If you’re aiming to strengthen your academic profile, pivot into a science-focused career, or increase your chances of getting into a professional healthcare program, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) could be a smart and strategic next step. This graduate degree offers more than just advanced coursework; it provides hands-on research experience, professional development, and the credentials to stand out in a competitive field.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials to help you decide if an MBS is right for you, including:
- What Is a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences (MBS)?
- How an MBS Enhances Academic Credentials for Healthcare Programs
- What Can You Do with an MBS Degree?
- Is an MBS Degree Worth It?
- Who Should Consider a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences?
- Finding the Right MBS Program
What Is a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences (MBS)?
An MBS degree provides advanced training across core biomedical sciences such as physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, and more. Unlike specialized master’s degrees, the MBS curriculum covers a broad range of biomedical disciplines combined with hands-on research or a comprehensive capstone project.
An MBS program provides research opportunities, allowing students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world biomedical problems. Through independent, mentored research, students gain hands-on experience in research methodology, laboratory techniques, data analysis and informatics, and scientific communication—all essential skills in today’s research and clinical environments.
How an MBS Enhances Academic Credentials for Healthcare Programs
If your goal is admission into competitive healthcare-related professions programs such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and physician assistant, an MBS degree can significantly enhance your academic credentials and strengthen your application to professional schools in several ways:
- Improving Academic Record: If your undergraduate GPA, particularly in science courses, is not as strong as you’d like, excelling in an MBS program demonstrates to admissions committees your readiness for rigorous professional-level coursework.
- Align with Healthcare Curriculums: The MBS curriculum typically mirrors the foundational courses of healthcare programs. This exposure not only makes you a more competitive applicant but also eases your transition into a professional program.
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Successfully completing an MBS demonstrates academic growth and commitment, factors highly valued by admissions committees. As a result, MBS graduates often experience higher acceptance rates into professional healthcare programs.
While earning an MBS does not guarantee admission into professional healthcare programs, it offers a powerful opportunity to prove your academic readiness. It’s essential, however, to commit fully and perform strongly in your coursework, as admissions committees closely evaluate your graduate performance.
What Can You Do with an MBS Degree?
By pursuing an MBS degree, doors are opened to a wide range of career paths. Employers value the advanced scientific knowledge, analytical thinking, and research experience that MBS graduates bring to the table. Whether in academic institutions, hospitals, government agencies, or private industry, professionals with an MBS background are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science and human health.
Career Opportunities for MBS Graduates
Some of the roles available for those with an MBS degree include:
- Biomedical Scientist – Conduct laboratory-based experiments and research to advance understanding of human health and disease
- Research Associate/Scientist – Design and conduct experiments in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical labs
- Clinical Research Coordinator/Associate – Manage clinical trials and studies involving human participants
- Epidemiologist – Study disease patterns and analyze public health data
- Medical Writer – Prepare scientific reports, research papers, grant proposals, and regulatory documents
- Medical Sales/Product Specialist – Leverage your scientific expertise to drive sales or provide product support in pharmaceutical or biotech companies
- Science Educator – Teach biology or biomedical courses
- Laboratory Manager – Oversee the operations and staff within clinical or research laboratories
- Toxicologist/Biochemist – Conduct laboratory studies on the biological effects of chemicals and drugs
- Clinical Scientist – Collaborate with healthcare providers to interpret lab results, improve diagnostic methods, or develop clinical tests
Some positions may require additional certifications or experience, but an MBS provides the foundation needed to pursue many of these entry-level or mid-level roles.
Is an MBS Degree Worth It?
While the return on investment for an MBS degree depends on your personal goals, there are many reasons why it can pay off:
- Improved Admission Prospects: If your goal is to get into a competitive healthcare program, strengthening your credentials with an MBS can boost your chances of acceptance.
- Career Opportunities and Salary: Even if you don’t pursue further schooling, an MBS still holds value in the job market. It can qualify you for more advanced roles than a bachelor’s degree alone. According to salary data, the average biomedical scientist in the United States earns $102,084 annually, with additional bonuses averaging around $2,858. Entry-level professionals (1–3 years of experience) typically earn about $72,177, while senior-level scientists (8+ years) average $126,492, underscoring the long-term value of advancing in the field with a graduate degree.
- Career Advancement: Earning an MBS can accelerate your professional growth by qualifying you sooner for leadership roles and higher pay. In industries like biotechnology, clinical research, and scientific communication, employers often seek candidates with graduate-level training for management and senior-level positions.
- Personal and Academic Growth: Beyond the credentials, an MBS builds your confidence and deepens your scientific understanding. You’ll be better prepared for the demands of a professional health or a Ph.D. program, and if you’re still exploring your path, the experience can help clarify your interests.
- Networking and Mentorship: Throughout the program, you’ll connect with faculty, researchers, clinicians, and peers, building a network that can lead to job opportunities, research projects, and mentorship.
- Time Efficiency: Many MBS programs can be completed within 10-12 months, rapidly enhancing your credentials without significant delays to your professional plans.
Cost is also an important consideration, as tuition and fees for MBS programs can range from $15,000 to over $80,000. It’s essential to assess your financial readiness, including whether you’re comfortable taking on loans and have a clear plan for managing expenses.
That said, an MBS can be a worthwhile investment, especially for students who need to strengthen their academic credentials or transition into a biomedical career. If you already have a strong undergraduate record and a spot in your next program secured, it may not be essential. But for those looking to boost their qualifications or broaden their professional options, an MBS can deliver long-term value by opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.
Who Should Consider a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences?
An MBS is a specialized degree that isn’t for everyone. It’s designed for students with specific academic and professional goals. You might be an ideal candidate for an MBS if:
- You aspire to attend medical, dental, or another professional health school, but need a stronger academic profile. An MBS can demonstrate your ability to succeed in rigorous, graduate-level coursework and show admissions committees that you’re well-prepared.
- You’re a student who took the required prerequisites but want to enhance your knowledge (and maybe buy time for applications). Many students do an MBS during a gap year after college to keep building their academic momentum and get guidance on the application process. It’s a structured way to improve your candidacy rather than just waiting or working in an unrelated job.
- You applied to a health science program and didn’t get in, and you’re determined to try again. An MBS can be a restart button. In less than a year, you can address academic gaps, gain research experience, and strengthen your application with stronger recommendations and credentials.
- You have a passion for biomedical science and research, but aren’t sure if you want a Ph.D. or an MD yet. An MBS gives you exposure to both advanced science coursework and research experience. It can help clarify whether you enjoy the research process enough to pursue a doctorate, or if you’d rather go into industry or clinical practice. It’s a way to test the waters of graduate-level science without the multi-year commitment of a Ph.D. program.
- You want to boost your qualifications for science-related jobs. If your bachelor’s degree hasn’t opened doors for you in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or clinical research, an MBS can elevate your resume. This is especially valuable if your undergraduate background wasn’t heavily focused on biomedical sciences (e.g., you majored in Psychology or Engineering and now want to pivot into biomedical research).
Finding the Right MBS Program
Choosing an MBS program is an investment in your future, and the right program can significantly influence your professional path. As you evaluate different programs, consider the quality of the curriculum, research opportunities, faculty support, learning flexibility, and student outcomes. These factors can make a meaningful difference in your success during and after the program.
Take the Next Step With Roseman University
Roseman University offers an accelerated, flexible 10-month MBS program, available either online or in-person at campuses in Henderson, NV, and South Jordan, UT. Roseman’s student-focused approach features personalized mentoring, supportive faculty, small class sizes, and extensive career advising and professional development resources.
Highlights of Roseman’s MBS program include:
- A 98% graduation rate
- Comprehensive career and professional development support to assist with applications to healthcare-related professional programs or direct entry into the workforce
- Proven track record of success, with 75% overall academic placement into graduate-level health sciences programs and a 74% dental school placement rate, including acceptance offers to Roseman’s doctoral programs and other prestigious schools across the country such as NYU, USC, Notre Dame, Case Western Reserve, Creighton, Oregon Health & Science University, Rutgers, Tufts, AT Still, Indiana University, and the Universities of Maryland, Minnesota, New England, and Washington
Explore Roseman’s MBS Program or submit a contact form to connect with an admissions counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance and more information.