What Can You Do With a Biomedical Science Master's Degree?

<h3 id="section---Microbiologist"> Microbiologist</h3> <p>A microbiologist is a scientist who focuses on studying and conducting research on microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. A lot of microbiologists design and implement experiments that aim to solve some type of problem. For example, you may research communicable viruses to help with public health or may study how crops are affected by microorganisms. If you want to become a microbiologist, you may want to earn a master's degree to gain important laboratory experience, which is required for this type of job. </p> <h3 id="section---BiochemistOrBiophysicist"> Biochemist or Biophysicist</h3> <p>Biochemists and biophysicists focus their research on the biological processes of living things and may study such things as disease, DNA, cell development, and heredity. As a biochemist or biophysicist, you could work in a range of different areas, such as medical, agriculture, or energy research. With a biomedical science master's degree, you may be prepared to pursue an entry-level job in this field that has a focus on laboratory work. </p> <h3 id="section---NaturalSciencesManager"> Natural Sciences Manager</h3> <p>Natural science managers usually work within laboratories where they oversee other scientists, their work, and the laboratory as a whole. In this role, you might: </p> <ul><li>Create budgets for supplies and staff </li><li>Hire, train, and supervise staff </li><li>Manage research projects from start to finish </li><li>Complete administrative duties </li></ul><p>To pursue a career as a natural science manager, you need to have some work experience as a scientist or in a lab, and most employers prefer that you have a master's degree that focuses on both science and business topics. One option would be earning a master's degree in biomedical science that also has a focus on management, such as a professional science master's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---BiomedicalProfessor"> Biomedical Professor</h3> <p>Typically, as a professor, you will teach college courses within your specialty, such as biomedical science, create curriculums, mentor students, grade assignments and exams, and complete your own research. Professors usually also have to work within their departments and attend meetings. While 4-year institutions may require professors to have a Ph.D., many community and technical colleges hire those who have a master's degree in their field. </p> <h3 id="section---HighSchoolTeacher">High School Teacher</h3> <p>With a master's degree in the area of biomedical science, you could teach high school students in the areas of biology and/or other subjects. Your job duties as a high school teacher may include: </p> <ul><li>Planning lessons </li><li>Grading assignments </li><li>Prepping students for standardized tests </li><li>Managing a classroom </li><li>Working with school staff and parents </li></ul><p>Most high school teacher positions require that you complete a teacher preparation program and also earn state certification or licensure. </p> <h3 id="section---ForensicScienceTechnician"> Forensic Science Technician</h3> <p>As a forensic science technician, you might collect and preserve evidence at crime scenes, which could entail taking photos, finding fingerprints, and gathering bodily fluids. Then, in a laboratory setting, you might be tasked with analyzing that evidence through biological, chemical, or microscopic testing. To become a forensic science technician, you need an educational background that includes the natural sciences, such as biology and chemistry, and forensic science. Some master's biomedical forensic science programs include the study of toxicology, DNA analysis, criminal law, and analytical chemistry. </p> <h3 id="section---ScienceMedicalWriter">Science/Medical Writer</h3> <p>A science or medical writer is someone who works within a medical-focused company to complete writing assignments, which could be materials like reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and even oral presentations. As a medical writer, you need to be able to understand science topics, data sets, and clinical studies to produce written materials that help people understand these things. Typically, to pursue a writing career you need at least a bachelor's degree in a writing-related field, such as English or communications; however, medical writers are usually also required to have a science background that includes graduate-level coursework in their specific field, and a master's in biomedical science may give you the right type of knowledge for this career. </p> <h3 id="section---BiomedicalPatentLawyer">Biomedical Patent Lawyer</h3> <p>Generally, patent lawyers work with clients to write and submit patent applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). As a patent lawyer, you could work as an in-house lawyer where you advise corporate clients on their patents or you might work in a private firm where you have a range of different clients. Patent lawyers who work on patents related to the biomedical field are usually required to have a master's degree or higher in biomedical science, biology, or a related field. Additionally, you must also earn a Juris Doctor (JD), pass the bar, and earn a USPTO license. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Job Title </th><th> Median Annual Salary (2019)* </th><th> Estimated Job Growth (2019-2029)*</th></tr> <tr><td> Microbiologists</td><td>$75,650 </td><td> 3%</td></tr> <tr><td> Biochemists and Biophysicists</td><td>$94,490 </td><td> 4%</td></tr> <tr><td> Natural Sciences Managers </td><td>$129,100 </td><td> 5%</td></tr> <tr><td> Professor, biological sciences </td><td>$83,300 </td><td> 9%</td></tr> <tr><td> High School Teachers </td><td>$61,660 </td><td> 4%</td></tr> <tr><td> Forensic Science Technicians</td><td>$59,150 </td><td> 14%</td></tr> <tr><td> Medical Writer</td><td>$72,195** </td><td> -2% (Writers and Authors)</td></tr> <tr><td> Lawyer </td><td>$122,960 </td><td>4%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Payscale.com</i> </p> <p>After you earn a master's degree in biomedical science, many different career paths may be open to you. While you may pursue a career as a research scientist, such as a microbiologist or biochemist, you could also become a teacher, writer, or lawyer whose specialty is biomedical science.</p>