The traditional Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Plan A is a research-based program and typically takes two to three years to complete. While less comprehensive than a Ph.D., students complete a meaningful and original research project, which culminates in writing and defending a thesis. This option is designed for motivated students who have the ability to develop critical thinking skills and conduct research in one of the three primary areas of study in our department: cardiovascular physiology, reproductive physiology, and neurobiology.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin. Visit the Department of Biomedical Sciences for more information.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be proficient in the following areas:
- FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE: Students will gain a thorough knowledge of principles in biomedical sciences by synthesizing knowledge of their core discipline with the contribution of other interdisciplinary fields of sciences related to their thesis project. Foundational knowledge is gained via core and elected course work, scientific presentations in journal clubs and scientific meetings and seminars, as well as via literature review.
- LITERATURE REVIEW: Students will critically analyze and evaluate scientific literature to develop a rationale for how their research incorporates into and expands the body of knowledge in the biomedical sciences by addressing an important concern in the discipline.
- HYPOTHESIS-DRIVEN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Students will develop hypotheses in the biomedical sciences, then design experiments and apply discipline-specific laboratory techniques to test the questions related to their thesis project.
- RIGOUROUS RESERCH METHODOLOGY: Through hands-on training and by performing laboratory research in the biomedical sciences*, students will become proficient in the laboratory techniques utilized to independently test their hypothesis towards their thesis. Students will learn and adhere to the details of Responsible Conduct of Research, acquired via available classroom and online trainings.
- COLLABORATION:Students learn to establish meaningful collaborations within and to a limited extent outside of their home laboratory to advance their thesis research in the biomedical sciences* and learn the basics of effective teamwork.
- COMMUNICATION: Students will be able to communicate the design, methodology, and results of their original research in the biomedical sciences*, both orally and in writing.
*Encompasses the department's core disciplines of neurobiology, reproductive biology or cardiovascular physiology.
Effective Fall 2026
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GRAD 544 | Ethical Conduct of Research | 1 |
| STAR 511 | Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I | 4 |
| Select one group from the following: | 4-8 | |
Group A: | ||
| Mammalian Physiology I and Mammalian Physiology II | ||
Group B: | ||
| Mammalian Physiology I | ||
or BMS 501 | Mammalian Physiology II | |
| Select one from the following: | 2 | |
| Seminar: Biomedical Sciences | ||
| Seminar: Neurophysiology | ||
| Seminar: Reproductive Physiology | ||
| Selected Courses 1 | ||
| Fundamentals of Toxicology | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Molecular Regulation of Cell Function | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| Pharmacology | ||
| Developmental Neurobiology | ||
| Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior | ||
| Comparative Reproductive Physiology | ||
| Neuroanatomy | ||
| Mechanisms of Hormone Action | ||
| Metabolic Endocrinology | ||
| Applied Andrology | ||
| Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology | ||
| Research Techniques for Gametes and Embryos | ||
| Supervised College Teaching | ||
| Pillars of Immunology | ||
| Fundamentals of Prion Biology | ||
| Flow Cytometry for Immunology | ||
| Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases/Zoonoses | ||
| Principles and Mechanisms of Disease | ||
| Neuroscience of Disease | ||
| Writing, Submitting, and Reviewing Grants | ||
| Neuroscience Seminar | ||
| Group Study: Topics in Neuroscience | ||
| Group Study: Neuroendocrine Mechanisms | ||
| Select one from the following: | 1-18 | |
| Independent Study: Developmental Anatomy | ||
| Independent Study: Microscopic Anatomy | ||
| Independent Study: Neuroanatomy | ||
| Independent Study: Radiographic Anatomy | ||
| Independent Study: Surgical Anatomy | ||
| Independent Study: Gross Anatomy | ||
| Thesis 1 | ||
| BMS 699 | Thesis | Var. |
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select enough credits with approval of advisor and graduate committee to bring the program total to a minimum of 30 credits.
- 2
Students may have a reason to take an elective outside this list that will contribute to their chosen profession. Should this situation arise, the student will work with their academic advisor and graduate education committee to approve the most appropriate electives for their course of study.
Non Curricular requirements:
An MS-A degree requires the submission of a research-based thesis to the student’s graduate committee. The thesis should include a manuscript suitable for publication in a refereed journal. Typically, the thesis is a formal document that addresses an important concern of the discipline and requires independent work. This work is typically research-based, and therefore the course requirements for an MS-A will be determined by the student, the advisor and the graduate committee, but must include at least 30 credit hours. A cumulative GPA of ≥3.0 in both regular and overall coursework must be maintained to remain in good academic standing.
The student’s graduate committee shall consist of a minimum of three members of the faculty. The minimum committee shall include: the advisor as chairperson, at least one additional member from the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and one member from outside the Department. This member may be selected by the student but represents the Graduate School and is officially appointed by the Dean of the Graduate School. The advisor and the student should determine jointly the selection of the other members of the student's graduate committee. The student’s graduate committee assists the student in the selection, preparation and completion of a research project and administers and evaluates the MS degree final examination. Once a plan for fulfillment of the degree program is determined, the student shall file a Program of Study (GS Form 6) with the Graduate School, before the end of the third semester of study.
The final examination for an MS-A student will be a public oral presentation of the student's research, followed by questions from other faculty, and students. The final examination will be open to the public. This examination will be followed by a private examination during which the student's committee will ask questions about the oral and written research. In the event the thesis, paper, or defense is deemed unsatisfactory by a majority of the committee, at the committee's discretion the defense can be rescheduled, consistent with rules of the Graduate School. Upon successful completion of the MS final exam, the student must file a Report of Final Examination (GS Form 24) with the Graduate School within two working days. All MS-A students are required to complete an exit survey and schedule an exit interview with the Graduate Education Coordinator before being cleared to graduate.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |