The primary emphasis of the BMS Graduate Program is the training of research scientists for careers in research, teaching and/or public health in academia, government or the private sector. The progam provides the opportunity to obtain a M.S. or a Ph.D. in the Biomedical Sciences as well as an MPH with a concentration in the Biomedical Sciences.
Visit the Biomedical Sciences website.
The Masters of Sciences program in Biomedical Sciences offers a broad perspective on biomedical, clinical, and laboratory research with particular emphasis on analytic and quantitative skills. This "scientific research" focus distinguishes the MS degree from the MPH degree, which is more general. The program leading to the MS degree typically requires two years of full-time study, culminating in the completion of a masters thesis.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Biomedical Sciences offers intensive laboratory and field training in biomedical sciences. In addition to this wet bench training, students develop research planning, communication, and quantitative skills required for successful leadership roles in academia, government, and industry. These scientific, planning, and communication foci distinguish the PhD degree from the MS degree, which is more general.
The MPH is a professional degree designed to prepare graduates to tackle real public health problems, as practitioners who can apply their breadth of understanding as well as some degree of expertise and experience in at least one specific area of public health. The School's interdisciplinary MPH degree program allows students to apply cutting edge scientific and technical knowledge to preventing disease and promoting wellness through organized community efforts. The diversity and complexity of today's public health concerns require practitioners who understand the political, ethical, economic, and scientific concerns involved in addressing the great challenges to the modern world.
This dual degree is primarily targeted at medical students who are interested in acquiring knowledge in the public health field. The marriage between medicine and public health skills will enable physicians to be better practitioners and leaders in the fields of medicine and public health. The program will build upon the existing relationship between Albany Medical College and the School of Public Health to prepare physicians to be aware and capable of addressing public health problems and to create public health professionals adept at clinical knowledge and practice.
