Biomedical Science, M.S.

Program Director: Ann Boyd, Ph.D.; boyda@hood.edu; 301-696-3683

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science is a 33-credit program of graduate research and academic study developed for:

• Persons holding a bachelor’s degree and currently employed in a biomedical or biotechnological research establishment who are seeking additional academic background as part of a career and professional growth program;
• Teachers and other professionals with interests in biomedical science who wish to obtain a graduate degree; and
• Professionals already holding advanced degrees who desire to update or extend their previous academic experiences in biomedical or biotechnological sciences.

The courses are taught in the evenings, thus, the program offers an alternative to conventional graduate education for those who work full time.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be accepted into the program based on selection criteria that include undergraduate coursework, grade point average, area of research interest and experience. Relevance of the undergraduate degree is considered. Priority is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry or chemistry. Undergraduate coursework required includes completion of the following with a grade of B or better: microbiology, organic chemistry, upper level genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316), and cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339). All official transcripts must be submitted. In addition, an essay that discusses the student’s work experience and future goals is required.

For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission.

The program in biomedical science is administered within the Department of Biology by the director of the Biomedical Science Program, assisted by an Advisory Council and Faculty for Biomedical Science.

Dual Degree

Students majoring in Biology or Biochemistry may during their junior year apply to the BMS program for dual degree status. If accepted in the program, students may take some of the required and elective courses at the 400 level as undergraduates and not repeat them during the graduate degree phase. In the senior year the student may pursue research for the undergraduate capstone requirement and pursue more in depth research for the Master’s thesis. A student in dual degree status may apply 9 credits of 500-level BMS courses toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees with prior approval.