Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

The MS in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) is a research intensive degree program for individuals seeking to improve their credentials for PhD programs or to pursue careers in the biotech industry, government agencies, or higher education. With the exception of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, thesis work will involve in person, laboratory research at the bench. To be successful and graduate on time, students should expect to devote a minimum of 40 hours per week on their coursework and research projects.

Requirements

No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate's qualities is considered by our admissions committee. As a guideline, candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater are more likely to be considered favorably. Submission of a standardized test score is not required but will be considered if submitted. Students interested in Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology are strongly encouraged to submit official GRE scores. Any of the following test scores are accepted: unofficial or official GRE scores (school code 5407), unofficial MCAT, unofficial DAT, or unofficial PCAT. To submit unofficial test scores, scan or screenshot your score report and insert it as a page in your resume/CV that you submit with your application. There are no school codes for the MCAT, DAT, or PCAT.

Experience in research is desirable, although not required.

International Students

Because several months may be required for securing needed information and for processing an application from abroad, foreign nationals are urged to submit complete information as early as possible. In addition to other official entrance credentials, those applicants whose native language is not English must submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS score). The TOEFL or IELTS score must not be more than two years old. Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student's application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management. For international students, a TOEFL score of at least 100 or IELTS score of 7 is required.

If an international applicant has graduated or will graduate from an institution that uses English as the language of instruction, the TOEFL may be waived upon request.

Application Process

Applications for the MSBS degree will be considered by a committee of faculty from all tracks. Admission is granted to the MS in Biomedical Sciences program, not a specific track. Admitted students are encouraged, but not required, to rotate in at least two laboratories in their first semester before choosing a thesis mentor and discipline specific track. Students planning to study biostatistics and epidemiology are not expected to do laboratory rotations, and should indicate this interest in their essay.

In addition to the application itself, the applicant must complete supplemental reference materials. The necessary forms are available in PDF format within the application and are also sent through email once an application is submitted.

Applicants are required to submit unofficial or official transcripts for each and every post-secondary school attended even if listed as transfer credit on another transcript. All materials must be received by the application deadline. In the cases where we accept unofficial documents, the unofficial document must be a copy of the original. If you are submitting an unofficial transcript, it must reflect all courses, grades, degrees awarded (if applicable), and the name of the institution must be clearly visible.

Some academic advising reports and degree audits do not contain all the necessary information so please review the document before submitting. As part of your online application, you may upload one copy of the scanned unofficial transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution where you earned credit.

If you are offered a position, you will be asked to request an official transcript from each institution listed in the Education section of your application, regardless of the number of credits earned. MUSC reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if any discrepancies are found between your unofficial and official transcripts.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Application Deadlines

A directory of potential research mentors can be found at the Explore Our Research link.

Curriculum

Individuals admitted to this program and choosing any of the six laboratory science tracks complete 49-academic credit hours, including a minimum of 15 didactic semester hours, and thesis. The program includes classroom lectures, seminars, scientific writing requirements, oral presentations, and mentored original research. The degree is designed to be completed in 21 months on a continuous, full time basis, beginning each fall. Part-time enrollment is not permitted. The Fall 1 term is a common curriculum for all tracks except Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and students are encouraged to try different disciplines through laboratory rotations of the student's choice. Thesis mentors and tracks are usually chosen at the start of the Spring 1 term.

Year 1, Fall

Year 1, Spring

Year 1, Summer

Year 2, Fall

Year 2, Spring

*Required Track-specific additional coursework: