MS in Biomedical Research Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Biomedical Research (MBR) at Tufts University is a two-year, research-intensive master’s program that combines PhD-level coursework with early laboratory immersion and independent thesis research. The program is designed to prepare students for doctoral study, biomedical research careers, and leadership roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical science.

Yes. The Tufts MBR program is specifically designed to prepare students for PhD programs. Students take courses alongside PhD candidates, complete early lab rotations, enter a thesis lab in the first year, receive advice from a thesis advisory committee, and complete a research-based master’s thesis, building the academic rigor, research experience, and scientific credentials expected by competitive doctoral programs.

Students begin research in their first semester through two laboratory rotations. By the beginning of the second semester of Year 1, students enter their thesis lab, allowing for extended, continuous research training and maximum time at the bench.

The Tufts MBR program is a two-year research-first training model rather than a coursework-only master’s degree. It emphasizes early lab immersion, PhD-level academic rigor, thesis-driven research, personalized mentorship, and strong faculty engagement. The program is often described as a “mini-PhD” because it mirrors doctoral training within a two-year master’s structure.

Students pursue the MBR degree in one of four biomedical disciplines: Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology; Immunology; Molecular Microbiology; or Neuroscience. These tracks provide both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary training.

Yes. All MBR students complete an independent, research-based master’s thesis. Students begin thesis research early in the program and write a thesis based on original scientific investigation. Unlike PhD students, MBR students do not “defend” their thesis in an oral exam. The written thesis is reviewed by their Mentor and thesis reader. 

Yes. MBR students take advanced coursework alongside PhD candidates, creating an academically rigorous training environment that reflects doctoral-level expectations and professional standards.

The program prepares students for PhD programs, biomedical research careers, and professional roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, academic research, and translational medicine.

Students conduct research across Tufts’ biomedical research ecosystem, including Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts School of Medicine, Tufts School of Dental Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and the Tufts Medford campus.

Yes. The MBR program is a full-time, on-campus, two-year master’s program that begins in September and is designed for completion in May of the second year.

Yes. Students receive personalized mentorship through close faculty engagement, individualized advising, and structured research supervision. Tufts emphasizes student development, professional growth, and career preparation.

Yes. The combination of early research immersion, thesis-based training, PhD-level coursework, faculty mentorship, and independent research experience is specifically structured to strengthen PhD and doctoral program applications. Students applying to PhD programs also receive individualized mentoring during the application process, including feedback on their application essays and mock interview practice.

Yes. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in biotechnology and biomedical science by providing intensive lab training, scientific rigor, and real-world research experience.

Yes. Scholarships are available for eligible MBR students.