The Master of Science program in Biomedical Sciences takes advantage of the multidisciplinary research education programs on our campus, the commitment to translation of fundamental findings in basic biomedical sciences to applications in the prevention of disease and novel therapies for disease, and the commitment to prepare students to contribute to various aspects of the biomedical enterprise. This program responds to the recognized need for generalist graduate study in the medical sciences to provide students with the background essential for the pursuit of a variety of careers in the health professions, whether in doctoral programs in research and/or clinical medicine or for employment in the for-profit sector.

The M.S. in Biomedical Sciences is a full-time course of study requiring a minimum of 45 credits. The first year will ensure mastery of fundamental core concepts in contemporary cellular and molecular biomedical sciences, application of statistical principles to experimental design and data analysis, responsible conduct of research, and critical analysis and presentation of primary research literature in the biomedical sciences. In addition, a significant amount of time will be spent doing research in a laboratory which will have been carefully chosen in consultation with the Program Director. Course work in the third term will be devoted to advanced elective study in the student's chosen area of interest as well as continued work on a research project, which will form the basis for a Master's thesis.

Students in this program will be taught together with incoming first-year Ph.D. students in their core courses and will be integrated into the total academic and social environment of the Graduate School of Biological Sciences. The program is intended for students who are not ready to make a five-year commitment to obtain a Ph.D. or who need to bolster their competitiveness for M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs (e.g., PREP-Med) and who value structured advanced education and research training in the biomedical sciences. We expect that students will be able to complete degree requirements in three terms, with an option to continue their research for a fourth term without additional tuition payments.