Petit Family Foundation joins Central in Building a Healthier Tomorrow
Interested in a career in human health or in biomedical research?
The Biomolecular sciences department offers student-centered classes and experiences that will prepare you for a success!
Graduates of our programs go directly into careers in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. Many Central Biomolecular Science students further their education in medicine (MD, DO, PA), dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, or move on to accelerated nursing programs. Continued study of biomolecular science at the master’s level or in Ph.D. programs are also popular outcomes for our students.
Advising and career planning is built into our curriculum! In your courses, you will work with faculty to plan your course schedule, develop resumes, and write a personal statement. Central BMS alumni will visit your classes to discuss careers and network. You will meet admissions professionals from graduate programs in health and biomedical research fields.
Curriculum
Courses in our department provide the foundation needed for careers in research and health professions. At the core of the program is molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology, with further offerings in developmental biology, anatomy and physiology, and immunology. Special topics courses expose students to the latest research and advances in biomedical science.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Sciences (BS)
Select one of our specialized program options for guided pathways to research and medical careers.
Program Options
General Program
Designed for students interested in learning the molecular and cellular foundations of biology, while exploring career options in biomedical sciences. This program offers flexibility in course selection, allowing students to tailor their degree to their specific interests. Students graduate prepared for direct entry into careers in biomedical research or for continued study in graduate or professional health programs.
BMS for Medical Careers
Students in this specialization receive a rigorous foundation in the biomedical sciences, ensuring students complete key prerequisites while gaining a deep understanding of cellular, molecular, and physiological processes relevant to healthcare professions.
BMS for Research
Designed for students interested in laboratory-based biomedical research, whether entering the workforce directly or continuing on to master’s or doctoral programs. Students develop research skills through intensive hands-on laboratory training, multi-semester, faculty-mentored research projects, and critical analysis of the current scientific literature.
Graduate Programs
Masters in Biomolecular Sciences (MS)
Engage in advanced study in cell and molecular biology through coursework informed by current research and faculty expertise. The curriculum includes core molecular biology courses, rotating special topics reflecting active research areas such as genomics, stem cell biology, vaccine development, and regeneration, and electives in related biomedical sciences including human physiology, epidemiology, and global health. Students also gain hands-on experience in molecular techniques and experimental design.
Official Certificate Program in Pre-Health Studies
Central’s Pre-Health Studies Official Certificate Program (OCP) is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate background does not meet requirements for admission to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.
Experiences
Learning at Central extends beyond the classroom. Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities!
Research (required): As a BMS major, you will engage in research with BMS faculty. Student research is a high impact experience that enhances understanding of molecular biology, provides hands-on experience with in-demand techniques, and provides each student with a faculty mentor.
Conferences: Each year students in our department present their work as talks and posters in our department seminars, as part of Central's University Research and Creative Activity Day (URCAD), and at regional and national meetings.
Student Clubs: Popular campus clubs for BMS majors are the Biology/BMS club and the Pre-Health Society. These are great opportunities to build community with BMS peers and gain leadership experience.
Outreach: BMS students lead classroom and research experiences for local middle and high school students. Inspire the next generation of scientists!
Alumni Testimonials
“Being in BMS provided me the confidence, skills, network, and most importantly education to feel comfortable transitioning to graduate school and being to keep up with the academic rigor. All faculty are supportive for students and always readily available to guide you in any of the direction you decide to use your degree, which is limitless.“
- Daniella Dennis, MD, Class of 2018, Emergency Medicine Resident Physician
“I’m a strong believer that regardless of the field you decide to go into, the BMS degree will prepare you and equip you with the mind-set and the skills you need to enter it. It’s a small program, but it’s a high-quality program. The professors truly care about you and developing you into the best scientist, physician, PA, you can be."
- Mohammed Ahsan, Class of 2021, Physician Assistant
“The Biomolecular Sciences program helped me develop critical skills, through research experiences and in-depth classroom discussions, I still use every day.”
- Dusan Etienne Class of 2019 (BS), 2020 (MS), Director of Quality at American Cell Technology, PhD student