Master of Science in Medical Science

Program of Study

The classes in the MSMS program mirror the curriculum of the first year of LCME-accredited medical school, so students can prepare for what’s next after graduation. This first year of learning is an excellent foundation for all students. Both full-time and part-time students follow the same curriculum, the only difference is the number of credits taken each term. Students receive frequent one-on-one faculty advising throughout the program, regardless of the model chosen.

Students will take a comprehensive exam at the end of select terms to help assess progress.  After completion of the program, students are additionally provided the NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessments (CBSSA). This exam gives our students an advantage by providing them with an evaluation of their readiness for the USMLE®.

Flexible Options

11-month Blended
The 11-month blended on-campus program utilizes multiple learning environments. Students participate in on-campus virtual synchronous instruction Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 am to 1:00 pm PT. During this time students have virtual lectures, self-directed learning time, examinations, and interwoven small group discussions.

11-month Online
The 11-month 100% online 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. Students are highly encouraged to refrain from full-time employment due to the rigorous format of the program. This program is designed for students who are aiming for clinical, not research, careers.

20-month Online
For students interested in flexible on-demand learning, this program can integrate with your schedule and classes can be taken from anywhere in the world. Students take the same curriculum, however, courses are spread over five terms instead of three for a flexible course load. 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.

Each Term At-A-Glance

11-month Blended and 100% Online

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.

Term 1 (18 credits)

  • Gross Anatomy, Embryology, and Imaging
  • Physiology
  • Medical Biochemistry I

Term 2 (18 credits)

  • Microbiology
  • Physiology II
  • Medical Biochemistry II
  • Neuroscience

Term 3 (6 credits)

  • Histology and Cell Biology
  • Medical Ethics
  • Health Disparities

20-month 100% Online

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.

Term 1 (6 credits)

  • Histology and Cell Biology
  • Medical Ethics
  • Health Disparities

Term 2 (9 credits)

  • Gross Anatomy, Embryology and Imaging

Term 3 (9 credits)

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology

Term 4 (10 credits)

  • Medical Biochemistry I
  • Medical Biochemistry II

Term 5 (8 credits)

  • Physiology I
  • Physiology II

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.

For full program information, view the catalog.