HENRY E. RIGGS SCHOOL OF APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES

Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences
MS

Program Details

Format
Start Term
In-Person
Fall
Duration
Full-time 2 years
Application
Deadline
December 8 (priority),
rolling admissions thereafter
Cost
$22,000 per term
Learn More

Research Expertise

Gain skills in research design and methodology, analyzing and reporting results

Team Collaboration

Learn to communicate effectively and work productively in cross-functional teams

Real-world Discoveries

Translate scientific discoveries into products and processes that benefit society

The two-year MS degree program prepares students for successful careers in translational, clinical, and public health research and management. This program aims to teach individuals to translate discoveries made through science and health-based research into medical and scientific innovations. Students will be provided with intensive instruction in translational, clinical, and public health research, fostering an extensive comprehension of how these facets are applied within the realm of medical science.

About the Program

The two-year MS program prepares students for a successful career in translational, clinical, or public health research and management, combining rigorous courses with a year-long research thesis project. Graduates are uniquely positioned to excel in a variety of careers addressing the critical and managerial needs of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, clinical and academic laboratories, and public health and doctoral research. Students in the MS program complete courses in core science, professional development, management, advanced technical topics, and a capstone project. Students also focus their studies further by selecting a concentration.

Concentrations

  • Clinical Research
  • Public Health
  • Community Medicine
  • Translational Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

What Can I Do With This Degree?

Top potential occupations
  • Research & development
  • Medical & health services
  • Natural sciences managers
  • Clinical research coordinators
  • Technical writers
  • Clinical trial manager
  • Clinical operations manager
  • Disease investigator
  • Environmental scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Microbiologist

As the program combines rigorous graduate-level courses with a year-long biomedical or clinical research project, it is a stepping stone to doctoral degrees such as MD, DO, PhD, or PharmD.

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.

What sets KGI’s MS apart from other master’s programs?

  • Life science industry focus
  • Applied translational coursework and research
  • Clinical research, shadowing, and mentorship
  • Research in current public and community health issues
  • Professional development opportunities, including physician shadowing and healthcare speaker series
  • Real-life company sponsored team projects

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 on an interdisciplinary team

ethics

  • Learn about the ethical principals facing research, development, and business issues inherent in the bioscience industries, and how to adhere to them in your future work.

Pre-Health Track for Postbac Students

Pre-Health Track for Postbac Students: Students in the PPC or PPA programs who aim to pursue careers in healthcare can join the "pre-health track" within the MS program. This track allows students to engage in postbac courses and experiences while selecting one of the available concentrations to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals.

Pre-health Track

Prepares students for admission into graduate healthcare programs.
Concentrations
  • Clinical Research
  • Public Health
  • Community Medicine
  • Translational Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Note: Students may be eligible to enroll in the PDEV 5400 Premedicine Professional Development course.

Research Track

For students planning to pursue doctoral degrees (PhD) in biomedical, healthcare, or other scientific research fields.
Concentrations
  • Translational Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Research

Note: Students are recommended to enroll in Independent Research/Study during their first year to gain hands-on experience and a strong foundation in research skills.

Industry Track

Prepares students for careers in research and development (R&D) in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, device, or clinical sectors.
Concentrations
  • Biotechnology
  • Translational Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Research

Note: Students are encouraged to work with Career Services to secure an optional summer internship during their studies.

Program Faculty and Staff