students in lab using microscopes

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences Program Overview

Housed in the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), Manhattanville University’s MS in Biomedical Sciences empowers graduate students to accomplish their academic and professional goals. Our two-year program immerses students in the foundational study of natural sciences—cellular biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology—while also encompassing the practical skills needed in biomedical science disciplines, such as the application of the scientific method, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and written and oral presentation skills. 

With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive the personal attention they need to succeed in their academic pursuits and their future careers in biomedicine. Manhattanville’s dedicated faculty members are ready to support students in the classroom and the lab and in their professional development. 

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Our two-year biomedical science master’s program is backed by a curriculum that integrates hands-on experiences like research opportunities and graduate teaching assistantships with traditional coursework and seminars to give students comprehensive training.

Degree requirements for the MS in Biomedical Sciences include:

  • Four to six graduate-level biology course electives (minimum of 16 credits)
  • Two graduate seminars (8 credits) 
  • One culminating element: Graduate Teaching Assistantship & Literature Thesis; or Graduate Laboratory Research Sequence (6 credits)

Review a two-year curriculum sample and complete degree requirements for the MS in Biomedical Sciences

 

Biomedical Sciences Courses
Within the program requirements, students are encouraged to follow where their interests lead. Students may choose from, but are not limited to, elective courses such as:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • Medical Biostatistics
  • Medical Microbiology 
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology Techniques
  • Parasitology
  • Nutrition in Health and Disease
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Osteology
  • Forensic Biology
  • Biochemistry I & II
  • Advanced Physiology
  • Molecular Neurobiology
  • Medicinal Chemistry

 

During the second year of the program, students may select two of the following seminar courses:

  • Global Health Issues
  • Bioethics
  • Biotechnology
  • Advanced Immunology

 

Thesis Requirements
Before the completion of the MS program, students must submit a thesis. With the guidance of a faculty mentor, candidates prepare their thesis during the Capstone course. Students may choose to complete a literature review or provide an overview of their laboratory research project completed during their time in the program. There is a 30-100 page limit for student theses.

The Biomedical Sciences master’s program was created for students interested in pursuing further education and employment in the medical field. The program ensures students understand the basics of medical sciences and extends focus to developing topics such as global health issues and bioethics. Upon completion, students are well prepared to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, physician assistant, or physical therapy programs.

The MS in Biomedical Sciences program provides three core qualifications for its enrolled students:

  1. To improve the candidates' knowledge about the basic biomedical sciences, specifically in the fields of cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, immunology, bioethics, biotechnology, and global health issues. 
  2. To allow candidates to recognize the relationship between structure and function at all levels: molecular, cellular, and organismal.
  3. To allow candidates to understand quantitative reasoning as it applies to skills in the biological sciences; to implement the scientific method in laboratory, classroom, and research projects; to become familiar with the use of equipment and instruments used in the biological sciences; adhere to laboratory safety guidelines; and learn valuable written and oral presentation skills. 

By earning an MS in Biomedical Sciences, students are qualified to pursue a variety of careers such as:

  • Biochemist 
  • Biologist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Geneticist
  • Health Communications Specialist
  • Health Professional
  • Laboratory Technologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Pharmaceutical Representative
  • Pharmacist 
  • Toxicologist

For undergraduate students who want to earn their master’s in biomedical sciences and save time and money, Manhattanville offers a series of accelerated dual degree programs that include the following:

Academic Advising
Upon admission into the biomedical sciences graduate program, students must discuss their first-term course selection and workload with their advisor. Before registering for classes, students will schedule advising sessions each semester. These recurring advising sessions help students to stay on track for graduation while also managing their pacing through the program.

 

MCAT and GRE Prep Courses
Manhattanville University sets students up to succeed beyond the completion of their MS degree.

As candidates prepare to apply for Doctor of Medicine (MD) or clinical Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, Manhattanville, in working agreement with Kaplan and The Princeton Review, offers enrolled students MCAT or GRE prep courses at a discounted rate. These courses give our students an added layer of preparation, helping them to excel on their entrance exams.

 

TriBeta Honor Society
The Upsilon Sigma Chapter of TriBeta Biological Honor Society invites students working toward their MS in Biomedical Sciences to join their ranks. Focused on increasing knowledge and understanding within the biological sciences, TriBeta meets regularly and helps candidates create meaningful connections and make impactful contributions to their community.

The honor society hosts community reach-out events, fundraisers, pre-health orientation events with guest speakers, and U.S. Army-sponsored events, such as suture training classes.

Full-Time Faculty

  • Darlene Gandolfi
  • Wendy McFarlane
  • Christopher Pappas
  • Nancy Todd
  • Anna Yeung-Cheung

Adjunct Faculty

  • Naureen Shahid

Please contact any of the above faculty or the Division Chair for more information or our Division Chair: 
Christopher J. Pappas
Christopher.Pappas@mville.edu
914.323.1276

Students’ needs are unique. That’s why Manhattanville University prioritizes flexibility, offering graduate courses in the evenings and on the weekends to accommodate busy schedules. Students can enroll directly into the program or transition into the biomedical science master’s program from previously completed coursework at Manhattanville, including our Post Baccalaureate Pre-Health (PBPH) program.

Admissions Requirements
For admission into the biomedical sciences graduate program, candidates must:

  • Earn an undergraduate degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution in Biology, the Life Sciences, or a related field (e.g., biochemistry, environmental science, chemistry, physics, etc.), or completion of the standard pre-health requirements (Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics)
  • Maintain a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5, along with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in at least four biomedical science graduate courses while enrolled in the PBPH program at Manhattanville University
  • Submit two letters of recommendation
  • Write a personal statement
  • Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
  • Submit application

Questions about Manhattanville Admissions or the application process? Contact Jessica Cox, Senior Assistant Director of Graduate School Admissions, at jessica.cox@mville.edu

Financial Aid and Graduate Housing
Manhattanville is committed to making education accessible to everyone. If you are interested in pursuing a master’s in biomedical sciences, review current tuition and fees and explore financial aid options. Students looking for tuition assistance and opportunities to gain work experience can apply for graduate assistantships, working as laboratory assistants within the department. Contact human resources for employment opportunities. For candidates who want to experience living on Manhattanville’s picturesque 100-acre campus, graduate housing is available. Request more information about graduate housing options.

Want to learn more about life at Manhattanville? Take an in-person or virtual campus tour to see Manhattanville.

Apply to the MS in Biomedical Sciences Program at Manhattanville 
Manhattanville Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Sciences degree program prepares students to enter the healthcare industry as frontrunners and innovators, leading the way in an ever-changing field. 

Ready to apply to our biomedical sciences master’s program? Start your application today!