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Biomedical Sciences

Master of Health Science (M.H.S)

Graduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 33 Credits

Biomedical Sciences is the interdisciplinary field that combines biology and medicine to understand and treat human diseases. Earning a master's degree in biomedical science can open doors to advanced research opportunities, deepen your knowledge in the medical and health sciences, and boost your career prospects.

Overview

Grand Valley's Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) in Biomedical Science requires a minimum of 33 credit hours and offers both full- and part-time scheduling options. The program features two emphases: General Studies (Non-Thesis) and Research (Thesis). The General Studies emphasis is designed for students aiming to deepen their knowledge in biomedical sciences and prepare for professional schools in healthcare or non-research careers. The Research emphasis caters to students seeking additional knowledge and experience before applying to doctoral programs or pursuing careers in biomedical-related research. This option also suits those wanting extra preparation for professional schools, requiring the performance of original research and completion of a thesis.

Students engage in a wide array of coursework that covers essential topics such as comparative anatomy, functional anatomy, and infectious disease. The curriculum also includes in-depth studies in microbiology, molecular biology, and neuroscience, providing a comprehensive understanding of these critical areas. Additionally, students explore the intricacies of nutrition and physiology, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares them for various careers in the biomedical field.

Biomedical science students will have the opportunity to engage in innovative, collaborative research projects with faculty members tailored to student interests. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, preparing students to become leaders in their chosen fields. Students can create personalized course plans that align with their individual research and career goals, ensuring a customized educational experience. Graduates of the program enjoy successful careers in science or health-related fields, teaching, and further studies in professional and doctoral programs.

Department of Biomedical Sciences

gvsu.edu/bms
212 Henry Hall
(616) 331-3318

Program Director

Christopher Pearl, Ph.D.
(616) 331-3318

Application Deadline:

Both emphases may begin in the fall semester with an application deadline of April 1. The general studies emphasis may also begin in the winter semester with an application deadline of November 1. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.

Career Opportunities

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,108.04 10%
$ 63,950.18 25%
$ 81,560.39 50%
$ 93,114.22 75%
$105,779.87 90%

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,037.57 10%
$ 63,155.33 25%
$ 80,378.85 50%
$111,834.86 75%
$134,401.88 90%

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 52,020.38 10%
$ 60,002.48 25%
$ 70,247.88 50%
$ 86,061.92 75%
$101,816.69 90%

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

Top skills
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 63,129.84 10%
$ 77,444.50 25%
$ 95,870.10 50%
$122,236.83 75%
$149,593.67 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,037.57 10%
$ 63,155.33 25%
$ 80,378.85 50%
$111,834.86 75%
$134,401.88 90%

Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 56,699.06 10%
$ 67,870.08 25%
$ 83,957.38 50%
$106,613.98 75%
$135,812.50 90%

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,843.05 10%
$ 67,322.79 25%
$ 92,785.15 50%
$121,484.53 75%
$161,556.45 90%

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 50,878.62 10%
$ 63,578.57 25%
$ 87,029.58 50%
$120,765.49 75%
$151,611.39 90%

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

Top skills
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 59,713.70 10%
$ 78,532.72 25%
$102,691.31 50%
$137,955.32 75%
$171,940.30 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,843.05 10%
$ 67,322.79 25%
$ 92,785.15 50%
$121,484.53 75%
$161,556.45 90%

Combined Degree: Biomedical Sciences, B.S. to M.H.S.

Combined degree programs offer current qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.

Find out more about the Biomedical Sciences B.S. to M.H.S.

Scholarship Opportunities

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU. You can find more information on Biomedical Sciences scholarships on the department website.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified May 29, 2025