M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.S. in Biomedical Sciences
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Missouri State is a 32-credit-hour program that typically spans two to three semesters plus a summer, particularly for students pursuing the thesis option. It is built upon the basic laboratory and research skills acquired in an undergraduate science background, aiming to deepen understanding in the molecular biosciences and provide hands-on experience with emerging biotechnologies. The program offers both traditional and accelerated master's options, catering to students looking for a comprehensive research-focused degree or those seeking a faster track into advanced studies. It emphasizes a strong foundation in cell and molecular biology, preparing students to investigate mechanisms of life in health and disease.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program at Missouri State University is STEM-designated. This classification is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the United States after graduation. This designation underscores the program's strong scientific, technological, and research-intensive nature, aligning it with high-demand fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide in-depth training in modern concepts and methodologies of cell and molecular biology. Core required courses often include Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Signal Transduction, Recombinant DNA and Protein Techniques, and Current Literature Topics in Biomedical Sciences. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to Research in the Biomedical Sciences, allowing students to engage in original scientific investigation. Students typically choose between a thesis or a non-thesis project option. The program also offers flexibility through tracks such as "Cell and Molecular Biology" and "Anatomy and Physiology," with electives allowing for further specialization in areas like cancer biology, neurobiology, pharmacology, or advanced human anatomy. A statistics course is also a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program at MSU has a strong and applied research focus. Students are required to conduct original research, culminating in either a thesis or a non-thesis project. The program's core objective is to enhance students' ability to carry out independent research in cell and molecular biology. Faculty members within the School of Health Sciences have diverse research interests, including areas such as mechanisms of tumor growth suppression, molecular inflammation, neurodegeneration, intracellular signaling pathways, DNA repair, microvessel permeability, and nanomaterial biology. This wide range of expertise allows students to engage in cutting-edge research that contributes to advancing biomedical knowledge.
Industry Engagement: The program is explicitly designed to prepare graduates for careers in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and health science research sectors. While direct, formal "industry engagement" like mandatory internships for all students may not be universally listed, the curriculum's strong emphasis on laboratory skills, modern biotechnologies, and research methodologies directly aligns with industry demands. The program aims to make students proficient in the lab and ready for their next move in biotechnology and research. Many graduates utilize the degree as a launchpad for further education in professional health programs (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), demonstrating its strong foundation for healthcare-related industries. The skills acquired, such as genome mapping, cell manipulation, and insights into disease mechanisms, are highly valued in both academic and industrial research settings.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biomedical Sciences inherently incorporates a global perspective by focusing on universal mechanisms of life, health, and disease. The fundamental concepts of molecular and cellular biology, genetics, and physiology taught in the program are applicable across all human populations and biological systems worldwide. While specific courses with an explicit "global" focus might be limited, the program's emphasis on preparing future physicians and researchers to understand and utilize new biotechnologies in medicine, which are revolutionizing the medical sciences globally, inherently fosters a broad outlook. The scientific discoveries and advancements made in biomedical sciences have far-reaching global implications, and the program aims to equip students to contribute to this global knowledge base.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 290 required.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
Missouri State University's (MSU) Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Sciences offers a robust, STEM-designated program that empowers graduates for diverse and impactful careers in the rapidly advancing fields of health and science. The program's rigorous curriculum, strong emphasis on research, and faculty expertise in areas like molecular biology, disease mechanisms, and biotechnology, position alumni for success in both academic and industry settings. Many graduates also leverage this degree as a strategic stepping stone to further professional healthcare education.
Research Scientist (Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals): This is a primary career path. Graduates work in industry labs, contributing to the development of new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools. Their expertise in molecular techniques, cell biology, and experimental design is highly valued.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist: These professionals work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and public health facilities. They perform complex laboratory tests on patient samples, analyze results, and help diagnose diseases, monitor treatments, and ensure public health.
Medical Science Liaison (MSL): MSLs serve as a bridge between pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies and healthcare professionals. They provide scientific and clinical information about products, educate thought leaders, and gather insights from the medical community.
Research Associate/Assistant (Academic/Government): Graduates can work in university research labs, government agencies (like NIH, CDC, FDA), or non-profit research institutions, supporting and conducting scientific investigations in various biomedical fields.
Quality Control/Assurance Specialist: In pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device manufacturing, these roles ensure that products meet stringent quality standards and comply with regulatory guidelines. They design and implement testing protocols and maintain documentation.
Biomedical Equipment Technician (with additional specialization): While this role often has specific technical training requirements, an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences provides a strong understanding of medical systems and devices, which can be beneficial for roles involving the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of complex biomedical equipment in hospitals and clinics.
Medical Writer/Editor: With strong scientific communication skills developed during their master's, graduates can write and edit scientific documents, including research papers, grant proposals, clinical trial reports, regulatory submissions, and educational materials for a variety of audiences.
Product Development Scientist: In companies developing new medical devices, diagnostic kits, or laboratory reagents, graduates contribute to the research and development phases, applying their scientific knowledge to bring innovative products to market.
Higher Education Instructor (Community College/Adjunct): An M.S. degree can qualify graduates to teach introductory biology or biomedical science courses at community colleges, or serve as adjunct faculty at universities, sharing their expertise with undergraduate students.
Further Professional or Doctoral Studies: Many M.S. in Biomedical Sciences graduates use this degree as a strong foundation for admission into highly competitive professional programs such as medical school (MD/DO), dental school (DDS/DMD), pharmacy school (Pharm.D.), physician assistant (PA) programs, or for pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences or related fields to become independent researchers and university professors.
