Accredited Biomedical Science Programs - Degrees & Certificates
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“Our program, which I think is true for many other programs, too, is based very closely on medical education. The courses are often the same, as are the professors, classrooms, and even the style of exams. It really mimics the experience of medical school for people who aren’t sure if this is for them or who couldn’t get off a waitlist in a previous cycle.”
Brian DeHaven, PhD, Chief Program Director for Biomedical Sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Those who pursue higher education in biomedical science will find that their opportunities beyond graduation are quite broad. Because biomedical science explores knowledge, practices, and technologies related to diagnosing, analyzing, and treating disease, the number of specializations and practical applications of a biomedical science degree are vast.
Students pursuing a biomedical sciences degree can choose to study humans or animals; study at the scale of macro- or microbiology; focus studies on organic systems or technological systems; specialize in practical applications or research; focus studies on certain parts of the body; and/or choose a deep understanding of emerging biomedical science policy. Depending on a student’s focus of study, those completing biomedical degree science programs can become researchers, healthcare providers, veterinarians, educators, scientists, writers, consultants, ecologists, biochemists, analysts, technicians, technologists, and much more.
In general, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) predicts that many occupations that require biomedically trained employees will grow over the next decade due to an aging population, growing rates of chronic disease, and an expanded need for pharmaceuticals, among other core causes.
Although this list is not exhaustive of biomedically related occupations, between 2022 and 2032, the BLS predicts that most of the following occupations will either grow as fast as or faster than the 3 percent average growth projected for all U.S. jobs:
| Occupation | Job Growth Predicted Between 2022 and 2033 | Numeric Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians | 20 percent | 17,700 jobs added |
| Medical Scientists | 10 percent | 11,600 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | 7 percent | 2,300 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 5 percent | 16,800 |
| Biological Technicians | 5 percent | 3,900 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | 6 percent | 4,900 |
Because the field of biomedical science is so broad, students need to consider what aspect of biomedicine they are interested in studying before applying. Read on to learn what to expect from an accredited on-campus or online biomedical science program.
Meet the Expert: Brian DeHaven, PhD
Dr. Brian DeHaven is the chief program director for biomedical sciences at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
With a passion for osteopathic medicine, Dr. DeHaven leverages his expertise to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. His commitment to patient care and academic excellence shines through his work, making him a valued member of the PCOM community. As a scientist and educator, his areas of expertise include virology, immunology, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. He holds a doctorate in microbiology from the University of Pennsylvania.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about biomedical science degrees and certificates?
Dr. DeHaven: Our program, which I think is true for many other programs, too, is based very closely on medical education. The courses are often the same, as are the professors, classrooms, and even the style of exams. It really mimics the experience of medical school for people who aren’t sure if this is for them or who couldn’t get off a waitlist in a previous cycle.
This degree is also a great option for getting into medical school. Our medical school will take many people after the first year of the biomedical science program and also after the second year. It’s an important part of how we fill our classes for medical school. If you do really well in the program, you might get a recommendation letter from someone who is on or knows the people on the medical school admissions committee.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring biomedical science students?
Dr. DeHaven: Make sure you will have enough time in your schedule to study the material adequately. We cover a lot of ground, especially in the first year. On our first day of classes, we ask who is trying to get into medical school, and the vast majority of students will raise their hands. A lot of them are successful. Others find out it’s not for them.
Other people will finish the program and go on to do something else. The first year is very close to the first year of medical school, and then the second year often has some different options for people to explore, like forensics or research.
Admissions Requirements & Accreditation
Admission to online and on-campus programs in the biomedical sciences varies widely by institution. Generally, admissions requirements for biomedical science programs include:
- Official transcripts from all previous universities and colleges
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher
- CV or resume
- Letter of intent or statement of purpose
- One to three letters of recommendation
- Application fee
- Proof of English proficiency (international students)
- Proof of prerequisite coursework (some programs)
- Standardized test scores (some programs)
Accreditation
Accreditation is the process by which universities and the programs they offer are evaluated by third parties to ensure the quality of instruction and applicability to future work. By creating a universal set of standards that must be met for instruction, resources available, etc., accreditation is a measure prospective students can use to evaluate the quality of a program and is also a standard that employers can use to predict the competence of a program graduate. All programs listed below are offered by universities that are regionally accredited.
State Authorization
All universities offering distance-based educational services must be authorized to deliver programming according to regulations mandated by each state. Universities offering online programming across state lines must adhere to all the individual regulations as outlined by each state, or as by the reciprocity agreements outlined by NC-SARA. Students choosing to pursue online degrees should ensure that the program they’re interested in is offered in their state of residence before applying.
On-Campus Biomedical Science Programs
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine: Master’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences
The master of science in biomedical sciences at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) offers graduates the ability to work practically in healthcare or engage in life sciences research. After completing a foundation year, students can choose to concentrate on one of the following: biomedical research; forensic biology; general studies (Georgia campus only); organizational leadership in the biosciences; and public and population health leadership. This program is offered at three locations: PCOM (Philadelphia, PA), PCOM Georgia (Suwanee, GA), and PCOM South Georgia (Moultrie, GA).
Comprising 29 to 30 credits, the foundation year includes courses in human anatomy; histology; molecular basis of medicine; the infectious process; medical pharmacology; biostatistics; epidemiology; and medical terminology, among others. Concentrations are made up of 24 to 32 credits. Courses vary by concentration. For example, the general studies concentration includes courses in concepts in pharmacology toxicology; introduction to pathology; nutritional biochemistry; medical microbiology; medical immunology; and molecular genetics, among others.
Applicants to PCOM’s BMS program must submit MCAT, PCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE scores to be considered for admission.
- Location: PCOM (Philadelphia, PA), PCOM Georgia (Suwanee, GA), and PCOM South Georgia (Moultrie, GA)
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
University of Central Florida: BS in Biomedical Sciences
The bachelor’s of science in biomedical sciences at the University of Central Florida (UCF) prepares graduates for master’s or doctoral-level study in a wide range of medical disciplines, providing the opportunity to participate in faculty-led research. Specializations in molecular microbiology and molecular cell biology, in addition to a pre-professional concentration, are available.
Coursework in the 120-credit program includes quantitative biological methods; nanobiotechnology; determinative systemic microbiology; laboratory virtual simulations in physiology; molecular biology; pathogenic microbiology; infectious processes; and hematology, among others. SAT or ACT scores are required to apply for admission into UCF’s program.
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Duke University School of Medicine: Master of Biomedical Sciences
Duke University’s master’s of biomedical sciences program is designed for those looking for careers where graduate-level biomedical science is required. In addition to providing linguistic and systemic training, the program has hands-on and practical elements. Those enrolled in Duke’s program will receive EMT training, be part of an interprofessional healthcare team, and learn anatomy through cadaver dissection.
Examples of coursework in the 38-credit program include the essentials of health practice and professional development; medical statistics; health systems; cellular sciences; human structure; organ systems; and evidence-based clinical practice. GRE, MCAT, and DAT scores are not required to apply but can be submitted if the applicant wishes.
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 11 months
University of California at San Francisco: Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
The University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) biomedical sciences (BMS) PhD program is a highly specialized in cell and molecular biology. It allows students to investigate how tissues, cells, and organs function in health and disease.
Students in UCSF’s BMS programs can choose between eight thematic areas, including cancer biology and cell signaling; developmental and stem cell biology; human genetics; immunology; neurobiology; tissue/organ biology and endocrinology; vascular and cardiac biology; and virology and microbial pathogenesis.
Examples of coursework in the full-time program include investigating human biology and disease; racism in science; cell biology; critical thinking and science communication for biomedical scientists; genetics; introduction to human biology and medicine; molecular thermodynamics; tissue mechanobiology; principles of pharmacogenomics; and biological regulatory mechanisms. GRE scores are not required for admission, but students may elect to submit them if they wish.
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Five or more years
Northeastern University: Master of Science in Biomedical Science
Northeastern University’s Bouve College of Health Sciences offers a campus-based master of science program in biomedical science delivered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The program integrates study across various areas of contemporary biomedicine, including pharmacology, biochemistry or cell biology, and human physiology and pathophysiology. This program is ideal for new students entering the field or currently employed professionals such as research technicians, science teachers, science administrators, and clinical laboratory workers.
The program’s 33-credit curriculum includes courses such as concepts in pharmaceutical science; ethical problems in health sciences research; pharmaceutical biochemistry; cellular physiology; experimental design and biostatistics; and human physiology and pathophysiology. GRE scores are optional and are not required for admission.
Graduates of the program will be able to advance their current roles and go on to take up positions such as medical writers, pharmaceutical product representatives, medical liaison specialists, science teaching faculty members, academic biomedical researchers, and clinical laboratory staff members.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Online Biomedical Science Programs
University of Northern Colorado: Master’s of Biomedical Science
The online master’s of biomedical science (MBS) degree at the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) is an intensive academic enhancement program where online students learn from recorded on-campus courses. The 30-credit program is for those hoping to gain acceptance into healthcare provider programs (nursing school, medical school, dental school, etc.), and for those hoping to work in the biomedical field.
The program’s coursework includes biomedicine and careers, immunology and disease, reproductive and developmental biology, virology, cell physiology, molecular genetics, developmental biology, and foundations of clinical research. Applicants must submit MCAT, PCAT, DAT, OAT, or GRE scores to be considered for acceptance into the program, which is 100 percent online.
- Location: Loveland, Colorado
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
- Expected Time to Completion: Nine months
Arizona State University: Master of Science in Biomedical Diagnostics
Arizona State University’s (ASU) online MS in biomedical diagnostics prepares graduates to understand the technology, science, business, and application of the tests and technological devices used to detect diseases and other medical conditions.
Offered through the International School of Biomedical Diagnostics, students can take one or more courses through Dublin City University. Coursework in the 30-credit program includes health economics, policy, and payment models; principles of diagnostic technology: immunoassays; regulation of medical diagnostics; principles of diagnostic technology: molecular diagnostics; and translational bioinformatics. No standardized tests are required for admission as the program is 100 percent online. As part of the program, students in this program will develop an applied project on a topic relevant to the diagnostics field.
Graduates will be ready for positions such as clinical laboratory technicians, quality systems analysts, clinical research specialists, regulatory affairs specialists, analytical chemists, database administrators, and operations engineers.
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
University of Missouri: Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (Veterinary Emphasis)
With its emphasis on veterinary sciences, the online master of science in biomedical sciences at the University of Missouri is designed for current veterinary professionals looking to expand their skill set and evolve their careers. Both vets and vet techs aspiring toward roles in supervision in hospitals or research labs can benefit from the one-hundred percent online MS program.
Examples of coursework in this 30-credit-hour program include animal issues in disasters; veterinary cytology; equine clinical anatomy: forelimbs; fundamentals of small animal emergency and critical care; veterinary cell biology; advanced small animal clinical nutrition; research in veterinary medicine and surgery; and principles of toxicology. To apply, students must be vets or vet techs and must submit GRE scores.
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years (five years max)
Elms College: Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Elms College’s master of science program in biomedical sciences (BMS) is a rigorous academic program that includes online and in-person courses. This BMS program will help students strengthen their applications for dental, medical, physician assistant, veterinary, genetic counseling, physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy, and other professional health programs.
The 32-credit curriculum includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biostatistics and epidemiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, medical terminology, pharmacology, and nutrition, among others. Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a GPA of 3.0 or better, while standardized test scores are not required for admission.
- Location: Chicopee, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
University of Georgia: Master of Science in Comparative Biomedical Sciences
For candidates who are interested in becoming a medical doctor, veterinarian, scientist, or dentist, this non-thesis master of science in comparative biomedical sciences program can help them in choosing the right career path and strengthening their candidacy for dental, veterinary, or medical school. Offered through the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, this online program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to biomedical research and prepares students for professional school. Graduates will understand the basic scientific principles related to veterinary, biomedical, and medical sciences, including histology, anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, clinical concepts, and immunology.
Admission requirements to the program include a bachelor’s or another professional degree in a non-health-related field with some biology background, a completed online application, a statement of purpose, a current resume, unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, and three letters of recommendation.
Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as fundamental cell biology; principles of endocrine physiology and pharmacology; the physiologic basis of diseases; fundamental immunology; pre-veterinary anatomy; and fundamental pharmacology for health professions, among others.
- Location: Athens, Georgia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA)
- Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (one year); part-time (two years)
