What is a Master of Medical Science?

master of medical science

A Master of Medical Science degree prepares med students to become competent physicians and helps them build compelling medical school applications. These programs promote the personal and professional development of students by providing the skills needed for future success in medical school. Master of Medical Science degree programs are different because they are generally student-centered and not driven by the competitive outperforming of classmates.

Program Goals

These programs provide students with a high quality educational experience and access to experienced medical faculty. Students are provided with support and guidance upon entry in to the program, through graduation and until the student’s medical school application is successfully submitted. Most programs provide entry into a professional advisory committee that sends letters of recommendation in support of student’s candidacy.

Medical science graduate degree programs foster a supportive and collaborative community that encourages students to help each other learn through tutoring, group study and information exchange. Students are provided access to local clinics and hospitals, so they have opportunities to work with real patients and under served populations, which sensitizes them to insurance and social justice issues. Weekly workshops enhance students’ understanding of individual medical schools and application processes.

Core Curricula

Classes require a high level of scholastic endeavor, personal initiative and independent inquiry. There are classes in medical ethics and literature, which exposes students to clinical research and provides students with an overview of current issues in medical ethics. Studying developmental biology will include advanced topics like cell interactions, pattern formations and developmental genetics.

Human anatomy and physiology courses examine the human organism from a physiological perspective. Students learn about the integrated functionality of the renal, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Advanced biochemistry focuses on the concepts and principles of molecular reactions and pathways that sustain life. Classes on immunology introduce students to immunological functions and manipulations of the immune system.

Admission Eligibility

Anyone who applies to a medical science graduate degree programs is expected to already be good candidates for admission to medical school. This means that all medical school prerequisites must be completed. This means one year completed in the following subjects: physics, calculus, biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry. Most applicants are encouraged to have completed an undergraduate minor in one of the natural sciences.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is generally required and those who fall below will not be accepted. An old MCAT score of 25 and a new MCAT score of 500 is generally required. Students who have already applied to medical school must submit official copies of their AMCAS, TMDSAS or AACOMAS application. Students will most likely be asked to submit a detailed resume, which includes teaching, leadership and research experience, as well as a personal statement that conveys the student’s motivation for becoming a physician. A statement of purpose that explains the student’s career goals and why they are a good fit the program may be required.

A Master of Medical Science allows students to capitalize on their strengths as they build their medical school credentials. Graduates will demonstrate to medical schools that they can succeed in rigorous medical courses and meet the demands of medical schools by completing the program

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