MS in Biomedical Research

Choose your discipline and prepare for a career in biotech or PhD training

The MS in Biomedical Research (MBR) is a two-year, research-intensive program leading to completion of a Master's thesis. The program provides students with significant research experience and fundamental biomedical science knowledge that will prepare them for a career in academia or the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry or for further study at the PhD level. Students can choose to pursue their MS degree in one of four disciplines: Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology; Immunology; Molecular Microbiology; or Neuroscience.

Key Program Features

Rigorous graduate coursework that prepares students to enter competitive PhD programs or the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry
Independent research experience while working on a Master's thesis
Individualized academic advising and mentoring including advice on applying to PhD programs
Career guidance tailored to each student's interests and career goals
Ability to train in one of four broad biomedical disciplines

Explore our Disciplines

Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology Immunology Molecular Microbiology Neuroscience

Training Opportunities

Students in the MS in Biomedical Research program will train alongside PhD students enrolled one of the four GSBS PhD programs. In this way, our MS students have access to the wide array of research laboratories available across GSBS. Students can explore molecular and cellular immunology, host defense to microbial disease, fundamental and applied genetics, cell and molecular biology and neuroscience as well as mechanisms of microbial disease.

Over 100 highly experienced faculty with dynamic research programs are available to our students. Laboratories are located on the Boston Health Science campus that is home to GSBS, Tufts School of Medicine, the USDA Human Nutrition Research Institute on Aging, The Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, Tufts Medical Center, and Tufts School of Dental Medicine. Some laboratories are located on the Tufts Medford campus, which is home to the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering.

Masters in Biomedical Research Laboratories

Curriculum

The MBR program provides students with a strong grounding in biomedical science through coursework and a journal club specifically designed for MBR students.

Students take classes with PhD students and have the opportunity to select advanced discipline-focused classes that deepen their understanding of key questions in their chosen discipline within the MBR.

Classes, journal club and seminars are supplemented with research laboratory rotations during the first two semesters of the program. Students then select a laboratory and work on their MS thesis project.

Our program is designed to be completed in May of the second year.

Explore the Curriculum