One-Year Master's in Biomedical Sciences Degree Programs

<p>If you're looking to apply to a master's degree program in biomedical science, you will need at the very least an accredited bachelor's degree. The following items are also common (although not always necessary) application requirements: </p> <ul><li>Prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry and physics </li><li>GPA of at least 3.0 </li><li>Standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, DAT) </li><li>Professional resume </li><li>Statement of purpose/essay </li><li>Letters of recommendation </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowToEarnAOneYearMasterSInBiomedicalSciences">How to Earn a One-Year Master's in Biomedical Sciences</h2> <p>Curricula in biomedical sciences programs cover a range of disciplines, including biology, statistics, and physiology. Course loads typically contain a set of core courses that focus on essential topics in biomedical sciences, along with a series of electives that allow students to explore more unique areas and build a degree path that caters to their professional interest. This degree can be used to prepare for medical school and other health care doctoral programs or pursue career options in the biomedical sciences. </p> <h3 id="section---Immunology">Immunology</h3> <p>This course focuses on the human body's defense system for preventing disease and examines the function and make up of the tissues, cells, and molecules that play a role in protecting the body. Candidates learn about innate immunity, the functions of immune cells, and host defense mechanisms. The course also provides clinical information relating to other aspects of immunology, such as autoimmune disease, tumor immunology, and immunodeficiency. </p> <h3 id="section---Bioethics">Bioethics</h3> <p>In this course, students take a step back from the study of detailed scientific processes and use a holistic perspective to consider the legal and ethical aspects of biomedical sciences. The course provides an introduction to the most important laws and regulations that affect the field, such as civil liability litigation, medical malpractice, and self-referrals. Candidates also explore ethical dilemmas faced by professionals working in biomedical sciences. </p> <h3 id="section---HumanGenetics">Human Genetics</h3> <p>This course explores genetic influences on each stage of the life cycle, starting in prenatal and advancing through the adult stage. Students learn how to map out disease genes and chromosome locations, understand family disease inheritance, and investigate gene therapy methods. Other common course topics can include genetic counseling, screening protocols, and treatment modalities. </p> <h3 id="section---Physiology">Physiology</h3> <p>In this class, students engage in an examination of the human body's most important functions. The course can divide physiology into multiple sections, including cellular and neuromuscular, endocrine and reproductive, cardiovascular and respiratory, and renal and gastrointestinal. This course provides a solid foundation for later courses, which incorporate knowledge about the human body that is acquired in this offering. </p> <h3 id="section---Pharmacology">Pharmacology</h3> <p>This course provides an overview of the chemical properties and functions of medicinal drugs. Common course topics include drug distribution, absorption, metabolism, and excretion. Candidates observe the development process for drugs and study how these medicines are formulated, tested, and created. </p> <h2 id="section---CareerPathsForStudentsWithAMasterSInBiomedicalScience">Career Paths for Students with a Master's in Biomedical Science</h2> <h3 id="section---Biochemist">Biochemist</h3> <p>Graduates with a master's degree in biomedical sciences can pursue entry-level positions in the field of biochemistry, where they will use skills learned in classes on pharmacology and biochemistry to research and analyze the chemical reactions behind biological processes. They research the effects of medicine, prepare technical reports, and conduct experiments on subjects such as heredity, disease, and cell development. They also spend a portion of their time reviewing recent findings from other scientists. </p> <h3 id="section---Biophysicist">Biophysicist</h3> <p>Closely related to the biochemist profession, these individuals also study biological processes, albeit from a physics perspective. They also conduct experiments and review research, all while spending plenty of time in the lab developing new tests for future projects. The profession uses a lot of the same lab and research skills taught in biomedical sciences degree programs, making it an appealing option for graduates coming from these programs. </p> <h3 id="section---Chemist">Chemist</h3> <p>If the medical field does not interest you quite as much or if you're looking to take your career in a new direction, you may want to consider being a chemist. Chemists use a lot of the same skills that are learned in biomedical science degree programs (such as biochemistry and bioinformatics) but choose to focus on organic and synthetic substances and how they interact with one another. They prepare solutions, analyze substances, and examine the composition and structure of matter. </p> <h3 id="section---BiomedicalEngineer">Biomedical Engineer</h3> <p>Graduates with a background in engineering can opt for a career as a biomedical engineer. Instead of interacting directly with medical data, this profession is responsible for designing the machines and technology that biomedical professionals use on a daily basis. Having a biomedical background can lend a new perspective to this career, as someone trained in pathobiology and cell structure can offer unique insights when developing x-ray machines, computer systems, or other pieces of medical equipment. </p> <h3 id="section---Microbiologist">Microbiologist</h3> <p>Microbiologists are scientists who have chosen to focus on a particular subset of the organic world. These scientists study microorganisms (diseases, fungi, bacteria, parasites, etc.) and attempt to form an understanding of how these microscopic beings fit into their environments. The position requires advanced knowledge of biological processes and functions, making it a good fit for candidates who hold a degree in biomedical sciences. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Job Title </th><th> Median Salary (2018)* </th><th> Job Growth (2018-2028)*</th></tr> <tr><td> Biochemist </td><td> $93,280 (for all biochemists and biophysicists) </td><td> 6% (As fast as average)</td></tr> <tr><td> Biophysicist </td><td> $93,280 (for all biochemists and biophysicists) </td><td> 6% (As fast as average)</td></tr> <tr><td> Chemist </td><td> $76,890 </td><td> 4% (As fast as average)</td></tr> <tr><td> Biomedical Engineer </td><td> $88,550 </td><td> 4% (As fast as average)</td></tr> <tr><td> Microbiologist </td><td> $71,650 </td><td> 5% (As fast as average)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <p>One-year degree programs in biomedical science can help candidates gain a wide range of crucial skills and knowledge in biology, statistics, and physiology. Upon graduation, students can enter medical school or another professional program or have access careers in a wide range of scientific disciplines.</p>