Overview

No GRE Required  100% Online  No Thesis Required 

Master of Science (M.S.) in Comparative Biomedical Sciences

Advance your career in health sciences by earning a Master of Science in Comparative Biomedical Sciences online from the University of Georgia. If you are interested in becoming a veterinarian, medical doctor, dentist, or scientist, this non-thesis program can help you choose the right career path and strengthen your candidacy for medical, dental, or veterinary school. 

Offered through the renowned University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, this 100% online program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to biomedical research and prepares you for professional school (DV.M., M.D., DDS.) or for careers that involve science but are not based in bench or field research. 

What Is An Online Master’s in Comparative Biomedical Sciences?

This online biomedical sciences master’s program covers the basic scientific principles related to medical, veterinary, and biomedical sciences, including anatomy, histology, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, neuroscience, and clinical concepts.  As a pre-professional preparatory program, it provides the knowledge and support that you need to advance your career or apply to professional school. 

How Does An Online Master’s in Comparative Biomedical Sciences Prepare You for Professional School?

The curriculum of the online Comparative Biomedical Science master’s program is interdisciplinary and is designed to provide a broad foundation for students who intend to pursue professional careers in veterinary or human medicine, biomedical engineering, biomedical research, biomedical/diagnostic technology, dentistry, and numerous other fields. Studies indicate that students who graduate from such programs are better prepared for the professional curriculum.  

How Long Does It Take To Earn An Online Biomedical Sciences Degree? 

The Master’s in Comparative Biomedical Sciences program can be completed in as little as one year, or in 2+ years based on your desired pace. 

Why Choose UGA Online’s Master’s In Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program? 

The online Comparative Biomedical Sciences master’s program provides a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree while still meeting the demands of your busy schedule.  

By earning a master’s degree you can change your career, pursue advancement in your current role, or continue on to professional school.  Online students are granted the same access to online resources, library services, and technical support as all enrolled University of Georgia students to help ensure that you are equipped for success in every way.    

As an online graduate of the University of Georgia, you become part of an extensive alumni network and a longstanding tradition of striving for excellence in every pursuit.  For over two hundred years, we have been on a mission of leadership and service, and today, we are ranked #16 among the nation’s top public institutions by U.S. News & World Report, with numerous online master's programs ranked in the top 10 among programs nationwide. 

Alumni Testimonials

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The College of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA).

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees can change each year. 

Based on 2022 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid $18,870 in tuition.  

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar's Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year's current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. 

 

Master of Science in Comparative Biomedical Sciences Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Admissions

Eligible applicants will have earned a bachelor's or other professional degrees in a non-health-related field with some biology background. The admissions requirements include: 

Application Checklist

  1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
  2. Select Campus - Online 
  3. Select Intended Program - MS, Comparative Biomedical Sciences (College of Veterinary Medicine) Non-Thesis [MS_CBSC_NT_O]
  4. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate's relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program. 
  5. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
  6. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission
  7. Letters of recommendation - Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applications

  • Fall: July 1 

International Applications

  • Fall: April 15
  • International Applicants - must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Course registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar website provides up-to-date information on course registration dates. 

Curriculum

Students must complete at least 30 credit hours selected from the courses below.  Preparatory health sciences master's degrees are usually taken in a "gap year" between undergraduate study and professional school, and we anticipate most students will pursue the program full-time.  Most students will complete 30 credit hours in three semesters (typically 12 hours each in the fall and spring and 6 hours in the summer). Thus, the initial program design anticipates cohorts of students beginning in the Fall and completing the program by the end of the following summer. 

However, other students may wish to complete this program part-time while fully employed.  This program is flexible, allowing students to complete the program in as little as three semesters or as many as five or six semesters. Sample programs of study are provided below. 

Below are the 3 required courses and the numerous electives to choose from. You can work with your advisor to customize the program that best suits your needs.

Required:

BMSC 6020E Comparative Pre-veterinary Anatomy  OR  BMSC 6030E Basic Human Anatomy for the Health Sciences

*Only one of the Anatomy courses is required*

BMSC 6040E Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Medical Histology

VPHY 6200E Physiologic Basis of Diseases
 

Electives:

BMSC  6010E Fundamental Cell Biology

BMSC  6050E Neuroscience for the Health Profession

BMSC  6060E Fundamental Principles of diagnostic tech for the Hlth Prof

BMSC  6998E Principles of Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology

BMSC  7010E Fundamental Immunology for the Health Professions

BMSC  7020E Fundamental Pharmacology for the Health Professions

LAMS  6000E Clinically Based Concepts I

LAMS  6010E Clinically Based Concepts Il

LAMS  6020E Clinically Based Concepts Ill

VPAT   6150E Basics of Pathology

BMSC  7040E Problems in Biosciences

*Required courses are in bold*
 

 

Sample Five-Semester Program

Year One

Fall Spring Summer
  • BMSC 6010E - Fundamental Cell Biology

  • BMSC 6030E* - Basic Human Anatomy for the Health Sciences

Total Semester Credits: 6

Required Course

  • BMSC 6040E* - Pre-veterinary/Pre-medical Histology

  • BMSC 6050E - Neuroscience for the Health Professions

Total Semester Credits: 6

  • VPHY 6200E* - Physiologic Basis of Diseases

  • BMSC 7060E - Online Research Communication

  

Total Semester Credits: 6

Year Two

Fall Spring  
  • LAMS 6000E - Clinically Based Concepts I

  • BMSC 7020E - Fundamental Pharmacology for Health Professions

Total Semester Credits: 6

  • LAMS 6010E Clinically Based Concepts II

  • VPAT 6150E - Basics of Pathology

Total Semester Credits: 6

 

Sample Three-Semester Program

Fall Spring Summer
  • BMSC 6010E - Fundamental Cell Biology

  • BMSC 6020E* - Pre-veterinary anatomy or BMSC 6030E* - Basic Human Anatomy for the Health Sciences

  • BMSC 6040E* - Pre-veterinary/Pre-Medical Histology

  • LAMS 6000E - Clinically Based Concepts I

Total Semester Credits: 12

Required Course

  • BMSC 6998E - Principles of Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology

  • BMSC 7010E - Fundamental Immunology

  • BMSC 7020E - Fundamental Pharmacology for Health Professions

  • LAMS 6010E Clinically Based Concepts II

Total Semester Credits: 12

  • VPHY 6200E* - Physiologic Basis of Diseases 

  • LAMS 6020E - Clinically Based Concepts III

Or any one of the following:

  • BMSC 6050E - Neuroscience for the Health Professions

  • BMSC 7030E - Laboratory Animals in Research

  • BMSC 7040E - Problems in Biosciences

  • BMSC 7050E - Problems in Anatomy

  • BMSC 7060E - Online Research Communication

Total Semester Credits: 6

 

News & Events

Online Comparative Biomedical Sciences Student Nominated as NCAA Woman of the Year
UGA Helps Combat National Veterinarian Shortage
UGA grad continues her education while employed at the university
UGA online masters student works in COVID unit while earning her degree
Non-traditional science student works towards dream through online program
New approach to anatomy class proves beneficial for students
UGA Online Faculty, Puliyur MohanKumar, Honored as 2020 Meigs Professor
Surge in Demand for Health Science Professionals

Although unemployment in the U.S. continues to rise, critical healthcare professions are in high demand. The outstanding need for healthcare professionals won't disappear once the new Corona virus has been contained. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) described healthcare as the fastest growing field in the United States even prior to the pandemic. Under these new circumstances, the increase in demand for healthcare workers is expected to surge. Healthcare is considered recession-proof and is expected to grow more than any other industry over the next decade.

UGA Introduces New Online Biomedical Sciences Master’s

Contact Information

Contact the online M.S. Comparative Biomedical Sciences Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.

Email us using the request for information form or call 706-480-8438