The degree track leading to a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences may be completed in two years or three years and is intended for those students who wish to extend their knowledge of the biomedical sciences and to engage in mentored biomedical research or apply biomedical concepts in advanced graduate study.
In addition to a strong base of broad biomedical content in the first year, the degree program will provide the student with skills in scientific method, research design, methodology, writing and presentation. Graduates may apply their knowledge and skills in industry, teaching, or as preparation for future professional or doctoral program application.
Foundation courses are conducted in the evening of the first program year for which the student is awarded a certificate of graduate study prior to progressing to a masters degree concentration track. In the degree completion year, students may elect one of three MS degree concentrations: Biomedical Research, Forensic Biology, or Organizational Leadership in the Biosciences.
During the first year, students choosing the research degree track will meet with members of the PCOM faculty and choose an advisor. Together they will construct a research proposal to be pursued in the research phase of the second year of the master's program. The research phase must be completed through full-time day attendance. The research concentration curriculum involves seminars in addition to conducting original research supervised by a member of PCOM faculty. Regular committee meetings allow students to demonstrate progress on their research. The degree program will culminate in a research thesis and final oral defense of the work.
Students electing the Forensic Biology or Organizational Leadership concentrations will complete 24 additional hours of graduate coursework in the respective discipline. Organizational Leadership courses are conducted in the evening, and Forensic Biology courses are held on a weekend/online format.
