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Biomedical Sciences MS

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences MS in the emphasizes broad interdisciplinary biomedical sciences training in the theory and practice of this growing and evolving field. Students are fully prepared to launch careers as researchers in academia, industry, hospitals and government; become teachers; or pursue advanced professional degrees.

Why study biomedical sciences at the Katz School of Medicine?

In the two-year, full-time day program, students gain a foundation in translational basic science and learn cutting-edge laboratory techniques in the classroom and the laboratory. Students can choose from two different program tracks: a 30-credit program with a thesis option supervised by a graduate faculty advisor and a 36-credit nonthesis coursework.

Program Format & CurriculumÌýÌý

The Master of Science degree curriculum is a two-year, full-time program of study. Students are expected to complete the program within 20 to 24 months under one of the following tracks.

Thesis Track

This 30-credit track sees students conducting innovative research under the supervision of a faculty advisor in one of five specialty concentrations/clusters.

  • Cancer biology and genetics
  • Infectious disease and immunity
  • Molecular and cellular biosciences
  • Neuroscience
  • Organ systems and translational medicineÌý

In addition, MS students in the thesis track complete two or three short research rotations and then begin thesis research.ÌýÌý

Nonthesis Track

This 36-credit track is in general biomedical sciences requiring students to complete didactic coursework in each of the five cluster areas.Ìý

In the first year, all students participate in interdisciplinary coursework including the following.

  • Molecules to Cell
  • Organ Systems: Function, Dysfunction, and Therapies
  • One concentration-specific basic elective
  • Five one-credit courses comprising Scientific Communication, Scientific Integrity and Bioethics, Experimental Design and Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and a student seminar.Ìý

All students have the opportunity to work with faculty in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine’s world-class . Additional advanced elective courses and participation in student seminars and journal clubs round out the program.Ìý

The MS in Biomedical Sciences program is located at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Health Sciences Center campus. Elective courses not offered at the Health Sciences Center may be taken at other campuses with permission from the student’s research advisory committee.Ìý

Learn more about the Biomedical Sciences MS curriculum.

Specializations

MS students with the thesis option can specialize in one of five concentrations (clusters).

  • Cancer biology and genetics
  • Infectious disease and immunity
  • Molecular and cellular biosciences
  • Neuroscience
  • Organ systems and translational medicine

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

Program Benefits

  • Our interdisciplinary program includes conducting original research with accomplished scientists at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, the Lewis Katz School of MedicineÌýor Fox Chase Cancer Center’s state-of-the-art research facilities, preparing students for new pathways for learning and discovery.
  • Students benefit from the high faculty-student ratio and receive outstanding mentoring from their advisors and faculty—who are all premier researchers with national and international reputations.
  • The program challenges students to think logically and creatively and to express themselves independently.
  • This well-balanced program can be tailored to meet the interests and needs of each student, fully preparing them to pursue additional advanced degrees or have a biomedical sciences career in academia, industry and government. Students learn and work in a supportive inclusive environment with access to wellness resources.

Career PathsÌý

Potential career paths that alumni will be able to pursue after completing this program include the following.Ìý

  • Research associate in academia, biotech or pharma
  • Clinical trial coordinator
  • Gateway to advanced degrees in science or medicine
  • Science educatorÌý

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of ScienceÌýoffers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,049.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,438.00 per credit

You can view the full .

Program Contacts

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
3500 N. Broad St., MERB 1111
Philadelphia, PA 19140

Victor Rizzo,Ìýassociate dean graduate studiesÌý
Email:
Phone: 215-707-9863

Scott K. Shore,Ìýassociate dean of graduate studies and postbaccalaureate programsÌý
Email:ÌýÌý
Phone: 215-707-5072Ìý

Additional Program Information