Master of Biomedical Science (MBS)
Build Expertise. Unlock Opportunity.
The Master of Biomedical Science (MBS) program prepares graduates for careers in health care, veterinary medicine, government, as well as biomedical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic research. It also provides a strong foundation for those planning to continue into thesis-based graduate studies, medical or veterinary medical school, or other competitive professional programs. This one-year, coursework-based program delivers intensive graduate-level training without the requirement of a full thesis. The MBS allows students to customize their experience by selecting a field of study that aligns with their academic interests and career goals.
- Accelerated, flexible and career-focused
- Complete a master’s degree in just one year through a customizable coursework-based format that emphasizes practical learning.
- Hands-on learning pathways
- Gain practical experience through immersive, career-focused learning tailored to your goals.
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary learning
- Pursue research in cancer biology, regenerative medicine, toxicology, immunology, infectious diseases, clinical trials and more.
Program Overview and Admission Requirements
Program Start: Fall, Winter or Summer semester (some fields have restricted start times)
Domestic Application Deadlines: Fall—July 1; Winter—November 1; Summer—March 1
International Application Deadlines: Fall—March 1; Winter—July 1; Summer—November 1
Admission Requirements: An honours undergraduate degree in a relevant field with a minimum average of 73% (B) and an English language proficiency test, if applicable.
Duration: One year (three semesters)
Format: In-person
MBS Program
Description: Students complete their course requirements while collaborating with a faculty member on a research project or literature review.
Program Structure: One year (three semesters) with 4.0 credits total (3.0 elective credits + 1.0 BIOM*6900 Research Project in Biomedical Sciences).
Program Start: Students begin the program in the Fall, Winter or Summer semester. (Some fields have restricted start times).
Faculty Advisor: It is essential that students secure a faculty advisor before applying through OUAC. (The Biomedical Toxicology and Pharmacology and the Reproductive Biotechnology fields of study have specific requirements).
Further Studies: Students who develop a strong interest in research may transfer into the M.Sc. program to pursue a thesis-based degree with the support of their faculty advisor.
Career Pathways: Preparation for thesis-based graduate studies; careers in health care, pharmaceutical and industry sectors; entry into professional programs including MD, DDS, DVM, RN and PharmD.
How to Secure a Faculty Advisor
*This section only applies to the Research-Based option.
Students pursuing the Research-Based option must identify an advisor before applying through OUAC. Your application will only be considered with a confirmed faculty advisor. Advisors can be chosen from the Ontario Veterinary College's Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Pathobiology and Clinical Studies. Access the faculty list to become familiar with their fields of study and for their contact information.
When contacting faculty members, it is recommended to attach a current CV (resume), transcript and "Statement of Interest" (a one-page letter explaining your academic interests and career goals that motivate you to pursue graduate studies). Contact faculty members early as it will take time for this initial expression of interest to develop into a concrete plan for your studies.
Please ensure that you discuss the following items with your prospective advisor: nature of the project, in-person expectations and elective courses.
Fields of Study
Some of the popular fields of study in the MBS program are listed below.
- Cellular and Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
- Comparative Immunology and Infectious Diseases
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
- Veterinary Sciences
- Neurosciences
- Cancer Biology
- Biomedical Toxicology and Pharmacology*
- Reproductive Biotechnology*
*Students interested in the Biomedical Toxicology and Pharmacology or the Reproductive Biotechnology field of study must complete specific application requirements, listed below, before applying through OUAC.
Collaborative Specializations
Student Testimonials
The MBS program allowed me to develop advanced research skills in veterinary neuroscience while working with clinicians and mentors who genuinely support student success. It provided a clear path toward my career goals and gave me unique hands-on experience that I couldn’t have gained in any other graduate program.
The MBS program has helped bridge my goal of becoming a veterinarian with my passion for improving animal welfare through evidence-based research in pet nutrition. Its one-year structure allowed me to gain meaningful research experience while staying on track with my veterinary career path, making it a uniquely valuable and practical graduate program.
Contact Us
OVC Graduate Research and Programs Team: ovc.biomgrad@uoguelph.ca
MBS Program Coordinators:
Department of Biomedical Sciences:
Department of Clinical Studies:
Department of Pathobiology:
