About the Program
The MS program is aimed at broad interdisciplinary training in the major areas of Biomedical Sciences. The goal is to train students in the theory and practice of Biomedical Sciences for eventual service in research and teaching. Students are instructed in diverse laboratory techniques through a series of lecture and laboratory courses.
Under the guidance of a faculty member, thesis students are provided with a program of experimental research. Two options are available:
- Thesis Track, with a transcripted concentration in the area of thesis research. Five areas of concentration or clusters are available: Cancer Biology and Genetics, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Neuroscience, and Organ Systems and Translational Medicine. Students complete and defend a master's thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
- Non-Thesis Track, which is in General Biomedical Sciences. Students complete didactic coursework in each of the five cluster areas.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 3 years
Campus Location: Health Sciences Center. With the permission of the student's Advisory Committee, elective courses not offered at HSC may be taken at other campuses.
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The MS degree program is designed as a full-time day program of study to be completed in 20 to 24 months.
Interdisciplinary Study: The graduate program in Biomedical Sciences is interdisciplinary and emphasizes translational research. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty in disease-based research centers in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, including the Center for Inflammation and Lung Research; Center for Metabolic Disease Research; Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing; Center for Substance Abuse Research; Center for Translational Medicine; Comprehensive NeuroAIDS Center; Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine; Independence Blue Cross Cardiovascular Research Center; Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center; Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center; and Temple Autoimmunity Center.
Ranking: In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University number 68 in Research and among the Best Medical Schools.
Areas of Specialization: This interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences graduate program offers five areas of concentration for students who plan to earn the MS with a thesis:
- Cancer Biology and Genetics
- Infectious Disease and Immunity
- Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
- Neuroscience
- Organ Systems and Translational Medicine
Job Prospects: This well-balanced program has been designed to be individually tailored to meet the interests and needs of each student and to fully prepare each student for a Biomedical Sciences career in academia, industry and government. The graduate program is designed to provide training in the theory and practice of Biomedical Sciences for eventual placement in research and teaching positions.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may enroll in some courses with permission from the course instructor and approval from the Office of Graduate Studies at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine.
Financing Opportunities: Students may visit the Student Financial Services website for financial aid information.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: February 15
All applicants to the MS program must apply via BioMedical’s Centralized Application Service (BioMedCAS). The system can be accessed at https://biomedcas2024.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login. Applicants should check their application status on the BioMedCAS portal often and inquire directly of BioMedCAS about receipt of materials.
A supplemental application is also required to be submitted directly to Temple University. Submission of the supplemental application generates the applicant’s TUid number. The BioMedCAS application will not be considered without the assigned TUid.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from faculty and supervisors of research experiences.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants should have undergraduate training in the life sciences such as Biochemistry, Biology, Cell Biology, or Molecular Biology and Genetics. Students are also expected to have training in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree in the Biological or Chemical Sciences is required.
Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, describe your interest in Temple's Biomedical Sciences graduate program, research interests and past experience, future career goals, and academic and research achievements.
Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional. Students are not required to submit standardized scores, including GRE or MCAT scores, to supplement their application.
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 53
Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the MS program in Biomedical Sciences. The completed courses must be equivalent in content to coursework offered at Temple, and the grades earned must be a "B" or better in order to transfer credits. The Associate Dean reviews the syllabus from the completed course(s) to determine equivalency and makes the recommendation to accept the credits for transfer.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30 Thesis Track or 36 Non-Thesis Track
Required Courses:
Thesis Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1 | ||
| BMSC 8101 | Molecules to Cells | 6 |
| BMSC 8102 | Experimental Design and Biostatistics | 1 |
| BMSC 8103 | Scientific Integrity and Bioethics | 1 |
| BMSC 8201 | Organ Systems: Function, Dysfunction and Therapeutics | 4 |
| BMSC 8202 | Scientific Communications | 1 |
| BMSC 8203 | Introduction to Bioinformatic Tools and Applications | 1 |
| Concentration-Specific Student Seminar and Journal Club (2 terms) 2 | 2 | |
| Basic Elective | ||
| Select one from the following: | 2 | |
| Cell Structure & Function | ||
| Molecular, Cellular and Systems Signal Transduction | ||
| Molecular Approaches to Research | ||
| Concentration-Specific Advanced Electives 3 | 4 | |
| Research Courses | ||
| BMSC 9991 | Biomedical Science Research | 1 |
| BMSC 9996 | Master's Thesis | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
- 1
All students in the Biomedical Sciences program participate in a common first-year interdisciplinary experience that includes the core courses identified.
- 2
To complete this requirement, students select the course from the following that aligns with their area of concentration: BMSC 8500 Cancer Biology and Genetics Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8600 Infectious Disease and Immunity Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8700 Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8800 Neuroscience Student Seminar and Journal Club, or BMSC 8900 Organ Systems and Translational Medicine Student Seminar and Journal Club.
- 3
Students select approved courses identified in the grid below for their area of concentration. One basic elective not taken to complete the "Basic Elective" requirement may be substituted for an advanced elective to fulfill this requirement.
Approved Advanced Electives by Area of Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Biology and Genetics | ||
| Cancer Biology | ||
| Genetics and Epigenetics | ||
| Infectious Disease and Immunity | ||
| The Biology of the Immune Response | ||
| Molecular Genetics of Human Viruses | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Basis of Host-Microbe Interactions | ||
| Molecular and Cellular Biosciences | ||
| RNA and its Role in Gene Expression | ||
| Molecular Physiology of Ion Signaling | ||
| Structure and Dynamics of Biomolecules and Assemblies | ||
| Neuroscience | ||
| Essentials of Neuroscience 1 | ||
| Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | ||
| Neuropharmacology | ||
| Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse | ||
| Translational Science of Nervous System Diseases | ||
| Organ Systems and Translational Medicine | ||
| Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology | ||
| Hemostasis and Thrombosis | ||
| Translational Pulmonary Physiology - Experimental Basis | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology and Translational Medicine | ||
| Development, Function and Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System | ||
| Organ Metabolism - Molecular Pathology and Experimental Models | ||
- 1
Students who select Neuroscience as their concentration are required to complete BMSC 8802 as one of their advanced electives.
Non-Thesis Coursework Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1 | ||
| BMSC 8101 | Molecules to Cells | 6 |
| BMSC 8102 | Experimental Design and Biostatistics | 1 |
| BMSC 8103 | Scientific Integrity and Bioethics | 1 |
| BMSC 8104 | Introduction to Laboratory Research I | 1 |
| BMSC 8201 | Organ Systems: Function, Dysfunction and Therapeutics | 4 |
| BMSC 8202 | Scientific Communications | 1 |
| BMSC 8203 | Introduction to Bioinformatic Tools and Applications | 1 |
| BMSC 8204 | Introduction to Laboratory Research II | 1 |
| Student Seminar and Journal Club (2 terms) 2 | 2 | |
| Basic Elective | ||
| Select one from the following: | 2 | |
| Cell Structure & Function | ||
| Molecular, Cellular and Systems Signal Transduction | ||
| Molecular Approaches to Research | ||
| Advanced Electives 3 | 16 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
All students in the Biomedical Sciences program participate in a common first-year interdisciplinary experience that includes the core courses identified.
- 2
To complete this requirement, students select from BMSC 8500 Cancer Biology and Genetics Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8600 Infectious Disease and Immunity Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8700 Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8800 Neuroscience Student Seminar and Journal Club, or BMSC 8900 Organ Systems and Translational Medicine Student Seminar and Journal Club.
- 3
Students fulfill this requirement by selecting approved courses identified in the grid above. At least one course must be taken in each of the five areas of concentration: Cancer Biology and Genetics, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Neuroscience, and Organ Systems and Translational Medicine. Basic electives not taken to complete the "Basic Elective" requirement may be substituted for advanced electives to fulfill this requirement.
Non-Thesis Project Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1 | ||
| BMSC 8101 | Molecules to Cells | 6 |
| BMSC 8102 | Experimental Design and Biostatistics | 1 |
| BMSC 8103 | Scientific Integrity and Bioethics | 1 |
| BMSC 8104 | Introduction to Laboratory Research I | 1 |
| BMSC 8201 | Organ Systems: Function, Dysfunction and Therapeutics | 4 |
| BMSC 8202 | Scientific Communications | 1 |
| BMSC 8203 | Introduction to Bioinformatic Tools and Applications | 1 |
| Student Seminar and Journal Club (2 terms) 2 | 2 | |
| Basic Elective | ||
| Select one from the following: | 2 | |
| Cell Structure & Function | ||
| Molecular, Cellular and Systems Signal Transduction | ||
| Molecular Approaches to Research | ||
| Advanced Electives 3 | 12 | |
| Research Course | ||
| BMSC 9995 | Master's Project (2 terms) 4 | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
- 1
All students in the Biomedical Sciences program participate in a common first-year interdisciplinary experience that includes the core courses identified.
- 2
To complete this requirement, students select from BMSC 8500 Cancer Biology and Genetics Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8600 Infectious Disease and Immunity Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8700 Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Student Seminar and Journal Club, BMSC 8800 Neuroscience Student Seminar and Journal Club, or BMSC 8900 Organ Systems and Translational Medicine Student Seminar and Journal Club.
- 3
Students fulfill this requirement by selecting approved courses identified in the grid above. At least one course must be taken in each of the five areas of concentration: Cancer Biology and Genetics, Infectious Disease and Immunity, Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Neuroscience, and Organ Systems and Translational Medicine.
- 4
This course is taken under the direction of a faculty mentor. All BMSC 9995 credits must be earned under the direction of the same faculty mentor.
Culminating Event:
Thesis:
For the Thesis Track, the thesis must be based on an original research project. It should demonstrate the student's familiarity with laboratory techniques related to the research project and the ability to evaluate critically the literature in the student’s chosen area. The student submits the thesis in complete form not less than 14 days prior to the date of the final examination. The thesis must have been read and approved by the thesis advisor prior to distribution. The student should confirm a time and date for the thesis defense with the Final Examination Committee.
The final examination consists of a defense of the student's thesis to demonstrate competence within the field of the thesis and closely related areas. The student's Advisory Committee votes to pass or fail the thesis and the defense at the conclusion of the presentation. If the student must make revisions, those changes must be approved as arranged by the Committee.
Note that the Non-Thesis Track has no culminating event except for successful completion of coursework. Students may elect to gain research experience within a laboratory.
Contacts
Program Web Address:
https://medicine.temple.edu/education/biomedical-sciences-graduate-program
Department Information:
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
3500 N. Broad Street, MERB 1111
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-707-2423
215-707-6687
Submission Address for Application Materials:
Submission Address for Supplemental Temple University Application:
Department Contacts:
Admissions and Program Coordinators:
Dianne Soprano, PhD
Associate Dean for Graduate and MD/PhD Programs
215-707-3266
Scott K. Shore, PhD
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Specialty Programs
215-707-5072