The Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences (MS) program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, aims to teach individuals to translate scientific research into medical products useful to the world at large. It emphasizes specific training in translational and clinical research skills and a deep understanding of the context within which medical science is translated for societal benefit, including management skills.

Graduates are uniquely positioned to excel in a variety of careers addressing the critical and managerial needs in research and development of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinical and academic laboratories. As the program combines rigorous graduate-level courses with a yearlong biomedical or clinical research projects, it can also be a stepping stone to doctoral degrees (MD/DO, PhD, PharmD, etc.).

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Program Quick Facts

Fact
Details
Program length
It takes four semesters (two years) to complete the MS program.
Full or part-time program
The MS program is a full-time program with classes during the day.
Online or in-person classes
All classes are done in-person along with lab work essential for learning.
Program concentrations
The MS program offers concentrations that cover a wide breath of interests individually tailored to health and industry-oriented students.
Capstone requirements
12.0 credits of a capstone—whether a research thesis or Team Master’s Project—are required.

MS Program Details

  • The Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences program is flexible to your interests—whether it be in healthcare, research, or industry. There is a wide range of professional development opportunities for students, including industry speakers, thesis-writing workshops, and shadowing. Additionally, the curriculum is centered on core tenets for healthcare and the applied life sciences.

  • Students focus their studies in the MS program further by choosing one of seven concentrations:

    • Translational Research Thesis
    • Clinical Research Thesis
    • Community Medicine Concentration
    • Public Health Research Thesis
    • Infectious Diseases Research Thesis
    • Bioprocessing Research Concentration
    • Team Master’s Project

    Learn more.

  • Here are the top occupations for KGI graduates from the MS program:

    • Professional schools (MD, DO, dentistry, etc.)
    • Research and development
    • Medical and health services
    • Natural sciences managers
    • Clinical research coordinators
    • Technical writers
    • Clinical manager
    • Clinical trial manager
    • Medical writer
    • Medical science liaison
    • Clinical operations manager

  • Students who plan to continue into professional schools (MD, DO, dentistry, etc.), PhD programs, or those who are interested in academic or clinical research, as well as research and development within industry.

  • Science and research skills—students learn to:

    • Perform hypothesis-driven research
    • Evaluate research design and methodology, and analyze and report data results
    • Assess the literature, identify knowledge gaps, and convey findings to the scientific community
    • Translate scientific discoveries into products that benefit society

    Communication and teamwork—students learn to:

    • Communicate effectively in an industry environment composed of scientists, engineers, and business professionals
    • Contribute productively to an interdisciplinary team tackling complex problems

    Ethics—students learn to:

    • Adhere to ethical principles in research, development, and business issues inherent in the bioscience industries

Students Share Their Love for KGI While Supporting and Inspiring Future Students in the Admissions Ambassador Program

The Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) experience can be life-changing for many students. Some students channel their appreciation into becoming passionate advocates for the school through the KGI Admissions Ambassador Program. The […]

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For MS Student Ivan Vegar—Music Producer and Aspiring Physician—Music is Medicine for the Soul

For Ivan Vegar—a student in Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)’s Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences (MS) and Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate (PPC) programs, aspiring physician, and music producer—music shares several parallels with medicine.  “Every […]

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First-Generation Vietnamese American Jessica Dao Dedicated to Service and Paying It Forward Through Medicine

For Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) student Jessica Ngoc Dao, PPC ’22, MS ’23, there is not one single factor that inspired her to pursue a career in medicine but rather […]

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After an Unusual Initiation into Healthcare, MS Student Vanessa Garcia’s Passion for the Field Continues to Expand

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) student Vanessa Garcia, PPA ’22, MS ’23, had an unexpected introduction to the world of healthcare. When she was 10 years old, she was helping her […]

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Day in the Life of a Master of Science Student

"The MS translational research concentration helped me grow as a student and researcher. I enhanced my research skills which allowed me to apply to various research jobs in industry and academia. I also believe that the courses that we take during this program have enhanced my academic abilities and have prepared me for medical school."
Prema Vyas
MS Student, Translational Thesis
2019

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