Biomedical Science (M.S.)

Master's in Biomedical Science

• Applicants will be accepted into the program based on selection criteria that include undergraduate coursework, grade point average, area of research interest and experience.
• Relevance of the undergraduate degree is considered. Priority is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry or chemistry. 
• Required undergraduate coursework includes completion of the following with a grade of B or higher: microbiology, organic chemistry, pre-Calculus, upper level genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316) and cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339).
• To apply to the biomedical science program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
  • All official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended; and
  • An essay that discusses your work experience and future professional goals 

In order to be admitted into the Biomedical Science master's degree (BMS), applicants are required to complete the following undergraduate classes (with a grade of B or higher):

• Microbiology
• Organic chemestry
• Pre-Calculus
• Upper-level-genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316)
• Cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339).

Because not all former biology majors take each of our listed prerequisites, we designed BMS 501 as a one-semester course to replace one or two  of these prerequisites. BMS 501 is not meant to replace the lack of a degree in biology, and certainly not the lack of completion of any undergraduate biology course. 

Transfer credit policy for admitted students

Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.

Prerequisite Course

The prerequisite course provides background knowledge and skills necessary for the completion of the degree requirements. Students admitted to the BMS program that do not meet all of the academic requirements for admission to the program will be required to take this course in addition to the 33 credits necessary for program completion. 

Core Courses (all concentrations)

The core courses provide a foundation for electives in either curricular concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biology or Microbiology/Immunology/Virology. The program accepts up to 9 credits of transfer credit at the discretion of the program director.

Curricular Concentrations

Students are encouraged to select elective courses within a concentration. The curricular concentrations are the faculty’s suggestions to help ensure a cohesive program of coursework. However, students, in consultation with their academic advisers, may select a combination of elective courses individualized to their own needs and interests.

Concentration in Biotechnology/Molecular Biology

Concentration in Microbiology/Immunology/Virology

Thesis Track Requirements

BMS 580: under the direction of a thesis adviser and a reading committee (6 credits).

An oral defense of the thesis is required. Click here for BMS thesis guidelines.

Non-Thesis Track Requirements

The 4PLUS program is designed for highly motivated students who have the desire to build career options into their undergraduate curriculum and earn a master's degree in biomedical science.

Hood College students currently majoring in biology are eligible to participate in a 4PLUS program that allows for a combined, and in some cases accelerated, master’s degree in biomedical science after the completion of their undergraduate program.