The Biomedical Science core curriculum consists of 11 courses totaling 25 credit hours, and can be completed in as little as 1 calendar year (3 academic terms). Most of the coursework is synchronous, with an expectation of in-person attendance. This approach ensures that you will form strong and lasting peer relationships with members of your cohort.

An important component of the curriculum is the degree option. This program is designed to allow you to choose from 4 distinct degree options, which define the requirements for the degree. As shown in the figure below, the program’s degree requirements vary based on the selected option. In summary:

  • Coursework-only (Minimum total credits – 37 hours): Requires the completion of all core coursework (25 credit hours) AND the completion of 1 concentration offered by the program. May be completed in one calendar year.
  • Capstone project (Minimum total credits – 31 hours): Requires the completion of all core coursework (25 credit hours) AND a minimum of 6 project hours. The capstone project option requires that you present your project to your peers at the end of the program. No elective coursework is required. May be completed in one calendar year.
  • Internship (Minimum total credits – 31 hours): Requires the completion of all core coursework (25 credit hours) AND a minimum of 6 internship hours. Similar to the capstone project, the internship option requires that you present your internship to your peers at the end of the program. No elective coursework is required. May be completed in one calendar year.
  • Thesis (Minimum total credits – 31 hours): Requires the completion of all core coursework (25 credit hours) AND a minimum of 6 thesis hours. The thesis option requires you to prepare a written, publication quality thesis, and also requires an oral defense. No elective coursework is required. Will require more than one calendar year.
BMSC Pre-Health degree option image

As mentioned above, the program offers elective courses, with 45 credit hours’ worth of elective coursework available to you. This allows you to enhance your plan of study with courses that pique your interest. You may take elective courses while pursuing any of the four degree options based on your personal interest. The program has defined 3 focused concentrations by grouping sets of electives:

  • Addiction Management
  • Clinical Trial Investigation
  • Genetics and Human Development

This approach allows coursework-only students to prepare for a higher degree of specialization within their plan of study. Specific course listings for each concentration are shown under Coursework Details.

Coursework Details

The coursework is grouped as follows:

  • 25 credit hours in core courses (required for all students)
    • 6 credit hours based on the selected degree option (required for those selecting the capstone project, internship, OR thesis options)
    • 12-13 credit hours in 1 of 3 concentration options (required for those selecting the coursework-only option)

Below, you will find the specific course listings in each category of coursework. Core coursework includes basic biomedical science instruction in biochemistry, human gross- and neuro-anatomy, systems physiology, and pharmacology, mixed with additional training in professionalism, ethics, and case-based learning. 

The Graduate School Bulletin includes further information including degree requirements and all course descriptions.

Selecting a Concentration

During program orientation, our program director will discuss the four degree options. Should you wish to pursue the “coursework-only” degree option, you’ll select a concentration based on your personal interests and desired outcome. A snapshot of the three concentrations available in our Biomedical Science program are shown below.