2026-2027 Academic Catalog

MS – Biomedical Sciences

Program Overview

Admissions

There is no direct entry into the MS in Biomedical Sciences Program. All biomedical sciences applicants must apply to the PhD in Biomedical Sciences Program.

Program Overview

A student who does not successfully pass their Candidacy Qualifying Examination on the second attempt may not proceed in the PhD program. The student may request to be considered for a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences or a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences with Thesis.

To be considered for a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, the student must:

• Complete the first- and second-year core curriculum, and

• Complete substantial full-time research, and

• Document completed research with explanation and contextualization of the significance of this research.

The Associate Dean and the Dean will consider the request for a Master of Science degree. If the request is approved, the student will submit documentation of their research for review by their committee. The student’s dissertation committee, the Associate Dean, and the Dean will assess the amount and quality of the student’s work and determine whether it rises to a Master’s level of research and academic accomplishment to award a Master of Science degree.

To be considered for a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with Thesis, the student must:

• Complete the first- and second-year core curriculum, and

• Complete substantial full-time research, and

• Complete sufficient body of research to write a Master’s thesis

• Successfully defend a Master’s thesis

The “with Thesis” designation would be noted on the official transcript.

Student Learning Objectives

SLO 1: Demonstrate mastery knowledge of central biomedical concepts and competency in biomedical research methods and strategies.

SLO 2: Critically evaluate the scientific literature in the biomedical sciences, including the choice of methods applied to problems and the interpretation of results.

SLO 3: Develop the ability to think critically and work collaboratively to design rigorous and reproducible experiments in order to solve scientific questions.

SLO 4: Communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally to disseminate scientific concepts and research results in visual, oral, and written form to diverse audiences.

MS – Biomedical Sciences Core Curriculum

Year 1 – Fall (16 Credits)

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
BMS 8011Genes to Proteins

3

BMS 8101Cell Biology

3

BMS 8201Developmental Biology

3

BMS 8312Biostatistics

3

BMS 8511Topics in Clinical and Translational Reasearch

1

BMS 8951Laboratory Rotation I

3

Year 1 – Spring (16 Credits)

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
BMS 8702Cancer Biology

3

BMS 8832Immunology and Infectious Diseases

3

BMS 8902Pharmacology and Chemical Biology

2

BMS 8512Topics in Clinical and Translational Research II

1

BMS 8952Laboratory Rotation II

3

BMS 8953Laboratory Rotation III

3

BMS 8301Computational Biology

1

Year 1 - (Summer 4 Credits)

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
BMS 8994Dissertation Research

4-9

Year 2 – Fall (10.5 Credits)

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
BMS 8971Scientific Writing and Communications

1.5

BMS 8994Dissertation Research

4-9

BMS 8411Core Facilities I

0

Year 2 – Spring (10.5 Credits)

Course NumberCourse TitleCredits
BMS 8994Dissertation Research

4-9

BMS 8972Scientific Writing and Communications II

1.5

BMS 8411Core Facilities I

0

Note: With the successful completion of the Candidacy Qualifying Exam, the student will transition into the second portion of the PhD – Biomedical Sciences program.