test tube in lab

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
Download Biomedical Brochure

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.

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.

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 a diverse and inclusive 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.

*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.

Degrees Offered

  • MS

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 501Foundations in Life Sciences3.0

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 411Protein Biochemistry3.0
BMS 523Cell Structure & Function3.0
BMS 524/BIOL 424Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Cells3.0
BMS 537/BIOL 437Introduction to Bioinformatics3.0

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 505Biostatistics3.0
BMS 512/BIOL 412Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism3.0
BMS 520Protein Purification and Characterization3.0
BMS 525/BIOL 425Virology3.0
BMS 528/BIOL 428Immunology3.0
BMS 529Oncology Drug Discovery3.0
BMS 534/BIOL 434Basic Principles & Methods in Molecular Genetics3.0
BMS 535Methods of Molecular Research3.0
BMS 539Molecular Immunology3.0
BMS 540Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Genome Analysis & Mapping3.0
BMS 541Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function3.0
BMS 542Ethics in Science3.0
BMS 590Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques3.0
BMS 597Internship1-3

Concentration in Microbiology/Immunology/Virology

BMS 505Biostatistics3.0
BMS 512/BIOL 412Biochemistry of Intermediary Metabolism3.0
BMS 525/BIOL 425Virology3.0
BMS 527Pathogenic Microbiology3.0
BMS 528/BIOL 428Immunology3.0
BMS 529Oncology Drug Discovery3.0
BMS 533Medical Virology3.0
BMS 539Molecular Immunology3.0
BMS 541Advanced Topics in Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Structure & Function3.0
BMS 542Ethics In Science3.0
BMS 543Advanced Immunology3.0
BMS 552Biomedical Literature Review3.0
BMS 590Advanced Topics in Biomedical Techniques3.0
BMS 597Internship1-3

Thesis Track Requirements

 Four core courses12.0
 Four elective courses15.0
BMS 580ABiomedical Science Thesis A3.0
BMS 580BBiomedical Science Thesis B3.0

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 courses12.0
 Six elective courses, three of which must be laboratory lecture courses18.0
BMS 571Biomedical Science Seminar3.0
 Preparation of a mock grant proposal draft (Submission of final written document and oral defense occurs in subsequent semester based on committee feedback) 

The 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.

Program Contact

Yeager Grad School Contact Headshot

Program Director

Phone
301-696-3683
Christian Villarosa

Assistant Director of Graduate Admission

Phone
Office: 301-696-3604 Cell/WhatsApp: 240-65-4015

Our Advisory Board...

provides support and assistance in the development of new programs, serves as ambassadors for our program and identifies best practice standards.

All Faculty
dong

Aijuan Dong

  • Department Chair of Computer Science & Information Technology
  • Professor of Computer Science
Craig Laufer

Craig Laufer

  • Co-Chair, Department of Biology
  • Professor of Biology
Meredith Yeager

Meredith Yeager

  • Assistant Professor of Biology
  • Program Director, Biomedical Science

Biomedical Highlight Stories

Amanda Wise

3MT Winner Spotlight | Amanda Wise

Amanda Wise, M.S. Biomedical Science Graduate School Graduate Student

"The BMS program allowed me the flexibility and freedom to learn about the things I love for the joy of learning and expanding my skillset, with more opportunity for experimentation."

  • Academics
  • Natural Sciences
Garrett Hitchens

Graduate Athlete Spotlight | Garrett Hitchens '23

Garrett Hitchens '23 Alumni Graduate School Graduate Student

"I believe that my time at Hood College will serve to provide me with the toolset, both educationally and personally, to reach my professional goals."

  • Academics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Alumni Relations
  • Athletics

Graduate Student Focus | Abigail Walke

Abigail Walke, M.S. Biomedical Science Graduate School Graduate Student

“I work in infectious disease research, and the courses I’ve taken in the biomedical sciences program have helped me gain more knowledge in the field.”

  • Academics
  • Natural Sciences