Program Description
The Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) is a 42-credit hour program designed for students interested in preparing for medical or other health professional schools or for students interested in establishing a strong foundation for associated careers.
The MSMS program provides students with a range of career pathways to terminal health science degrees, including MD, DO, Dental, PA, and Doctor of Pharmacy.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Medical Knowledge: Describe the normal structure and function of the body and of each of its major organ systems, as well as the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that are important in maintaining the body’s homeostasis.
2. Medical Knowledge: Explain the genetic, developmental, metabolic, toxic, microbiologic, autoimmune, neoplastic, degenerative, and traumatic causes of disease states and their pathogenesis.
3. Medical Knowledge: Identify epidemiological and other factors that place individuals at risk for disease or injury, select appropriate tests for detecting risks, and determine preventive strategies for responding appropriately.
4. Medical Knowledge: Interpret commonly used diagnostic studies and formulate appropriate management strategies in the care for virtual patients with common conditions.
5. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when working with a team.
6. Professionalism: Recognize ethical and legal dilemmas in biomedicine science and demonstrate commitment to ethical principles.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in Medical Science must meet the following minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet all standards may be admitted with the approval of the Program Director; exceptions are made on an individual basis.
· A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While applicants typically have degrees in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or other related fields, applicants with degrees in other fields of study will be considered.
· Undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions to the GPA requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis.
· 24 semester hours (36 quarter units) of life and physical science courses with a grade of C or higher
Prerequisite Courses
· Minimum of 8 semester hours (12 quarter units) of biology, such as general biology, physiology, anatomy, and either genetics or cell biology.
· Minimum of 8 semester hours (12 quarter units) of Chemistry.
· Minimum 8 semester hours (12 quarter units) of Organic Chemistry.
Recommended prerequisites (not required):
· 8 semester hours (12 quarter units) of Physics
· 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of Biochemistry.
· 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of Mathematics,
· Test scores from one of the following standardized admissions tests is recommended but not required: MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, GRE, or VCAT.
Completion of all required prerequisites with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Exceptions to these prerequisite requirements may also be considered individually. (Some medical schools or other health professions programs may require additional courses as prerequisites to satisfy their admissions requirements. Some medical or other health professional schools may require Physics I & II to satisfy their admissions requirements.)
Applicants from institutions that follow the quarter system will have their credits converted to the equivalent semester credit number for prerequisites.
Application Requirements
Applicants for the MSMS degree must submit the following:
· Completed application.
· Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
· In some circumstances, applicants may be asked to submit a 300-600 personal statement explaining reasons for pursuing the Master of Science in Medical Science, short-term and long-term career plans, and how background, previous experience, interest, and/or values, when combined with a Master of Science in Medical Science degree, will enable successful pursuit of these goals.
· In some circumstances, applicants may be asked to submit 1-2 professional or academic letter(s) of recommendation (i.e., employer, teacher, practicing medical professional).
Degree Completion Requirements
The Master of Science in Medical Science degree may be conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:
· Completed 42 credits of required coursework
· Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0*
· Successfully passed the comprehensive qualifying exam
· Completed all degree requirements within 5 years of matriculation
· Submitted a Petition to Graduate
*Please note: Students interested in pursuing a graduate level health professions degree may need a higher GPA than 2.0 to obtain acceptance into their program of choice.
Students must pass a Comprehensive Qualifying Examination that measures mastery of material covered throughout the program.
