The online Master of Biomedical Sciences (OMBS) program offers a flexible pathway to deepen your scientific knowledge, strengthen your academic credentials, and prepare for the next step in your professional journey. The OMBS track provides the same rigorous curriculum, academic standards, and learning outcomes as our campus-based programs, delivered in a fully asynchronous format that allows you to learn from anywhere.
Through interdisciplinary coursework, research-informed learning, and dedicated faculty engagement, students develop a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences while strengthening critical thinking, scientific communication, and professional skills essential for success in today's healthcare and scientific environments. Whether your goal is to prepare for medical, dental, or other health professions programs, enhance your academic credentials, or advance your career in the biomedical sciences, the online MBS program provides the knowledge, support, and flexibility to help you achieve your goals.
Experience a flexible, high-quality biomedical education within a community committed to excellence, accessibility, and your success.
This program track is associated with the Master of Biomedical Sciences Program through the School of Graduate Studies - Biomedical and Health Sciences Unit (SGS-BHS). The SGS-BHS is a part of Rutgers Health. This online track, as well as the in-person Master of Biomedical Sciences program options found at the New Brunswick/ Piscataway and Newark Rutgers Health locations, is guided by the following:
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) program is to provide a rigorous, interdisciplinary graduate education that prepares students for success in medical, dental, and other health professions programs and advances careers in the biomedical sciences. Offered across multiple campuses and through a fully online track, the MBS program maintains a unified curriculum, shared academic standards, and consistent learning outcomes. Through high-quality instruction, academic support, and strong faculty engagement, the program equips learners, regardless of location or modality, with the scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and professional competencies needed to thrive in an evolving biomedical and healthcare landscape.
Vision Statement
The Master of Biomedical Sciences program aspires to be a nationally recognized leader in graduate biomedical education, known for academic excellence, accessibility, and student success. Through coordinated delivery across campuses and online modalities, the program will expand access to high-quality biomedical training for diverse learners while maintaining a single, shared vision of rigor, consistency, and preparation for professional and biomedical career pathways.
Program Learning Objectives
Graduates of the Master of Biomedical Sciences program will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of biomedical sciences: Apply foundational and advanced concepts in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, neuroscience, and related biomedical disciplines to analyze biological and clinical phenomena.
- Integrate interdisciplinary scientific perspectives: Synthesize knowledge across multiple biomedical domains to understand complex biological systems, disease processes, and therapeutic approaches.
- Apply scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills: Use critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and evidence-based approaches to evaluate scientific literature, interpret data, and solve biomedical problems.
- Engage in research-informed scholarly inquiry: Complete a capstone project that demonstrates understanding of research principles, ethical practice, scientific communication, and responsible research conduct.
- Communicate effectively in scientific and professional contexts: Communicate biomedical concepts clearly and professionally through written, oral, and digital formats to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrate professional readiness for health and science careers: Exhibit the academic skills, professional behaviors, and ethical standards necessary for success in medical school, dental school, other health professions programs, or biomedical science careers.
- Apply ethical and societal perspectives in biomedical science: Evaluate biomedical issues within ethical, cultural, and societal contexts, including considerations of health equity and access.
- Engage in self-directed and lifelong learning: Demonstrate the ability to manage learning across instructional formats, reflect on personal and professional growth, and pursue continuous development in biomedical and health-related fields.
Applicants to the OMBS program track must submit a complete application demonstrating academic preparation, professional readiness, and alignment with the program’s mission. The program is designed to support individuals pursuing a range of biomedical career pathways, including preparation for professional health programs (e.g., medical, dental, or physician assistant programs) as well as advancement in biomedical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and related health science industries.
The following materials are required for consideration:
- Academic Transcripts: Applicants must submit undergraduate transcript(s) from an accredited college or university demonstrating completion of a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. Students are required to provide official transcripts prior to program matriculation.
- Minimum GPA: On average, applicants are expected to have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants whose GPA falls below this threshold may be considered on a case-by-case basis based on the strength of other application components.
- Personal Statement: A written statement describing the applicant’s professional and academic goals, motivation for pursuing graduate study in biomedical sciences, and how the MBS program will support their future career objectives. Applicants should also address the skills, experiences, and attributes that will contribute to their success in a rigorous graduate learning environment.
- Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak directly to the applicant’s academic ability, scientific preparation, and potential for success in graduate-level biomedical coursework. Academic instructors in science-related disciplines are strongly preferred. Committee Letters submitted by Health Professions Advising Office are also accepted.
- Recommended Academic Preparation: While the program does not require a specific undergraduate major, applicants are expected to have foundational coursework in the biomedical sciences. Completion of undergraduate coursework in the following areas is recommended: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
- Resume/ CV: Applicants must submit a current resume or CV outlining their academic background, research experience, employment, volunteer activities, clinical exposure (if applicable), and other relevant professional or scholarly experiences.
- Optional Test Scores: Submission of standardized test scores is not required for admission. However, applicants may choose to submit GRE, MCAT, and/or DAT scores as supplemental materials for review and consideration. Submission of scores is optional and may strengthen an application, but is not necessary for admission.
Applicants should carefully consider how their academic preparation aligns with their intended long-term academic or professional goals, whether pursuing admission to professional health programs or advancing careers in biomedical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related scientific fields.
Note for International Applicants: Applicants to the Online Master of Biomedical Sciences (OMBS) program must reside in the United States and maintain a permanent U.S. address for the duration of their enrollment. Please note that this is a fully online program and is not eligible for student visa sponsorship. The program does not issue or support F-1 or other non-immigrant student visas. International applicants who require visa sponsorship to study in the United States are not eligible to enroll in this program. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their residency status aligns with these requirements at the time of application and throughout their enrollment.
The OMBS program track is a 30-credit graduate degree designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences while offering flexibility to tailor their learning experience to individual academic and professional goals.
The curriculum is organized around three required components: Foundational Courses, Research Experiences, and Elective Coursework.
The Foundational Course component provides students with a comprehensive understanding of core biomedical science concepts essential for success in advanced study and health professions. Students complete five 3-credit foundational courses, selecting from a curated list of eight available courses that reflect key disciplines within the biomedical sciences.
The Research Experience component allows students to develop critical thinking, scientific communication, and scholarly inquiry skills. This requirement includes a 3-credit Research Capstone and a 1-credit Research Seminar, offering opportunities to conduct independent research, explore the scientific literature, and communicate research findings.
To further personalize their educational experience, students complete 11 credits of Elective Coursework, consisting of three 3-credit elective courses and one 2-credit elective course. Students may choose from a diverse selection of electives that allow them to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of interest, strengthen preparation for professional or graduate programs, or explore emerging topics in the biomedical sciences.
Together, these three curriculum components create a rigorous and flexible academic experience that prepares graduates for continued study, professional advancement, and success in a wide range of biomedical and health-related fields.