Biomedical Science (M.S.)

Graduate

4PLUS (bachelor's + master's)
Master's

About this Program

Tailored specifically to the demands of the region’s growing hub of life science research employers, the program offers an alternative to conventional graduate education for those who work full time with courses that are taught in the evenings.

Program Overview

Tuition & Fees
Funding Opportunities

The biomedical science degree 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.

Why Biomedical Science?

There is an emergent need for individuals with advanced degrees in biomedical sciences, particularly those who are trained in laboratory research. Though great progress has been made, ongoing work is necessary to address the health-related challenges we face, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, AIDS, and many other diseases. Now, more than ever, we need additional highly skilled individuals from programs geared toward providing the knowledge and expertise necessary to fill these roles. Hiring managers are increasingly seeking individuals who have master's degrees to fill higher-level positions within their organizations and are particularly interested in those with demonstrated familiarity of or skills in research. Hood’s Biomedical Science (BMS) graduate program provides what is necessary for its graduates to become equipped to serve these important roles, are well-positioned for success, and are strong candidates for these jobs.

Well connected, close to home

Hood’s close proximity to Fort Detrick and the burgeoning biotech corridor make it the convenient choice for the area’s large population of lab and science employees. Strategic location also affords the program strong relationships with top R&D firms, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and nearby federal and private laboratories. In addition to highly qualified full-time faculty, students benefit from the knowledge of adjunct instructors who are leaders at NCI, USAMRIID and other major research organizations.

Meaningful courses

Coursework begins with molecular biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics, after which students select a track in molecular biology or microbiology. Capstone project options include conducting laboratory research at the workplace or writing and defending a mock grant proposal. Classes are small and taught by instructors who know how to connect instruction to the real world.

View Hood Talks Understanding Cancer: Causes and Prevention webinar with Dr. Yeager.

Partnerships and More

*Active duty Fort Detrick soldiers are eligible for a full tuition waiver for this program or any other graduate certificate and masters program at Hood College per our special Hood/Fort Detrick MOU.

*To learn more about our partnership with FAES and course transfer equivalency, please visit our partnership page.

*The 4PLUS program is designed for highly motivated students who have the desire to build career options into their undergraduate curriculum and earn a master's degree in biomedical science.

Hood College students currently majoring in biology are eligible to participate in a 4PLUS program that allows for a combined, and in some cases accelerated, master’s degree in biomedical science after the completion of their undergraduate program.

Degrees Offered

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Master's in Biomedical Science

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.
Required undergraduate coursework includes completion of the following with a grade of B or higher: microbiology, organic chemistry, pre-Calculus, upper level genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316) and cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339).
To apply to the biomedical science program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
- All official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended; and
- An essay that discusses your work experience and future professional goals

In order to be admitted into the Biomedical Science master's degree (BMS), applicants are required to complete the following undergraduate classes (with a grade of B or higher):

Microbiology
Organic chemestry
Pre-Calculus
Upper-level-genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316)
Cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339).

Because not all former biology majors take each of our listed prerequisites, we designed BMS 501 as a one-semester course to replace one or two of these prerequisites. BMS 501 is not meant to replace the lack of a degree in biology, and certainly not the lack of completion of any undergraduate biology course.

Transfer credit policy for admitted students

Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.

Prerequisite Course

The prerequisite course provides background knowledge and skills necessary for the completion of the degree requirements. Students admitted to the BMS program that do not meet all of the academic requirements for admission to the program will be required to take this course in addition to the 33 credits necessary for program completion.

BMS 501/BIFX 501

Foundations in Life Sciences

3.0

Core Courses (all concentrations)

The core courses provide a foundation for electives in either curricular concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biology or Microbiology/Immunology/Virology. The program accepts up to 9 credits of transfer credit at the discretion of the program director.

BMS 511/BIOL 411	Protein Biochemistry	3.0
BMS 523	Cell Structure & Function	3.0
BMS 524/BIOL 424	Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells	3.0
BMS 537/BIOL 437	Introduction to Bioinformatics	3.0

Curricular Concentrations

Students are encouraged to select elective courses within a concentration. The curricular concentrations are the faculty’s suggestions to help ensure a cohesive program of coursework. However, students, in consultation with their academic advisers, may select a combination of elective courses individualized to their own needs and interests.

Concentration in Biotechnology/Molecular Biology

BMS 505	Biostatistics	3.0
BMS 512/BIOL 412	Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism	3.0
BMS 520	Protein Purification and Characterization	3.0
BMS 525/BIOL 425	Virology	3.0
BMS 528/BIOL 428	Immunology	3.0
BMS 529	Oncology Drug Discovery	3.0
BMS 534/BIOL 434	Basic Principles & Methods in Molecular Genetics	3.0
BMS 535	Methods of Molecular Research	3.0
BMS 539	Molecular Immunology	3.0
BMS 540	Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Genome Analysis & Mapping	3.0
BMS 541	Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function	3.0
BMS 542	Ethics in Science	3.0
BMS 590	Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques	3.0
BMS 597	Internship	1-3

Concentration in Microbiology/Immunology/Virology

BMS 505	Biostatistics	3.0
BMS 512/BIOL 412	Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism	3.0
BMS 525/BIOL 425	Virology	3.0
BMS 527	Pathogenic Microbiology	3.0
BMS 528/BIOL 428	Immunology	3.0
BMS 529	Oncology Drug Discovery	3.0
BMS 533	Medical Virology	3.0
BMS 539	Molecular Immunology	3.0
BMS 541	Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function	3.0
BMS 542	Ethics In Science	3.0
BMS 543	Advanced Immunology	3.0
BMS 552	Biomedical Literature Review	3.0
BMS 590	Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques	3.0
BMS 597	Internship	1-3

Thesis Track Requirements

	Four core courses	12.0
	Four elective courses	15.0
BMS 580A	Biomedical Science Thesis A	3.0
BMS 580B	Biomedical Science Thesis B	3.0

BMS 580: under the direction of a thesis adviser and a reading committee (6 credits).

An oral defense of the thesis is required. Click here for BMS thesis guidelines.

Non-Thesis Track Requirements

	Four core courses	12.0
	Six elective courses, three of which must be laboratory lecture courses	18.0
BMS 571	Biomedical Science Seminar	3.0
	Preparation of a mock grant proposal draft (Submission of final written document and oral defense occurs in subsequent semester based on committee feedback)

The BMS program equips students with the necessary skills to understand and perform complex tasks in biomedical research. Graduating students are well-equipped to immediately join the workforce as highly skilled workers, or to move on to Ph.D. or medical degree programs. Recent graduates have, for example: 1) obtained a promotion within their existing organization, 2) moved from an administrative or “desk” role to a laboratory position, 3) obtained a higher-level position at a desired organization, 4) obtained a position at an area school, 5) been admitted to their desired Ph.D. program or dental, medical or veterinary school, and many more.

Biomedical Career Development Opportunities

The NIH Summer Internship Program

In addition to full-time biomedical research opportunities, the NIH provides career development opportunities for all summer interns, including workshops, courses, journal clubs and access to the OITE Career Services Center. You can join our diverse community of more than 5,000 trainees for outstanding research and career development resources. The program accepts high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional (medical/dental/pharmacy/nursing, etc.) school students in biomedical, social science, behavioral and computational fields.

SIP includes several subprograms designed to help build the scientific workforce. PLEASE NOTE: Although you use the online SIP application to apply for all these subprograms, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and program curricula vary. Please read each program's description carefully to decide which, if any, will best fit your needs. If you apply to one of these programs, you must submit your application before the subprogram deadline AND contact your references to let them know the deadline for receipt of their letters.

Thesis VS. Non-Thesis Options

The option of thesis versus non-thesis degrees serves students with diverse career goals and interests, which include but are not limited to bench science work or continuation into a Ph.D. or allied health graduate program. For example, the thesis track prepares students for future graduate programs or for advanced research positions within the field. Students are encouraged, when applicable, to complete their thesis work within their existing place of employment on topics with which they are already familiar. Non-thesis track degree holders complete a rigorous mock grant proposal and defense in their last semester and have many choices among advanced positions within the community, including industry or research laboratories, education or medical writing, and admittance into other specialized degree programs. You can see the course requirements for each in the program of study section above.