As an applied biomedical sciences major, you will be prepared for a broad range of employment and professional education opportunities in health care. The degree offers three options: Clinical Science, Medical Laboratory Science and Pre-Medical/Pre-Health.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BS

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What courses will you take?

The B.S. in Applied Biomedical Sciences begins with a robust core of basic and applied sciences courses in anatomy and physiology, physiological chemistry and basic clinical microbiology. You will also take multiple hands-on laboratory courses, including clinical chemistry, clinical hematology, clinical immunology and medical bacteriology.

At UMass Lowell, we offer three options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • Clinical Science (CS) Option — Gain work-ready knowledge and skills for employment in industry, academia and government in fields associated with diagnostics and biomedical research, as well as for graduate and professional degrees, including medicine and related fields (e.g., veterinary, dental, and physician assistant). All students pursuing the ABS degree begin their studies in this option.
    Courses for Clinical Science Option
  • Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Option — Graduate with approximately 450 hours of intensive experience in clinical laboratories, including those at top Boston hospitals. You will be prepared to work in hospital and free-standing clinical/diagnostic and forensic laboratories, as well as biotechnology companies. Students can apply to this option after at least one successful semester in the CS Option. Learn more about the two-step admission process.
    Courses for Medical Laboratory Science Option
  • Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Option — Choose this option if you want to apply to medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry chiropractic or physician assistant school. It includes the prerequisite courses necessary for successful health and medical school application. We provide a dedicated advisor who will guide you through the application process. 
    Courses for Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Option
Many students engage in collaborative learning with exercise physiology, nursing, nutrition and public health majors through the College’s Interprofessional Education Program (IPE).

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Applied Biomedical Sciences minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

    1. Apply analytical and critical thinking in trouble shooting laboratory instrumentation and procedures.
    2. Demonstrate leadership skills of accountability, delegation, education, and supervision.
    3. Clearly communicate scientific information both orally and in writing.
    4. Generate, analyze and present research results.
    5. Be admitted to and be successful in graduate/professional programs.
    6. Advance in their chosen fields.
    7. Work safely with potential chemical and biological hazards using the standards established in the workplace chemical hygiene plan, safety manual, and the blood-borne pathogen policy.

Why study applied biomedical sciences at UMass Lowell?

Two female researchers watch male researcher work with test tube in lab

Clinical Placements

The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Option has more than 20 clinical affiliate sites, including Boston hospitals, community hospitals and reference laboratories. Student-to-faculty ratios for undergraduate clinical placement do not exceed 2:1.

Microscope with multiple lenses and a slide

Advanced Facilities

Our student laboratories are equipped with the most current available technology in instrumentation, allowing you to work in simulated labs that prepare you for the real world.

Three students watch a researcher perform work in lab

Experiential Learning

Build career-ready skills through experiences outside the classroom, including:

  • Research in a faculty laboratory 
  • Co-ops and internships 
  • Paid work on campus 
  • Service learning 
  • Study abroad
A student wearing a white lab coat looks through a microscope in an applied biomedical sciences lab at UMass Lowell

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

  • Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
  • Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
  • Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

What can you do with a degree in applied biomedical sciences?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's Applied Biomedical Sciences degree program are prepared for careers in laboratory and research environments, including industry, government, medical diagnostics, forensics and more. Graduates are also equipped for graduate and professional degree programs in medicine and related fields.

Scientist holding a syringe and test tube in a laboratory

Nearly 100% of program graduates are successfully employed. Our alumni have worked at:

  • Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Boston Medical Center
  • Genzyme
  • Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
  • Lowell General Hospital
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Pfizer, Inc.
  • Winchester Hospital

Meet Our Students

Katie McGourty works in a lab
Katie McGourty '18, '19
Applied Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Katie McGourty took advantage of UML's Bachelor’s-to-Master’s program and completed her master’s in one year. She landed a job with Pfizer Inc. in the inflammation and immunology department before she graduated.

I decided to do the accelerated B.S.-M.S. program in pharmaceutical sciences because it was a cost-effective way to get my master’s in a growing field.
Read More About Katie McGourty 
Jessica Ross
Jessica Ross '22
Applied Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Science Option

Jessica Ross landed a job after graduation as a research associate in the gene therapy analytical development department at Sarepta Therapeutics.

All of my professors loved their jobs and were passionate about teaching, and it showed in the classroom and in their labs.
Read More About Jessica Ross 
Jennica Hamm studying on her laptop in the sitting area of Cumnock Hall.
Jennica Hamm '26
Applied Biomedical Sciences

Jennica Hamm was mentored and is now a mentor herself, helping first-year students get acclimated to campus and academic life.

Read More About Jennica Hamm 
Thavaleak Prum works with lab equipment in an Applied Biomedical Sciences laboratory at UMass Lowell.
Thavaleak Prum ’14, ’24
Applied Biomedical Sciences

Thavaleak Prum came to UML to pursue her dream of transforming people’s lives through research.

The courses challenge me, but the support from my professors and the hands-on laboratory experience was like a key unlocking the very in-depth knowledge taught in the classroom.
Read More About Thavaleak Prum 
UMass Lowell student Edward Judge sits at a desk.
EJ Judge ’19, ’21
Applied Biomedical Sciences, Master of Public Health

EJ Judge received his Master of Public Health degree during the pandemic, which provided real-world opportunities to learn what epidemiology is all about.

I wanted to get into a field where I could help people. I was supported by professors who quickly became mentors.
Read More About EJ Judge