Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences - Microbiology & Immunology

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in Microbiology and Immunology program offers an immersive graduate experience that emphasizes understanding host-pathogen interactions, immune system function, and the molecular mechanisms that drive infectious and inflammatory diseases. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on research, and direct mentorship from leading scientists, students explore how microbiological and immunological processes influence human health and contribute to significant global health challenges.

Graduates are well-positioned to enter research-intensive roles, pursue doctoral or professional degrees, or contribute to advancements in public health, biotechnology, and diagnostics. Students benefit from access to MUSC's collaborative research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust network of clinical and translational investigators across the institution's five research focus areas, including infectious disease and precision medicine. Whether studying bacterial resistance, autoimmune mechanisms, or emerging viral threats, students gain critical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Graduates of this program are prepared to make significant contributions to both science and society. From working in academic or government laboratories to supporting research in pharmaceutical, clinical, or public health settings, this program prepares you to be a key player in addressing complex biomedical challenges. At MUSC, you won't only study science; you'll join a community committed to advancing discovery and enhancing lives.

Curriculum

Individuals admitted to this program choose from one of six laboratory science areas of study and complete 49-academic credit hours, including a minimum of 15 didactic semester hours, and thesis. The program includes classroom lectures, seminars, scientific writing requirements, oral presentations, and mentored original research. The degree is designed to be completed in 21 months on a continuous, full-time basis, beginning each fall. Part-time enrollment is not permitted. The Year 1, Fall term is a common curriculum for all areas of study except Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and students are encouraged to try different disciplines through laboratory rotations of the student's choice. Thesis mentors and areas of study are usually chosen at the start of the Year 1, Spring term.

Year 1, Fall

Year 1, Spring

Year 1, Summer

Year 2, Fall

Year 2, Spring

Area of Study Required Coursework:

Application Process

Applications will be considered by a committee of faculty. Admitted students are encouraged, but not required, to rotate in at least two laboratories in their first semester before choosing a thesis mentor and discipline specific area of study. Students planning to study biostatistics and epidemiology are not expected to do laboratory rotations, and should indicate this interest in their essay.

Applicants are required to submit unofficial or official transcripts for each and every post-secondary school attended even if listed as transfer credit on another transcript. If you are submitting an unofficial transcript, it must reflect all courses, grades, degrees awarded (if applicable), and the name of the institution must be clearly visible.

If you are offered a position, you will be asked to request an official transcript from each institution listed in the Education section of your application, regardless of the number of credits earned. MUSC reserves the right to rescind any offer of admission if any discrepancies are found between your unofficial and official transcripts.

Application Information

Applicants must have earned or expect to earn a bachelor's degree prior to enrolling in the MS in Biomedical Sciences program. There are no course prerequisites, but upper level biology and chemistry courses (or mathematics for biostatistics or epidemiology) are recommended. No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate's qualities is considered by our admissions committee. As a guideline, candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater are more likely to be considered favorably. Submission of a standardized test score is not required but will be considered if submitted. Experience in research is desirable, although not required. Applicants are required to provide a personal statement explaining their career goals and reasons for applying to the program and a resume. Three letters of reference, preferably from college professors or supervisors in a scientific or healthcare position, are also required. Please note that for the first semester, MS students must be able to attend in-person classes and laboratory rotations Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

Application Timeline

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

International Students

Academic records from foreign institutions must be provided in English, certified, and validated as authentic by a university or government official. The College of Graduate Studies requires that transcripts be evaluated by professional agencies and are submitted to MUSC electronically or in unopened envelopes showing the equivalency of work completed outside the U.S. The following websites are preferred agencies and are members of the National Association for Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Their costs vary across agencies, and we encourage you to compare prices and select the best choice for you. NACES International Education Research Foundation – Credential Evaluation & Translation Services – Chartered NACES Member World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation for U.S. (wes.org) If your education was completed in the U.S., you do not need to complete a transcript credit evaluation.

If offered a position, and the applicant has only submitted an unofficial transcript evaluation, the candidate will be required to provide an official transcript and evaluation before any further consideration of that applicant will be given.

A language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Scores must not be more than two years old. Exceptions can be made if a student has attended a United States institution for an extended period. An exception might also be made for students in a foreign institution that uses English as the primary language for instruction, however, these are made on a case-by-case basis.

Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student’s application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management. Accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL. Minimal requirements are: TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7