Offered by: Medical Science Program
Program Director: Raheleh Khorsan, PhD
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. Students may opt for one of three program schedule and delivery method combinations, each of which offers the same courses and degree:
11-month Blended: Students in the 11-month Blended program are expected to enroll for three consecutive terms including summer. Courses are offered Monday through Friday, generally in 5- to 6-hour blocks, through virtual interactive sessions delivered on-campus by faculty via live video feed. Students physically attend all courses on SCU’s campus.
11-month Online: Students in the 11-month Online program are expected to enroll for 3 consecutive terms, including summer. Courses are offered Monday through Friday, generally in 5- to 6-hour blocks, through virtual interactive sessions delivered online by faculty via live video feed.
20-month Online: Students enrolled in the 20-month Online program are expected to enroll for 5 consecutive terms, including summer. Courses are offered online Monday through Friday. Recorded lectures are consumed outside of class flexibly and on-demand, while the weekly synchronous class time is focused on student comprehension. One to two hours of scheduled class time are required per week with two date/time options to choose from.
Students receive frequent one-on-one faculty advising throughout the program, regardless of the model chosen. Students complete subject examinations by the National Board of Medical Examiners and must pass a Comprehensive Qualifying Examination.
- 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.
- Medical Knowledge: Explain the genetic, developmental, metabolic, toxic, microbiologic, autoimmune, neoplastic, degenerative, and traumatic causes of disease states and their pathogenesis.
- 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.
- Medical Knowledge: Interpret commonly used diagnostic studies and formulate appropriate management strategies in the care for virtual patients with common conditions.
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills when working with a team.
- Professionalism: Recognize ethical and legal dilemmas in biomedicine science and demonstrate commitment to ethical principles.
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 from Southern California University of Health Sciences, 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).
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. Exceptions to prerequisites requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that medical schools or other health professions programs may require additional courses as prerequisites to satisfy their admissions requirements; please refer to those programs for their admission prerequisites.
- 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): minimum of 8 semester hours (12 quarter units) of Physics, 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of Mathematics, and/or 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of Biochemistry.
- Test scores from one of the following standardized admissions tests is recommended but not required: MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, GRE, or VCAT.
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.
In addition to meeting the University’s policies related to transfer credit, the following transfer credit requirements apply to students in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences:
Students may receive transfer credit a maximum of 25% of the total program credit requirements.
*Courses identified as IPE are either taken with students from other programs, cover topics relevant to integrative healthcare, or are clinical courses offered in integrative healthcare settings.
All students take the Comprehensive Exam in their final term.
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