Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences - Molecular & Cell Biology & Pathobiology

The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences in Molecular and Cell Biology and Pathobiology program offers a rigorous, research-driven curriculum designed to prepare students for impactful roles in biomedical research, diagnostics, and translational science. This program equips students with advanced knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of disease, cell structure, and function, and the fundamental biological processes that underlie human health and disease pathology. Students will benefit from hands-on experience in leading-edge laboratories and mentorship from faculty engaged in groundbreaking investigations across MUSC's nationally recognized research centers.

Our interdisciplinary approach fosters deep inquiry into mechanisms of disease progression, immune responses, cellular signaling, and gene regulation. Through thesis-based or research-intensive pathways, students are immersed in the study of complex biological systems and learn to apply modern techniques such as molecular imaging, genomic analysis, and tissue engineering. As part of MUSC's academic health sciences system, students also gain exposure to clinical perspectives that enhance their ability to bridge basic science with medical applications. This unique integration prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to the development of diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and biomedical innovations.

Graduates of the program are well-positioned for roles in academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and clinical laboratories. Many also use this degree as a stepping stone toward doctoral studies or advanced professional degrees. Whether advancing new treatments, informing public health decisions, or pursuing careers in translational science, alums of this program emerge with the scientific acumen and research expertise necessary to improve lives and reshape the future of health care.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall A (8/18/25-12/19/25)

Year 1, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)

Year 1, Summer A, Trailer (5/4/26-8/14/26)

Year 2, Fall (8/18/25-12/19/25)

Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)

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 Deadlines

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.

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 that these 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 the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

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