidelines.
Non-Thesis Track Requirements
| Four core courses | 12.0 | |
| Six elective courses, three of which must be laboratory lecture courses | 18.0 | |
| Biomedical Science Seminar | 3.0 | |
| Preparation of a mock grant proposal draft (Submission of final written document and oral defense occurs in subsequent semester based on committee feedback) |
The BMS program equips students with the necessary skills to understand and perform complex tasks in biomedical research. Graduating students are well-equipped to immediately join the workforce as highly skilled workers, or to move on to Ph.D. or medical degree programs. Recent graduates have, for example:
- Obtained a promotion within their existing organization
- Moved from an administrative or 鈥渄esk鈥 role to a laboratory position
- Obtained a higher-level position at a desired organization
- Obtained a position at an area school
- Been admitted to their desired Ph.D. program or dental, medical or veterinary school, and many more.
Biomedical Career Development Opportunities
In addition to full-time biomedical research opportunities, the NIH provides career development opportunities for all summer interns, including workshops, courses, journal clubs and access to the OITE Career Services Center. You can join our diverse community of more than 5,000 trainees for outstanding research and career development resources. The program accepts high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional (medical/dental/pharmacy/nursing, etc.) school students in biomedical, social science, behavioral and computational fields.
SIP includes several . PLEASE NOTE: Although you use the online SIP application to apply for all these subprograms, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and program curricula vary. Please read each program's description carefully to decide which, if any, will best fit your needs. If you apply to one of these programs, you must submit your application before the subprogram deadline AND contact your references to let them know the deadline for receipt of their letters.
Thesis VS. Non-Thesis Options
The option of thesis versus non-thesis degrees serves students with diverse career goals and interests, which include but are not limited to bench science work or continuation into a Ph.D. or allied health graduate program. For example, the thesis track prepares students for future graduate programs or for advanced research positions within the field. Students are encouraged, when applicable, to complete their thesis work within their existing place of employment on topics with which they are already familiar. Non-thesis track degree holders complete a rigorous mock grant proposal and defense in their last semester and have many choices among advanced positions within the community, including industry or research laboratories, education or medical writing, and admittance into other specialized degree programs. You can see the course requirements for each in the program of study section above.
18-24 Months
Average Completion Time
33 Total Credits
Program Contact
Program Director
Phone
301-696-3683
Email
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Phone
Office: 301-696-3604 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-615-4015
Email
James Cherry
- Assistant Professor of Biology
Aijuan Dong
- Department Chair of Computer Science & Information Technology
- Professor of Computer Science
Craig Laufer
- Co-Chair, Department of Biology
- Professor of Biology
Oney P. Smith
- Professor of Biology
Meredith Yeager
- Assistant Professor of Biology
- Program Director, Biomedical Science
Biomedical Highlight Stories
3MT Winner Spotlight | Amanda Wise
"The BMS program allowed me the flexibility and freedom to learn about the things I love for the joy of learning and expanding my skillset, with more opportunity for experimentation."
Graduate Athlete Spotlight | Garrett Hitchens '23
"I believe that my time at 91视频专区 College will serve to provide me with the toolset, both educationally and personally, to reach my professional goals."
Graduate Student Focus | Abigail Walke
鈥淚 work in infectious disease research, and the courses I鈥檝e taken in the biomedical sciences program have helped me gain more knowledge in the field.鈥