Master of Science in Medical Science

What is SCU's Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program?

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.

Is this program right for me?

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.

How long does the program take, and what formats are offered?

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.

Is the MSMS program accredited?

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.

Will online show up on my transcript?

No. Your transcript lists only the course name, number, credits, and grade, regardless of format.

What are the admission requirements?

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.

Do I need to submit MCAT or other test scores?

No. MCAT, DAT, OAT, PCAT, GRE, or VCAT scores are recommended if you have them, but not required.

What if I'm missing a prerequisite or want to raise my GPA before applying?

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.

When are application deadlines, and how do I apply?

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.

Can I transfer credits into the MSMS program?

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.

Will my SCU graduate GPA replace my undergraduate GPA on my med school application?

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.

What's the difference between the MSMS and a post-baccalaureate program?

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.

How much does the MSMS program cost?

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.

What is SCU's Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee?

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.

What financial aid and scholarships are available?

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.

What courses will I take?

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.

Does completing the MSMS program guarantee medical school admission?

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.

What partner schools work with SCU's MSMS graduates?

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.

What outcomes do MSMS graduates typically see?

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.

What careers can I pursue after completing the MSMS?

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

Does SCU help with the medical school application process?

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.

What technology do I need for online classes?

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.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

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.

Is the program open to international students?

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.

What is the Post-MSMS Fellowship/Moderator Program?

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.

Who can I contact with more questions?

You can email Admissions@scuhs.edu or call 562-475-4604. You can also Request Information, or for financial aid, email FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.