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Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science

If you're interested in careers in the medical field (e.g., medical, dental, PA, pharmacy school), research science, scientific policy, science communication, science education, biomedical sales, and more, the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science (MBS) might be for you. This program is intended for domestic and international students that have some undergraduate STEM field training and wish to increase their knowledge of biomedical sciences.

We offer an exciting, innovative curriculum. A wide range of elective classes are offered through several STEM-themed disciplines that cater to a wide array of career trajectories. Concentrations are available in many scientific disciplines unique to Masters programs in Alabama including: Cancer Biology, Genetics and Genomic Sciences; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Bioinformatics; and Immunology. Courses are also available through UAB Graduate School’s Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate & Professional Studies (IGPS).

Hands-on, cutting-edge research opportunities. UAB is Alabama’s premier institution for biomedical research. UAB ranks in the top 20 nationally for research funding among public universities

Flexibility. You can start the MBS program in fall or spring semesters, which provides students with important flexibility for beginning their graduate studies. Additionally, our program offers full-time or part-time options for students.

Individualized mentoring. Students are encouraged to develop individualized mentoring plans (IDPs) with the MBS Program Director. IDPs focus the student for academic success while in the MBS program and they provide an important framework for students’ short-term and long-term career success.

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Careers

The MS in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science is intended as a terminal degree for students desiring many different career paths, including but not limited to: research (laboratory jobs in academia or industry), further graduate study (e.g. PhD), professional school (e.g. medical or dental), science education, scientific policy, science communication, or biomedical sales.

Admissions

Application Deadlines

FallSpring
August 1 December 1

 

Classes Begin

Fall Spring 
August 25, 2025 January 12, 2026

Review of applications to the MBS program is a holistic approach that considers undergraduate GPA, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

To be considered for direct-admittance to MBS, a minimum 3.0 GPA is required in any or all of the following categories of calculation:

  1. pre-requisite courses (Introductory Biology and labs; Organic Chemistry and labs)
  2. all "BCPM" (biology, chemistry, physics, math) courses
  3. overall (all courses)

In addition to Introductory Biology and Organic Chemistry, a background in the following courses is helpful for success in our program but is not required for admission: Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology.

GRE is not required. The minimum TOEFL score is 80. The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.

Once these materials are received and the application fee is processed, applications will be reviewed.

Scholarship

The MBS program offers competitive, partial academic scholarships for newly admitted MBS students who demonstrate academic excellence prior to joining our program. Scholarship recipients will receive $1,500 for the cost of tuition for their first semester’s coursework, for up to three consecutive semesters. Receipt of funds toward their second and third semester coursework will require good academic standing (maintaining a minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA at the end of their first and second semesters, respectively). Students must maintain full-time status for the duration of their award.

To be eligible to apply, students must be offered MBS admissions, must be fully registered for MBS courses, and have a minimum 3.5 overall GPA in undergraduate and graduate coursework prior to joining the MBS program. Fall 2025 scholarship information will be posted late July, early August.

Curriculum

 Thesis (Plan I)Non-Thesis (Plan II)
Thesis committee Yes No
Credit Hours  45 30
Semesters  6 3

Thesis (Plan I)

The Plan I MS in MBS thesis degree at UAB can be completed over the course of six semesters if full-time, including at least one summer semester. Plan I students will complete a rigorous mentored research project in addition to a curriculum of required core and elective classes related to the biomedical sciences.

Successful completion of the Plan I MS in MBS degree requires passing 45 credit hours (30 hours = coursework; 15 hours = supervised research) and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Non-Thesis (Plan II)

The Plan II MBS non-thesis degree at UAB can be completed over the course of three semesters if full-time, including one summer semester. Plan II students will complete a rigorous curriculum of required core and elective classes related to the biomedical sciences.

Successful completion of the Plan II MBS degree requires passing 30 credit hours of coursework and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Concentrations

There are six concentration options within the MBS program:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Genetics & Genomics Sciences
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology & Toxicology

Bioinformatics Fellowship

The UAB master’s program in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science (MSMBS) Bioinformatics Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for advanced training and hands-on experience in cancer bioinformatics and to initiate careers in cancer bioinformatics at UAB.

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Course Descriptions

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to email msmbs@uab.edu .
If you are an international applicant, please feel free to review our frequently asked questions.

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