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Master of Science in Medical Sciences
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Program Overview
The Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program is one-year pre-professional master’s program designed to provide professional development, clinical exposure, and research foundations to prepare students for success in medical or dental school or careers in clinical research. The program contains didactic coursework at the graduate professional level, professional development sessions, clinical research training, and clinical exposures to form a complementary skill set to those that have been acquired at the undergraduate level. Graduates of this program will also be academically prepared to enter support positions related to clinical and translational research.
Application Timeline
Jul 1 – Apr 15
Learning Experience
Build your future in health care through graduate coursework, hands-on clinical experience, research training, and focused workshops that strengthen your academic foundation and career direction.
Curriculum
The general plan for the coursework for the program is laid out below. In addition, optional coursework may be made available to students in the program depending on availability and interest. In 2026-27, an MCAT Prep course will be added to the curriculum for credit.
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BSC720 | Fundamentals of Biochemistry & Molecular | 4 |
| BSC706 | Professional Development | 1 |
| BSC710 | Clinical Exposures | 1 |
| BSC700 | Histology | 4 |
| Core Clinical Research Training* | ||
| Semester Total | 10 | |
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BSC702 | Anatomy | 4 |
| PHBIO700 | Intro to Clinical Biostatistics | 3 |
| BSC708 | Grand Rounds | 1 |
| IP### | Interprofessional Course Elective | 1 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BSC714 | Oral Immunobiology | 4 |
| BSC716 | Medical Microbiology | 4 |
| MCR736 | Clinical Epidemiology | 3 |
| Semester Total |
11 | |
| Curriculum Total | 30 | |
* This is recommended, and a certificate is awarded upon completion. This is not available for academic credit.
Research Opportunities
While enrolled at MUSC, students may enroll in the Core Clinical Research Training course at no additional cost. The course provides foundational clinical research training and prepares study team members and research personnel to be effective in their jobs, confident in their understanding of clinical research policies and procedures and grow as research professionals at MUSC.
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Funding your path forward
Explore customized information on tuition, fees, scholarships, and federal aid to make your MUSC education more affordable, without providing specific cost breakdowns here.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $95 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $400 |
| Transfer Fee (one-time fee for students transferring from M.D. program) | $1,500 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
Tuition and Fee Schedule
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $7,475 | $7,475 | $7,475 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $9,948 | $9,948 | $9,948 | - |
| Histology Fee | - | - | $1,900 | - |
| MCAT Prep Exam Fee | - | - | $1,500 | - |
Cost of Attendance
| Item | Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $19,414 / $29,371 |
| Health Insurance | $4,591 |
| Fees | $3,775 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $27,780 / $37,737 |
| Indirect Costs | |
| Housing/Food | $27,144 |
| Personal | $2,880 |
| Transportation | $3,240 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $4,360 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $37,624 / $37,624 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $65,404 / $75,361 |
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.
Career Outlook
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Retrieved Aug 20, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov
Program Faculty
Laura Kasman, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs and Director of MSMS Program
Annamarie Dalton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Kern, Ph.D.
Professor
Cofactors that Interact with the Prrx Proteins; Biomechanical Engineering of the Temporal Mandibular Joint
Cofactors that Interact with the Prrx Proteins; Biomechanical Engineering of the Temporal Mandibular Joint
Frequently Asked Questions
The College of Graduate Studies at MUSC is unable to receive official scores. However, you may send your unofficial copies or score reports to oesadmis@musc.edu.
No. This program will not benefit individuals pursuing a PA program.
While this program provides some foundational understanding of research, we would recommend you taking a look at our Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program, which is a research intensive program.
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Guided by purpose & principles
Anchored in MUSC's commitment to trust, innovation, and student empowerment, the program fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical practice, and community impact from the very first day.
Objectives
The MSMS program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Strengthen academic readiness for admission to medical, dental, and related health sciences programs through graduate-level coursework
- Deepen their understanding of biomedical and clinical sciences fundamental to professional health sciences education
- Gain exposure to clinical and research settings that reinforce the connection between science and patient care
- Develop ethical judgment, professional integrity, and communication skills necessary for advanced study
- Build a strong, competitive academic profile that enhances acceptance into professional programs
Competencies
Upon completion of the MSMS program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of biomedical and clinical science concepts
- Apply critical reasoning and quantitative analysis to interpret scientific and clinical data
- Communicate effectively across academic, clinical, and professional contexts
- Exhibit professionalism, compassion, and integrity in collaborative learning environments
- Integrate academic, clinical, and ethical principles to advance toward professional health careers
Vision
To advance academic and professional readiness by empowering aspiring health professionals to bridge the gap between undergraduate study and success in medical, dental, and biomedical programs.
Mission
To deliver a rigorous, graduate-level curriculum that strengthens scientific knowledge, fosters professional growth, and cultivates ethical, compassionate leaders prepared to excel in advanced health sciences education.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories worth sharing
Stay updated on faculty and student achievements in clinical research through regular College of Graduate Studies news and spotlights, including groundbreaking discoveries and event highlights.
Accreditation & Recognition
The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences. To learn more about MUSC’s accreditation and find contact details, please visit our Accreditation page.