Is an Internship Required for a Master's in Biomedical Science?

A master’s in biomedical science can lead to various career pathways in medicine and related healthcare fields. This graduate degree can enhance a resume for a candidate seeking admission to competitive medical schools and postgraduate biomedical programs. A master’s degree in this field is often the minimum requirement for high-level health and science research jobs and academic positions. As such, the required coursework to complete this degree is intensive. Each school will have a different structure for the coursework, but all schools will include an end-of-course requirement in the form of a practicum, a thesis, a capstone project or an internship as a prerequisite to graduation.

Overview of the Curriculum

The coursework for a master’s in biomedical science includes different studies of human biological sciences, and individualized concentration will be determined by the choice of electives and the culminating requirement. The core subjects will focus on graduate-level coursework on human structures, organ systems, cellular sciences, molecular immunology and medical statistics. Candidates for a master’s degree in biomedical sciences are also given training in health practice management, evidence-based clinical practice and health systems reviews. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative strategies and rigid adherence to evidence-based processes.

Culminating Requirements

On the graduate level, candidates for a master’s degree in biomedical science are given various options for a final project. The culminating requirement is specified during the admissions process because they are usually program-specific. Non-thesis master’s programs will offer to allow a practicum or capstone project as an alternative to an internship. This capstone project can be in the form of a comprehensive review of existing literature on a relevant subject in biomedical science. Graduation committees may require an oral presentation of the capstone project with an oral examination taken at the end of the presentation.

This graduate program may require preparation of a master’s thesis on a subject approved by a faculty adviser. The oral defense is typically part of this final project. On the other hand, candidates who are working on research-focused coursework may have the option of requesting an internship as the culminating requirement. The internship must be at a facility approved by the graduation committee, and the commitment must comply with minimum attendance and participation requirements. Internship assignments are intended to give master’s degree candidates adequate hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, performing real-world tasks to yield measurable outcomes. Internships may be at public institutions, private companies or under private individuals running grant-funded research work.

Outlook for Graduates with a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in biomedical science indicates expertise as a medical scientist in research facilities or in the academe. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook is bright for this field with demand expanding at a faster-than-average rate of 13 percent between 2016 and 2026. However, it must be noted that a master’s in biomedical science may lead to different career tracks. As instructional staff in postsecondary schools, biomedical science specialists are expected to find high demand for their expertise. Teaching positions in the sciences will grow by 15 percent, which is higher than average, between 2016 and 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Biomedical science is an expanding field given its relevance to medical advances and healthcare solutions in the modern world. Earning a master’s in biomedical science will help specialists in this field to make the most of available opportunities while contributing to healthcare improvements for everyone.

Related Resources: