Biomedical Science Degree Programs and Schools
Find out what biomedical science degree programs are available, and check the degree requirements for careers in biomedical science. Explore the coursework included in undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as important considerations for choosing a school.
What You Need to Know
Biomedical science degree programs and schools provide students with a broader knowledge of the human body through in-depth study, clinical trials and research. These schools and programs give students the opportunity to examine and understand newer ways of diagnosing, treating and analyzing diseases. Courses will expose aspiring biomedical professionals to the latest technologies, innovations, and research in biomedical science.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees </b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree, master's degree or Ph.D. in biomedical science; dual biomedical and medical degrees are available at the master's and doctoral levels.</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Chemistry, biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, cell anatomy and more</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Licensure</b> </td><td> Licensure may be required for certain positions</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfBiomedicalScienceDegreeProgramsAreAvailable">What Types of Biomedical Science Degree Programs Are Available?</h3><p>Biomedical science is available as a major at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Dual biomedical and medical degrees are also available. In the combination programs, you will complete coursework for a master's or doctoral degree in biomedicine as well as medical school curriculum, including the hospital rotations required of all medical students.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInABachelorSProgram">What Will I Learn in a Bachelor's Program?</h3><p>Undergraduate programs may include coursework in organic and inorganic chemistry, biology, genetics molecular virology and physics. Some bachelor's degree students complete a research project in a biomedical topic of their choice. A Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science might be offered with coursework in these areas:
</p><ul><li>Physiology
</li><li>Anatomy
</li><li>Epidemiology
</li><li>Nutrition
</li><li>Kinesiology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAGraduateProgram">What Will I Learn in a Graduate Program?</h3><p>Master's degree classes often combine science and medical subjects, such as molecular biology and the heart. Common courses include advanced immunology, neuroscience and histology. Students may have the option to specialize in an area like physiology, anatomy or biochemistry. Some schools offer a thesis or non-thesis option. A Master of Science in Bioinformatics may be available in addition to a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Research.
</p><p>At the doctoral level, first-year students typically complete core classes in brain diseases, developmental neurobiology and gene regulation. The second and any subsequent years of graduate study focus primarily on research, elective courses and teaching assistantships. Areas of research may include immunology, genetics, pathology, biological physics and pharmacology. A dissertation is usually required. A Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics or Biomedical Sciences may be offered.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoINeed">What Degree Do I Need?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that a doctoral degree in a biological science is the minimum level of education for medical scientists (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). However, if you want to work directly with patients gathering tissue or blood samples or administering drugs, you'll need to have a medical license. This means that you will need to complete a dual biomedical and medical program and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become a licensed physician.
</p><p>Many other careers are possible with a bachelor's degree, including biomedical engineer, medical lab technologist, pharmaceutical or scientific sales rep, environmental scientist, forensic science technician, zoologist and wildlife biologist. A master's degree may be preferred for advancement in many of these careers.
</p><h3 id="section---HowShouldISelectASchool">How Should I Select a School?</h3><p>When choosing a school, you should investigate their program's research and internship opportunities and select the one that provides you with the most hands-on experience. This is particularly important if you intend to attend a graduate program, as many prefer applicants that have worked in the field. When investigating graduate schools, you should investigate the program's funding options. Many biomedical science programs pay for their student's tuition and provide a yearly living stipend. These schools offer biomedical science degree programs:
</p><ul><li>Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk)
</li><li>Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
</li><li>University of California San Francisco
</li><li>Maryville University (St. Louis, MO)
</li><li>Christian Brothers University (Memphis, TN)</li></ul>