Master of Science in Medical Science
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
The MSMS is a post-baccalaureate program that mirrors the first year of an LCME-accredited medical school, covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and neuroscience at the same pace and rigor. You get one-on-one faculty advising and USMLE-style assessments along the way. Read more on the Program Overview page, or see how it worked for one recent graduate in SCU’s MSMS Program Provides Strong Foundation for Aspiring Medical School Students.
The MSMS suits applicants who’ve already completed their science prerequisites and want a strong, separate graduate GPA to show admissions committees they can handle rigorous coursework, whether you’re reapplying, raising a borderline GPA, or testing yourself before medical school. Our MSMS Acceptance Rate article breaks down what makes a competitive applicant.
Full-time students finish in 11 months (3 terms); part-time students take the same curriculum over 20 months (5 terms). Both tracks are currently 100% online with live, faculty-led classes. See the Program Details page for the term-by-term breakdown.
Yes, by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same body that accredits UCLA, USC, and Stanford. Read more on the Accreditation and Affiliations page.
Admissions and Prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA . You’ll also need 24 semester hours of science coursework with a C or better, including at least:
- 8 semester hours of biology
- 8 semester hours of general chemistry
- 8 semester hours of organic chemistry
You can view the full details on the Admissions Requirements page.
No. MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, GRE, or VCAT scores are recommended if you have them, but not required.
SCU’s Accelerated Science courses let you complete a missing prerequisite, or add a stronger grade, in as little as five weeks, and they’re prequalified for guaranteed admission into MSMS. See our courses on the Accelerated Sciences page for current offerings for GPA-specific strategies.
SCU admits on a rolling basis with multiple start dates, so there’s no single deadline, but apply 3 to 6 months before your intended start so your file can be reviewed in time.
Transfer credit is evaluated case by case against required MSMS courses. You can contact our Admissions team at Admissions@scuhs.edu to get your questions answered.
No. AMCAS and similar services calculate your undergraduate and graduate GPAs separately, so MSMS coursework adds a new graduate GPA rather than overwriting your undergraduate record, giving committees fresh evidence you can handle medical school level work.
Post-baccalaureate programs generally suit students who still need their first pre-med science prerequisites. The MSMS is a graduate program for students who’ve already completed prerequisites and want a separate, medical-school-level GPA. An admissions advisor can help you figure out which fits your transcript.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Total tuition is a fixed rate across either 3 terms (full-time) or 5 terms (part-time), plus program fees and a graduation fee. Since rates are reviewed annually, the current term-by-term breakdown and estimated cost of attendance are always updated on the Tuition and Scholarships page.
Your per-term tuition is locked in for your program’s standard length, so you can plan without a mid-program price increase. See details on our Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page.
Federal Title IV loans, private financing, and merit-based scholarships, including awards for incoming students with a 3.5+ GPA and for students actively strengthening a prior professional program application. See current SCU scholarships.
Curriculum and Outcomes
A first-year medical school curriculum, including:
- Gross Anatomy, Embryology, and Imaging
- Medical Biochemistry I and II
- Physiology I and II
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Histology and Cell Biology
- Medical Ethics
- Health Disparities
You’ll also take comprehensive exams and receive the NBME CBSSA near graduation to gauge USMLE readiness. View the full plan on our Program Details page.
No program can guarantee admission, since decisions rest with each school’s committee. SCU’s partner schools offer guaranteed interviews (and in some cases guaranteed admission or scholarships) for MSMS graduates who meet specific GPA benchmarks.
SCU has pathways with the following schools, each offering its own guaranteed interview, admission, or scholarship benefit based on GPA:
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
- A.T. Still University of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-SOMA)
- Ponce Health Sciences University
- Ross University School of Medicine
- American University of Antigua
- Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
View full details on Partner Medical Schools.
Based on institutional data, MSMS graduates have a 93% first-time board pass rate and an 89% residency match rate, and 82% go on to their preferred medical school or healthcare path.
Careers and professional degrees for MSMS graduates include:
- Medicine (MD, DO)
- Dentistry (DDS, DMD)
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Nursing (MSN, DNP)
- Physical or Occupational Therapy
- Public health, biomedical sciences, and more
Yes. Students in good standing receive a committee letter of recommendation, individualized advising, and hands-on help with applications to medical, dental, PA, veterinary, pharmacy, and other health professional programs.
Student Experience
A laptop meeting SCU’s minimum specifications, a webcam, microphone, reliable high-speed internet, and a required iClicker subscription. Specs are updated periodically, so check technology requirements before buying or upgrading a device.
It’s possible, but full-time employment is discouraged, especially in the 11-month track, given how closely it mirrors an actual first year of medical school. The 20-month track offers more flexibility with a lighter weekly schedule.
Yes. You’ll need a transcript evaluation from a NACES-approved service and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent), and SCU’s International Student Services office can help with any additional steps. See our International Students Admissions page.
A competitive, part-time, 11-month fellowship for MSMS students completing their program. Fellows serve as Moderators, supporting current students while gaining teaching, research, and mentorship experience, often through SCU’s partnership with the RAND Center. Learn more on the Fellowship/Moderator Program page.
You can email Admissions@scuhs.edu or call 562-475-4604. You can also Request Information, or for financial aid, email FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.