Program Overview

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Medical Sciences, M.S.

The Master of Science in Medical Sciences program at Saint Louis University is designed to help graduates improve their application to medical school or other health profession programs. This rigorous one-year master's degree mirrors the structure of the first year of medical school, with a focus on active learning to prepare students for the level of rigor they will encounter in medical school.

Overview

The program is tailored for students interested in obtaining admission to medical school, with the goal of enhancing their application and preparing them for the challenges of medical education. Students take courses alongside SLU medical students for much of the program, and the School of Medicine offers a guaranteed interview for Medical Sciences, M.S. students who meet certain criteria and apply to the School of Medicine.

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Science in Medical Sciences curriculum includes the following courses:

• Human Gross Anatomy
• Molecular Foundations in Medicine
• Human Histology and Ultrastructure
• Human Embryology
• Human Systems Neurobiology
• Human Systems Physiology
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Introduction to Pathology
• Principles of Immunology
• Masters Capstone

Field and Research Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to engage in service, research, or clinical shadowing experiences tailored to their interests and needs. While participation in these activities is not required to complete the master's program, community service is necessary to qualify for the guaranteed interview with the School of Medicine.

Careers

The program primarily prepares students for application to medical school but may also prepare them for entry into other health-profession schools, such as nursing, physician assistant, and dentistry programs. Graduates who do not pursue a career in health professions may explore graduate Ph.D. studies or careers in biomedical sciences, education, or the private sector.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Overall Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or science GPA of 2.8
• Official transcripts
• Minimum MCAT 495 or a minimum GRE score of 40th percentile (for students not interested in pursuing admission to M.D. or D.O. schools)
• Demonstrated clinical and volunteer experiences
• 1 letter of recommendation
• Successful completion of all prerequisite courses required by SLU School of Medicine for admission

Tuition

The tuition fees for the program are as follows:

• Summer Tuition: $7,050
• Summer Technology Fee: $500
• Summer Gross Anatomy Fee: $450
• Fall Tuition: $14,535
• Fall University Fee: $435
• Fall Student Government Fee: $30
• Spring Tuition: $14,535
• Spring University Fee: $435
• Spring Student Government Fee: $30

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Describe prenatal human development with an emphasis on the correlation of normal embryological development with common congenital malformations.
2. Identify and describe the microscopic and ultrastructural features of the human body with an emphasis on clinical application of the structure and function of tissues and organs.
3. Describe the physiological principles and mechanisms of the human body with an emphasis on normal function and key homeostatic processes within cells, tissues, and organ systems.
4. Identify and describe the normal structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on anatomical relationships and clinical significance.
5. Identify and describe the structure and function of the human nervous system with an emphasis on functional neuroanatomical systems, concepts of key neurobiological processes, and correlation of clinical presentation with nervous system lesions.
6. Describe the pathophysiological basis for disease processes commonly encountered in clinical medicine.
7. Describe basic concepts related to medical epidemiology, statistics, and the role of evidence from research in clinical medical practice.

Course List

The program consists of the following courses:

• ANAT 5010: Human Gross Anatomy (5 credits)
• ANAT 5100: Human Histology and Ultrastructure (5 credits)
• ANAT 5200: Human Embryology (2 credits)
• ANAT 5300: Human Systems Neurobiology (5 credits)
• ANAT 5400: Human Systems Physiology (4 credits)
• MED 5100: Molecular Foundations in Medicine (2 credits)
• MED 5110: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (1 credit)
• MED 5140: Introduction to Pathology (2 credits)
• MED 5150: Principles of Immunology (1 credit)
• MED 5960: Master's Capstone (3 credits)

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmap

The recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for the program is as follows:

• Summer: ANAT 5010 (Human Gross Anatomy), MED 5100 (Molecular Foundations in Medicine)
• Fall: ANAT 5100 (Human Histology and Ultrastructure), ANAT 5200 (Human Embryology), ANAT 5400 (Human Systems Physiology), MED 5110 (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), MED 5140 (Introduction to Pathology)
• Spring: ANAT 5300 (Human Systems Neurobiology), MED 5150 (Principles of Immunology), MED 5960 (Master's Capstone)

This roadmap assumes full-time enrollment and is subject to change based on requirements, course availability, and sequencing. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester to ensure they are on track to graduate.