Complete Look at the Online Master's in Biomedical Sciences
Whether you’re looking for a strong pre-med program or to qualify for advanced roles in medical research and other healthcare fields, earning a master’s in biomedical sciences online is a convenient way to get the education you need.
Are you considering med school, dental school or another health professional school, but don’t have the strong academic background in the sciences needed to get accepted? Maybe you’re looking to qualify for advanced roles in healthcare research where you can help develop breakthroughs in modern medicine.
Whatever your end goals, a master’s degree in biomedical sciences online provides the health science foundation needed for dozens of lucrative careers and professional education programs. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about earning your biomedical sciences master’s degree online, including information on top programs, specialization options, and the rewarding careers it can lead to.
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, Colorado
Public
Bluefield University
Bluefield, Virginia
Private
What You’ll Learn in an Online Biomedical Sciences Master’s Degree Program
In your master’s in biomedical sciences program, you’ll develop essential hard and soft skills to help you succeed in a variety of health-focused professions and make you a valuable asset in your chosen area of the field. Though each program is unique, most have similar course topics and learning outcomes that include:
- An understanding of ethical standards and professional conduct at the highest level. This includes knowledge of patient privacy, face-to-face interactions with patients or clients, and communication among colleagues.
- Engagement in collaborative projects and scholarly discussions of the biomedical sciences and human diseases. Degree-holders use their knowledge to contribute to research, give academic presentations, create educational materials, and more.
- The ability to apply fundamental to advanced scientific knowledge and research skills, including laboratory skills, data acquisition and management, problem-solving, and health-specific prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
- The necessary technical, creative, and cognitive skills to develop and explore new ideas, apply complex theories, and work with abstract concepts.
- Teamwork and communication skills useful in a variety of professional settings from research institutions and medical facilities to private practices and colleges or universities.
Common Classes in Biomedical Sciences Online Master’s Programs
Cellular Science
Focusing on cellular and molecular components of human disease, organ function, and tissue organization, this class surveys the central areas in cellular sciences. The main subjects investigated typically include cellular physiology, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, basic pathology, microanatomy, and immunology. The class also focuses on tissue and cell functions, the biochemical basis of diseases, and macromolecules.
Organ Systems
This course explores different concepts for understanding organ systems in the human body, primarily centered around the cellular sciences. Content includes how the body reacts to disease and injury and includes lab exercises and clinical case studies.
Introduction to Pharmacology
This class provides foundational instruction on how drugs work and affect the body. It explores therapeutic uses of drugs, side effects, pharmacologic agents, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Drug safety research and best practices for patients receive special attention. Students engage in group discussions with peers and faculty while applying knowledge gained from peer-review journal articles on pharmacology.
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Students in epidemiology and biostatistics learn the basics of biostatistics and core principles related to public health research and practice. They explore methods of epidemiology, population-based research, statistical data, effective research design, clinical case studies, and disease risk and mortality. The course also features a secondary emphasis on socio-demographic data and lifestyle factors affecting human health.
Biomedical Ethics
This class covers ethical fundamentals as they pertain to biomedical careers. It explores major issues like euthanasia, genetic testing, and abortion. Faculty help students think through important topics related to underserved and vulnerable populations, palliative care, end-of-life decisions, and organ donation.
Specialization Options for Your Online Master’s in Biomedical Sciences
Pursuing a biomedical science master’s degree online includes choosing from a variety of specialty areas. Most programs offer multiple specialization options or a significant number of elective credits for learners to customize their educational paths. Below are some of the most popular biomedical sciences specializations commonly available in pre-defined tracks.
Pre-Medical / Pre-Health
Pre-medical or pre-health programs prepare you for additional education in medical schools or other professional programs like pharmacy or dental schools. A master’s degree in biomedical science with a concentration in pre-medical or pre-health makes you a more desirable candidate for doctoral-level studies and better prepares you for the MCAT exam.
Veterinary Health
Many biomedical science master’s programs focus on veterinary health, including the MS in biomedical sciences with an emphasis in veterinary sciences and MS in veterinary biomedical science. In addition to foundational biomedical sciences courses, this concentration prepares you for veterinary work and research through classes in bacteriology, animal health management, zoonotic diseases, research design, toxicology, and biotechnology.
Biomedical Diagnostics
Biomedical diagnostics specializations teach students to improve medical care and health services across the field. Core areas of study for this concentration include healthcare finance, medical research, laboratory operations, laboratory science, patient management, policy, and pharmaceuticals. You may see this degree listed as an MS in biomedical diagnostics or MS in biomedical laboratory operations.
Biomedicine and Entrepreneurship
Some graduate schools with biomedical science programs offer a master of science in biomedicine and entrepreneurship or one focusing on enterprise and entrepreneurship. These programs provide an interdisciplinary education that combines research, science, and business. This degree is a good fit for those with an interest in biotechnology ventures, biotechnology commercialization, and working on the business side of the research industry.
Drug Discovery and Management of Drug Development
Drug discovery and management concentrations provide a multidisciplinary approach to prepare students for careers with nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, and more. In addition to the essential biomedical science courses, you’ll complete classes in new drug applications, commercialization and marketing, medical writing, and entrepreneurship.
FAQs About Earning Your Master’s in Biomedical Sciences Online
What are the typical admissions requirements for an online master’s in biomedical sciences?
Master’s in biomedical sciences online programs require prospective students to submit several documents for consideration. Specific application requirements vary among schools, so be sure to read the application instructions for each program carefully. Biomedical sciences programs tend to be relatively small and competitive, so make sure you cover all your bases in the application. In general, admissions requirements include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or recognized institution.
- A competitive undergraduate GPA, typically a 3.0 or higher.
- A personal statement describing your professional goals.
- A resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
Some graduate schools also require GRE scores or results from a comparable exam, such as the MCAT.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in biomedical sciences?
Online biomedical science master’s programs typically take full-time learners one to two years to complete. Part-time students can expect to spend two to four years completing their program. Depending on the school and concentration, you might also be required to complete a traditional master’s thesis or research project to meet graduation requirements, which can sometimes add additional time to the duration of your degree. Some online biomedical master’s programs now offer self-paced or accelerated programs that allow you to complete your degree more quickly than traditionally-paced programs.
How much do master’s in biomedical sciences online programs cost?
The cost of online biomedical sciences degrees varies among schools. You can usually expect public institutions to offer more affordable tuition than private schools. Tuition can be significantly less for online learners, and, in some cases, schools offer remote learners in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. The cost of your program is also related to how long it takes you to finish and how much financial assistance, especially grants and scholarships, you receive.
Can I earn my master’s in biomedical sciences completely online?
Master’s degrees in biomedical science are available entirely online. However, depending on your program and concentration, you might need to attend a class or two in person. This hybrid component is often required for any hands-on laboratory instruction, especially if lab work is an essential aspect for professionals in your area of the biomedical field. In many cases, however, you won’t need to make any trips to campus.
Where to Get Financial Aid to Help Pay for Your Online Master’s in Biomedical Sciences
Paying for a master’s in biomedical sciences online is challenging. Fortunately, there are many financial aid options available if you know where to look. Below are three ways to help offset the cost of your biomedical science graduate degree.
- Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships and grants do not need to be paid back and are often need- or merit-based. They come from individual schools, private foundations, the federal government, professional or academic associations and societies, local rotary clubs, and others. Look for financial aid reserved for students in your demographic or STEM programs. Some organizations or institutions also receive financial assistance for BIPOC students. Learn more about your options in our scholarship guide.
- Student Loans
Student loans come from private lenders or the federal government. Any loan money you receive needs to be repaid with interest, and federal loans usually offer better interest rates than private loans. Check out our student loan handbook for more information on student loans.
- Other Financial Aid Options
Some online master’s in biomedical sciences programs offer graduate assistantships or work-study positions where you work for the department or the graduate school part-time in exchange for a cash stipend and/or tuition remission. There may also be graduate fellowships available through outside research organizations that support graduate learners in your field.
Accreditation Standards for Online Master’s Degrees in Biomedical Sciences
Schools with quality master’s in biomedical sciences online programs hold regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation is considered the gold standard for academic institutions offering a range of degrees in traditional subjects. National accreditation is typically held by vocational or trade schools providing career-focused education. Accreditation ensures that your hard-earned tuition dollars go toward a quality education and credentials.
There is currently no common programmatic accrediting body for biomedical science programs. However, some specialized programs do have programmatic accreditation. Examples include biomedical engineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and biomedical visualization programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
What Can You Do with an Online Master’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences?
Since graduate degrees often develop skills in specialized areas, many advanced and better-paying jobs in the sciences are not available to professionals who only hold bachelor’s degrees. A biomedical sciences master’s degree qualifies you for higher-level roles with research institutions, colleges and universities, medical equipment and supplies manufacturing, medical sales, zoology, forensic investigation, and more. You can also pursue additional education in professional areas like dentistry or medicine. Popular roles for professionals with a master’s in biomedical sciences, all of which have a bright job outlook and above-average annual salaries, include:
- Toxicologist
- Biomedical Scientist
- Senior Medical Writer
- Clinical Research Associate
- Medicinal Chemist
- Professor Biomedical Science
- Medical Sales Director
- Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
- Biomedical Lab Technician
- Forensic Technologist
How much can you make with a master’s degree in biomedical sciences?
Professionals with online biomedical science degrees typically earn very good livings. PayScale reports the average annual salary for biomedical science master’s degree holders being $68,375.
Your salary potential will depend on the specific role, location, and time spent in the field. The following table lists five popular careers along with their earnings potential to give you an idea of what you can expect to make with a master’s degree in biomedical sciences.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (2020) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
| Biomedical Engineer | $92,620 | $56,590 | $149,440 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $104,280 | $59,980 | $195,630 |
| Medical/Technical Writer | $74,650 | $45,510 | $119,040 |
| Medical Scientist | $91,510 | $50,240 | $164,650 |
| Biomedical Sciences Professor | $80,790 | $40,960 | $180,360 |
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
Your master’s degree in biomedical science also prepares you to take advantage of further career advancement or to shift to a different field through additional continuing education. Here’s a look at popular continuing education paths and similar master’s degree programs for biomedical science master’s degree-holders wanting to take their careers even further.
Continuing Education Options
Health Professional School
A master’s degree in biomedical sciences online is a common choice for learners wishing to pursue additional education in a professional health school. This typically includes students who want to pursue medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, or veterinary medicine. A health professional school requires additional years of education, but it sets you up for more lucrative and specialized careers not available with only a biomedical sciences master’s degree.
Online Physician Assistant (PA) Programs
Online physician assistant programs are another common continuing education path for biomedical science degree-holders. PAs often work as part of teams with surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient care centers. A master’s in biomedical science provides a great foundation for this popular career. Check out EduMed’s guide to online physician assistant programs for more information on becoming a PA.
Similar Master’s Degrees to Consider
Online Master’s in Biotechnology
An online master’s in biotechnology online offers a balance of foundational training in both the scientific and business components of biotechnology. You’ll learn how professionals in biotechnology address global problems like food insecurity, climate change, infectious diseases, and more.
Online Master’s in Biology
Earning an online master’s in biology is always a solid choice for students interested in pursuing scientific work. You’ll learn to solve fundamental biological problems, develop biology-focused critical-thinking skills, and be able to design and implement scientific investigations of various types. This degree prepares you for a variety of career paths, from pharmaceutical research and sales to physical therapy and dentistry.
