HENRY E. RIGGS SCHOOL OF APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences
MS
Program Details
Start Term
Fall & Spring
Deadline
Fall: December 19 (Priority)
Rolling Admissions Thereafter
Gain Research Expertise
Build highly transferable skills in research design and methodology, analysis, and reporting through a capstone project in translational and community-focused researchs.
Collaborate with Classmates
Learn to communicate and work productively in cross-functional teams to produce better outcomes.
Make Real-World Discoveries
Translate scientific discoveries into products and processes that benefit the health and well-being of society.
ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ the MS in Applied Life Sciences Program
Ready to drive innovation in medical and scientific fields? Earn your Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ (ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥). Our two-year program delivers an immersive graduate education that equips you for a thriving career in translational, clinical, or public health research and management.
In the MS in Applied Life Sciences program, you:
- Receive intensive training in translational, clinical, public, and community health research.
- Build a strong foundation in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in medical science.
- Customize your academic path by choosing from three tracks in pre-health, research, and industry, and six concentrations in clinical research, translational research, infectious diseases, public health, community medicine, and biotechnology.
- Engage in a culminating capstone or thesis project aligned with your concentration, offering hands-on experience in applied research or industry collaboration.
- Undergo professional development that prepares you for success in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, clinical and academic research settings, community and public health institutions, and doctoral programs.
Upon graduation, you’re equipped with the scientific knowledge, research skills, and practical experience needed to contribute meaningfully to innovation in health outcomes, biomedical research, and the life science industry.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum of our applied life sciences program—grounded in hands-on learning and innovative research—delivers a holistic approach to graduate education.
During your time in the MS in Applied Life Sciences program, you will enroll in 15 credits of core science professional development courses, including advanced topics like clinical biostatistics, molecular biotechnology, pharmaceutical discovery and development, pharmacogenomics and precision medicine, and more. To tailor your education to your unique professional interests, you also choose from six highly specialized concentrations to refine your practical skills.
Whatever career you pursue, your training at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ nurtures your growth as a leader so you can thrive in this dynamic field.
35% growth
Employer demand for clinical and translational science professionals nationwide grew by 35% between 2013-2017 and is projected to grow from 2017 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
Learning outcomes
Science & research skills
- Perform hypothesis-driven research
- Evaluate research design and methodology
- Analyze and report data results
- Assess scientific literature and identify knowledge gaps
- Translate scientific discoveries into products that benefit society
Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate effectively with industry leaders
- Contribute productively to an interdisciplinary team
ethics
- Learn about the ethical principles related to research, development, and bioscience industry issues and how to adhere to them in your future work.
Concentrations
Life sciences is a diverse field that interconnects with a broad range of industries, including healthcare, biotech, pharmaceutical, and more. To help you specialize your scientific expertise, you can choose from six concentrations depending on your career track.
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Research
- Community Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Translational Research
You’ll take 33 credits in these advanced technical and general electives, including concentration-required courses and a capstone project, research thesis, or Team Master’s Project (TMP).
Pre-health Track
The Pre-health track prepares students for admission into graduate healthcare programs, such as a Master of Science in Physician Assistant, Doctor of Medicine, and more.
Concentration options include:
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Research
- Community Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Translational Research
- Infectious Diseases
Students in this track may be eligible to enroll in the PDEV 5400 Premedicine Professional Development course.
Research Track
The research track in our applied life sciences graduate program provides specialized training that leads to tangible competencies for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in biomedical, healthcare, or other scientific research fields.
Choose from three concentrations:
- Clinical Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Translational Research
We recommend that students enroll in an independent research/study course during their first year to acquire hands-on experience and build foundational research skills.
Industry Track
Our career-focused industry track equips students with versatile, in-demand skill sets to thrive in research and development (R&D) in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, device, or clinical sectors.
Concentrations
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Translational Research
We encourage students to connect with ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s to secure an optional summer internship during their studies. This will allow them to gain real-world experience and forge industry connections.
Students in the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate (PPC) and Postbaccalaureate Pre-Physician Assistant Certificate (PPA) programs who aim to pursue careers in healthcare can join the "pre-health track within the M.S. program. This lets them take postbaccalaureate courses and acquire experience while selecting a concentration that aligns their studies with their career goals.
ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s MS in Applied Life Science program aims to develop leaders who advance innovation in life sciences, improve healthcare delivery, and enhance health outcomes for all, especially in underserved populations.
Through comprehensive, hands-on education, students prepare for diverse career paths, including advanced healthcare programs, PhD programs in biomedical and healthcare research, roles in research and development across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and clinical sectors, and careers as community health professionals and public health practitioners.
Our immersive program continuously evolves with the field, offering specialized tracks and concentrations that equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing landscape.
Careers in Applied Life Sciences
Created with your success in mind, the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences degree program offers the competencies and strategic-thinking skills needed to pursue roles in clinical, public health, translational, and other areas.
Explore the careers many of our graduates pursue after obtaining their ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ MS in Applied Life Sciences degree, along with salary information.
How to Apply to the Applied Life Sciences Graduate Program
Position yourself for success by applying to our MS in Applied Life Sciences program. To position yourself as a competitive candidate, you should submit your application by the priority deadlines listed above. After that, ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ utilizes rolling admissions.
When applying, you must include:
- Personal statement
- ¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©
- Letter of recommendation
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, or iTEP is required for international students)
Admission Process
After you submit your online application, our team will carefully review your materials. We'll then contact you to schedule an admissions interview, where we can get to know you better and discuss your academic and career goals.
Our Admissions Committee comprises faculty and senior administrators who thoroughly review each application. We consider your application in the context of the total applicant pool and in relation to our general admissions standards and do not use arbitrary GPAs or test score cutoffs.
All admissions decisions are final for the academic year in which they are rendered.
Applying from outside the U.S.? Learn more about our international admissions process.
Admitted students are required to submit a $400 non-refundable enrollment fee to hold their spot in the program.
Funding Your Master’s in Applied Life Sciences Degree
Pursuing a graduate education is a big investment, and ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ is here to support you through the process. We provide personalized guidance and holistic financial aid resources to ensure you have all the information you need. Explore scholarships, federal aid, or other ways to pay for your education.
Financing Your StudiesBecome a Front-Runner in Life Sciences — Apply to ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥
Be a part of crafting real-world solutions by earning your Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences degree at ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥. Here, you embark on a graduate education journey that strengthens your research skills, deepens your specialized knowledge, and empowers you to lead in various fields.
Ready to take your career to the next level? .
Inside ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s Research Laboratory
Tour where you’ll be researching, collaborating, and discovering? Explore our cutting-edge laboratory wherever you are!