Online Masters in Life Sciences

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A few of the biggest dilemmas when deciding to enroll in a master’s program are which program to pursue, which school to pick, and which university to enroll in. And then, there are other considerations such as cost, placements, starting salary, employment rates, acceptance rates, etc. We at OMC went through all these matrices and created a list of the best online life sciences masters. There are no absolutes such as the best life sciences programs or the greatest; it all depends on the criteria a student decides to value most and pick up a program accordingly. See the rankings below: 

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A life sciences master’s would typically concern the study of living organisms, and specialization or concentrations would include biology, botany, zoology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, and related subjects. Also, a master’s in life sciences is a highly varied and versatile degree. The degree has a very diverse stance, and the coursework can be tailored to topics of students’ interests. The course duration would typically vary from 12 months to 36 to 60 months, depending on the mode of education a student enrolls in. Past paced masters would run for 12 months, while regular courses would take around 24 months and 36 credits to complete. Part-time programs could take anywhere from 36 to 60 months to complete. The life science field of study can also prepare students for other allied branches of study. The master’s in biotechnology also serves as a foundation for medical school or advanced studies in the life sciences or public health. Generally, students taking up a master’s in life science would come from the vocation of life sciences, typically with a bachelor’s degree. 

Masters in Life Sciences Degree Types

There would typically be a few variants of a master’s in life sciences, with subjects changing according to the specialization of the degree. Also, the minor subjects may remain the same or vary depending on the specialization, but the major or elective subjects change depending on the specialization and degree type pursued. The credits required would typically be around 36, and the time taken to complete the course would be about 24 months.  

There are three-degree types that can be pursued depending on the field of study. They are discussed below: 

The GRE general test and the GRE subject tests are taken by individuals applying to graduate programs, including business and law. For more than 60 years, GRE scores have been used by admissions and fellowship panels at thousands of graduate programs across the world to supplement an applicant’s undergraduate grades and other qualifications for graduate study.  

Most graduate programs would have a prerequisite GRE score to get into the masters in life sciences. But a few universities skip GRE scores for admission to their graduate programs. The reason given for that varies, but most attribute this to the fact that since a significant chunk of graduate students are working professionals and work full-time and do not have the time to prepare for the GRE, the combination of work experience and undergraduate GPA covers for grading them for graduate admission. Also, since both asynchronous and synchronous online courses do not have a cap on the intake of students, universities have become far more open to students interested in pursuing higher studies. 

Below are a few masters of life sciences program examples of such programs: 

1. Master of Public Health (MPH) – Harvard University
2. Masters in health care management (MHCM) – Harvard University  
3. Master of Science in Biotechnology – Georgetown University 

Some experienced hands in the life sciences domain would benefit from a fast-track master’s in life sciences online program. But these programs are very rigorous and fast-paced and hence not for someone unfamiliar with the discipline. These accelerated programs are like the 1-year MBA degrees, discussed more in detail here. 

An accelerated master’s program lets high-achieving students earn graduate credits while still pursuing an undergraduate course. This enables them to complete their master’s program at a fast pace. But this is not for everyone and comes with its rigors. The advantages of such courses are manifold and listed below: 

• Earning your master’s degree online and in half the time. 
• Reducing costs in schooling and tuition. 
• Simplifying the graduate school research process.

But one would suggest that students should clearly understand what they are getting into before applying to accelerated programs.  

Education is indeed expensive, but there are platforms of education that are proliferating education for free. Though free, these courses are from the best faculties of the best universities. We look at a few of such courses: 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

• Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life: Learn the fundamentals of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA, genomics, and rational medicine to unlock the secrets of life. 
• Molecular Biology – Part 1: DNA Replication and Repair: A deep dive into DNA replication and repair to help you improve your scientific reasoning and experimental design skills. 
• Molecular Biology – Part 2: Transcription and Transposition: Strengthen one’s scientific thinking and experimental design skills in this adventure through transcription and transposition. 
• Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation: An in-depth look at the processing and translation of RNA. Improve your scientific reasoning and biological experiment design abilities. 

Harvard University 

• Quantitative Methods for Biology: Learn the fundamentals of MATLAB programming and data analysis, with applications in biology and medicine. 
• Cell Biology: Mitochondria: A human-centered approach to cell biology fundamentals with a focus on the cell’s power plants, mitochondria. 
• Malaria: Defeating Malaria from the Genes to the Globe: How can we eradicate malaria? Investigate cutting-edge research and technology, as well as the policies that will be required to control and eradicate malaria. 

According to the latest figures from the Federal Reserve, the average college debt among student loan borrowers is around $32,731, wherein most borrowers have debt between $25,000 and $50,000 outstanding loan. Looking at the data from 2015-16, that is an increase of about 20 percentage points. Hence, keeping in mind the amount of student debt, the cost of education these days, and the amount of debt that each student carries, it is of prime importance how you choose to fund your life sciences course fees. The smartest way to fund education is a scholarship. For further reference, students can refer to this link here for scholarships. 

It might happen that someone does not qualify for a scholarship; for such candidates, if they are working professionals, they can check with their employers to reimburse the tuition fee. Another way of funding an online life sciences master’s is to apply for a student loan. Students can also check if they are eligible for federal student aid. Here is a link to the FAFSA Application. 

A scholarship is a form of financial assistance given to a student based on academic accomplishment or other factors, such as the financial necessity for schooling. The two most common types of scholarships are merit-based and need-based scholarships. The donor or department funding the scholarship determines the criteria for recipient selection, and the grantor decides how the funds will be used. The funds are used to defray the costs of tuition, books, and other expenses directly tied to a student’s educational cost through the university.  

Academic achievement, departmental and community involvement, work experience, areas of study, and financial need are all factors taken into account when scholarships are awarded

Below are a few listed scholarships in the field of life sciences: 

Bart and Gesina Longnecker Endowed Scholarship in Biomedical Sciences 

The Bart and Gesina Longenecker Endowed Scholarship in Biomedical Sciences was established in July 2017 to provide a tuition scholarship to a full-time undergraduate student majoring in Biomedical Sciences at the College of Allied Health. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. 

Dr. Julio and Barbara Torrens Scholarship 

Dr. Julio and Barbara Torrens Scholarship was established in April 2015 by Dr. Julio and Barbara Torrens. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and enroll in 300/400 level courses. 

Patsy Capps-Covey Biomedical Sciences Scholarship in Allied Health 

This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a junior or senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who has demonstrated need, academic competence, and has participated in BMD extracurricular activities and/or service. 

Celia A. Wallace Endowed Scholarship in Allied Health 

The purpose of this scholarship, established in 2008 by Mrs. Celia A. Wallace, aims to provide financial assistance to a full-time student enrolled in one of the professional undergraduate or graduate programs in Allied Health. It will be used to recruit academically and/or gifted clinical students based on their pre-professional records. 

Dr. Richard E. Talbott Dean’s Endowed Scholarship 

The Dr. Richard E. Talbott Dean’s Endowed Scholarship was established in November 2010 by Dr. and Mrs. Richard E. Talbott. This scholarship provides financial assistance to a full-time graduate student majoring in the College of Allied Health Professions. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a minimum 1000 GRE score.  

Post a master’s in life sciences, one can delve into many roles in the life sciences field. This could vary from a lab technician’s position at the entry level to the CEO of a pharmaceutical company at the top of the hierarchy. Careers in life sciences are diverse and can apply to many industries. For example, life sciences scientists may work in agriculture and food science, conservation and environmental advocacy, or medicine and bioengineering. Since it is such a diverse field, those looking to start a career in life science have many options, including opportunities for remote or work-from-home jobs. 

Generally, to work in the core sciences domain, it is imperative to have a formal college education. But it is always a good practice to pursue membership and certification courses from a professional organization in the student’s field of study. Also, to practice the vocation of life sciences, there are no mandated federal or state licensing requirements.  

Below is a list of a few certificate courses that students may pursue post their online life sciences masters: 

1. Employment Acquisition Skills Boot Camp for Scientists: To help scientists identify and successfully transition into the careers they desire, the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) developed a program to help scientists hone and practice the skills needed to secure employment. AIBS’s Employment Acquisition Skills Boot Camp for Scientists is an intensive multi-day program that blends asynchronous modules, live lectures, and hands-on exercises. 
2. Professional Certificate Program in Biotechnology & Life Sciences: This certificate program intends to give biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry professionals the tools they need to take a more holistic approach to new and existing technologies in their firms. 
3. Professional Certificate in Data Analysis for Life Sciences: Students would learn Basic statistical concepts and R programming skills for analyzing data in the life sciences. The underlying math of linear models is helpful for data analysis in the life sciences. The techniques used to perform statistical inference on high-throughput and high-dimensional data. Several methods are widely used in the study of high-dimensional data. 
4. Certified Medical Device Compliance Professional: The Certified Medical Device Compliance Professional (CMDCP) program gives industry personnel the robust compliance training needed to advance their careers and satisfy regulatory training requirements. This medical device compliance programs cover topics from quality and manufacturing concerns to product design, clinical trials, validation, and regulatory filings. 

Post an online life sciences master, life sciences professionals can further their careers and keep being relevant in this fast-paced industry by becoming members and accrediting themselves with a professional organization in the field of practice.   

Professional life sciences associations, apart from being a body that assists in developing and distributing knowledge, aid with keeping their members informed about the newest developments and innovations. Accreditation is another vital function of associations, helping professionals enhance and prove their capabilities.  

Life sciences professional organizations and associations also host their meetings and conferences, discussing and brainstorming critical areas of the study and deliberating on new methodologies disrupting the sector. They offer an opportunity to network, share research, and discover the latest methods and applications at national or global conferences. We look at a few of such organizations below: 

1. American Society for Cell Biology In 1961, the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) was created to bring together all aspects of cell biology. Now representing more than 11,000 members, the Society’s objective is to provide for the exchange of scientific knowledge in cell biology. 
2. American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) AIBS a non-profit public charity organization that advances the biological sciences to benefit all science and society. It works with like-minded organizations, funding agencies, and political entities to promote the use of science to inform decision-making. 
3. Botanical Society of America (BSA) The Botanical Society of America (BSA) aims to “advance botany, the branch of basic science concerned with the study and research into the form, function, development, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and applications of plants and their interactions within the biosphere.” 
4. American Fern Society The American Fern Society was established in 1893 to foster interest in ferns and lycophytes or pteridophytes. The American Fern Society is one of the world’s largest international fern clubs, with over 500 members worldwide. 
5. American Society of Parasitologists The American Society of Parasitologists, founded in 1924, is a varied association of roughly 700 experts from academia, industry, and government interested in studying and teaching parasitology. Members of the Society contribute to the advancement of parasitology as a discipline, as well as primary research in behavior, biochemistry, ecology, immunology, medicine, molecular biology, physiology, systematics, and other related topics.