Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

The Biomedical Sciences MS in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine 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. 

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

Program Format & Curriculum  

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.

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

The MS in Biomedical Sciences program is located at the Temple University 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. 

Learn more about the Biomedical Sciences MS curriculum.

Program Benefits

  • Our interdisciplinary program includes conducting original research with accomplished scientists at Temple, the Lewis Katz School of Medicine or 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.

Learning Objectives 

Graduates of the Biomedical Sciences MS gain expertise in critical thinking, effective written and oral communication, and applying the scientific method.

Career Paths 

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

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

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates 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 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,016.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,393.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Program Contacts

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
3500 N. Broad Street, MERB 1111
Philadelphia, PA 19140

Victor Rizzo, associate dean graduate studies 
Email: victor.rizzo@temple.edu
Phone: 215-707-9863

Scott K. Shore, associate dean of graduate studies and postbaccalaureate programs 
Email: sks@temple.edu 
Phone: 215-707-5072 

Concentrations

You can focus on Biomedical Sciences or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Biomedical Science - Non Thesis

    Pursue a career in biomedical education and research in companies, government agencies and universities. The systems of the human body will come sharply into context for scientists looking to understand and develop pharmaceuticals and other aids to human health. Read more about the master of science program in biomedical sciences.

    View Concentration Details

  • Cancer Biology and Genetics

    This specialization offers educational and research opportunities in the areas of cancer and the genetic and molecular basis of human disease. Students have their choice of numerous research laboratories at both the Katz School of Medicine and Fox Chase Cancer Center to provide training in cancer biology, including mechanisms of transformation and tumorigenesis, signal transduction, the cell cycle and DNA repair using novel model systems and other cutting-edge techniques.

    View Concentration Details

  • Infectious Disease and Immunity

    The infectious disease and immunity specialization houses comprehensive research programs in which investigators study areas including the basic aspects of bacterial physiology, the molecular biology of DNA and RNA viruses, and how innate recognition systems within the immune system, such as Toll-like receptors, function during host defense.

    View Concentration Details

  • Molecular and Cell Biosciences

    The molecular and cellular biosciences specialization focuses on understanding the structure, function and regulation of the essential molecules within cells, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, and to determine their role in the assembly and operation of major cellular entities including protein and enzyme complexes, cellular membranes, chromosomes, organelles, and operational targets for drugs and bioactive agents.

    View Concentration Details

  • Neuroscience

    The neuroscience specialization provides thematic courses, research opportunities and educational activities related to neuroscience, bringing together faculty members from basic science and clinical departments, as well as research centers—the Center of Substance Abuse, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, and Comprehensive NeuroAIDS Center, and Shriner’s Hospitals Pediatric Research Center.

    View Concentration Details

  • Organ Systems and Translational Medicine

    This specialization promotes collaborations between clinical and basic scientists and offers an interdisciplinary training environment for students interested in translational biology. Research programs available for trainees include cardiovascular disease, vascular biology, molecular pharmacology, metabolic disorders, stem cell biology, and lung and skeletal muscle function and dysfunction.

    View Concentration Details
ME-BMSC-MS

Additional Program Information

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