School of Medicine Division of Biomedical Sciences

Bridging the gap between science research & clinical medicine

Master's Program

Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences

The M.S. program has three primary objectives:

  • Launch careers and opportunities in biotechnology, science advocacy, and public outreach;
  • Enhance academics in preparation for M.D. or Ph.D. programs in medicine and research;
  • Enable medical students to gain specialized biomedical research skills through a dual M.D.-M.S. degree.

Prospective students may apply directly to the M.S. degree program . The application deadline to be considered for Fall Quarter is March 1. Applications will only be considered for Winter and Spring quarter for current UCR medical students. When applying, students are asked to note the desired curricular pathways or if they are undecided.

Program Overview

The Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences is ideal for students wishing to pursue biomedical research studies, medical students seeking focused translational research experience, and those aiming for roles in industry, advocacy, education, or healthcare. Students engage in a vibrant community with strong faculty support, research opportunities, and flexible curriculum options to enhance their career focus. 

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program offers students two plans to complete their degree: the Thesis Plan, which involves in-depth research and a thesis, and the Comprehensive Examination Plan, which requires a written exam at the conclusion of the program. Both plans include core graduate courses and a directed research component.

In partnership with the SOM Pathways Programs, students admitted to the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences Program may be invited to participate in the premedical postbaccalaureate enrichment activities to enhance their preparation for a career in medicine.

Curricular Outcomes

The M.S. in Biomedical Sciences offers several scientific enrichment and career focuses to help students customize their education. While all students follow the same core curriculum, each option provides specific opportunities for career development. Students can switch between or integrate these focuses as needed, with individualized coursework planning through their committee and their Individual Development Plan (IDP). 

  • M.S. Completion Outcome

    This option is designed to strengthen your academic and research skills in translational basic science, preparing you for a variety of biomedical science careers, such as laboratory research, public service, and science education. 

  • Ph.D. Preparation Outcome

    For students considering a Ph.D., this option provides focused research and guidance to help you decide if a doctoral program is right for you. It includes pre-doctoral guidance, advanced training in biomedical sciences, and research lab experience. Students with this focus often pursue careers in academia, research, the health industry, or education or science advocacy.

    Students successfully completing the M.S. program and wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in the Biomedical Sciences graduate program will have to apply separately for admissions. Applications will be evaluated as part of the total Ph.D. program applicant pool. 

  • M.D. Preparation Outcome

    For those pursuing a career in medicine, the option offers professional development resources, mentoring, academic support, and premedical advising including application and interview preparation. Professional development and premedical advising support are provided by the School of Medicine (SOM) Pathway Programs .

    Students successfully completing the M.S. program and wishing to pursue the UCR SOM M.D. degree will have to apply separately for admissions. Applications will be evaluated as part of the total M.D. program applicant pool.

  • Dual M.D.-M.S. Outcome

    This option provides current M.D. students in the School of Medicine an opportunity to pursue a specialization in a specific area of research. Candidates should consult SOM Student Affairs prior to applying.

Go to Admission to Biomedical Sciences Programs


Go to the School of Medicine Admissions Website

 

Cost of Attendance

The master's program is self-funded, as such admitted students are required to pay their own tuition and fees. The cost of attending a graduate program at UC Riverside is based on a quarter system and can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply for aid through FAFSA. Some graduate students may be eligible for external grants and scholarships, which can be found on the Fellowships, Awards, and Grants | Graduate Division.

For international students, we also recommend reviewing the estimated cost for attending UCR on the Graduate Division's Financial Verification.

Questions?

Prospective students: for assistance with admissions questions, contact Biomedical Sciences Admissions via email at BioMedAdmissions@medsch.ucr.edu.

Current BMSC students: for assistance with course registration, program requirements, and fellowship and employment matters (TAships/GSRs), contact the Student Services Advisor or visit the office at 2676 SOM Education Bldg. 1.

Phone: (951) 827-4540

To schedule a virtual advising appointment, visit the bookings link.

Upcoming Events

2025 Virtual Open House

Register here to join us on October 14-15, 2025 for the Graduate Division Virtual Open House!

2025 Graduate Division Virtual Open House