Master’s in Medical Science Program Guide
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- Medical science master’s programs strengthen medical knowledge and skills.
- Graduates pursue careers in medical research, public health, and health informatics.
- A master of medical science degree can also help strengthen your med school application.
The healthcare industry continues to grow. And a master of medical science degree can prepare you for in-demand roles in the field.
During a master’s program in medical science (MSMS), you’ll expand your medical knowledge while developing analytical and research skills. Your degree can lead to opportunities in medical laboratories, research facilities, and healthcare organizations.
An MSMS degree is also a great way to prepare for medical school or other professional health programs. Learn where a master of science in medical sciences can take you with our program guide.
What Is a Master’s in Medical Science Degree?
A master of science in medical sciences (MSMS) provides graduate-level training in human anatomy, biomedical science, and medical research. Similarly to a master’s in health science, an MSMS offers specialized training for professional and research careers in healthcare. However, a medical science program emphasizes the scientific study of medicine.
You can prepare for careers as a medical scientist, microbiologist, clinical researcher, or health educator with this degree. An MSMS program can also help you polish your resume and application for med school, particularly if you want to add medical classes to your transcripts or raise your GPA.
Some programs design their curriculum to prepare graduates for health professional schools, including dental, physician assistant, and physical therapist programs.
Pros and Cons of an MSMS Degree
Pros
Increased earning potential
A master’s often translates into a higher salary.New career opportunities
You’ll qualify for advanced roles in public health, health education, and medical research.Prepare for medical school
An MSMS can polish your resume for medical school.Specialization options
Many MSMS programs allow you to specialize in a focus area.
Cons
Program cost
The total cost of a master’s can outweigh the earning potential.Time investment
MSMS programs take 1-3 years.Career training
You may need additional education for several healthcare career paths.
How Long Does a Master’s in Medical Science Program Take?
Most traditional master’s programs take about two years, on average, of full-time study to complete. However, you may be able to earn your MSMS quicker through an accelerated program. These programs condense coursework, often allowing you to complete your degree requirements in a year or less.
MSMS Degree Program Info
Average Length of Time
11 mths to 3 yrs*
Required Course Credits
30-42 credits
Featured Online Medical Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Will I Learn in a Master’s in Medical Science Program?
Graduate programs in medical science cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, health informatics, and public health. During a master’s in medical science, you’ll strengthen your medical knowledge and research skills. Depending on the program, you may complete a research project or clinical requirements.
While earning your master of medical science degree, you’ll focus your studies with a specialization. Specialized coursework prepares you for focused career paths after earning your degree.
Master’s in Medical Science Specializations
Many master’s programs in medical science offer specializations to customize your degree. Common options include public health, molecular medicine, and health informatics. Explore popular specializations to find the best match for your interests and professional goals.
Public Health (Epidemiology)
A public health specialization emphasizes community health, biostatistics, and epidemiological experiments. You examine disease risk factors and preventative healthcare. The concentration leads to opportunities as a public health professional or epidemiologist.Molecular Medicine
During a molecular medicine concentration, you’ll explore the biomedical sciences, with an emphasis on research, therapeutics, and vaccines. Graduates pursue careers as diagnostic molecular scientists, researchers, and biomedical scientists.Health Informatics
A health informatics specialization emphasizes health information systems and data management in the medical sciences. Graduates pursue careers as clinical analysts, health informatics managers, and medical science specialists.Medical Education
An MSMS in medical education emphasizes health education. You explore education technology, empirical research on educational strategies, and learning theory. Graduates work as health education specialists, instructors, and researchers.
Master’s in Medical Science Program Courses
The courses you’ll take during a master of medical science degree will vary depending on the program and your specialization area. However, many MSMS programs include these common courses:
- Human Anatomy: You examine human anatomy from the perspective of healthcare providers, including clinical imaging techniques and clinical procedures. The course prepares you for medical science careers.
- Physiology: This course surveys physiological functions, the role of organ systems, and the maintenance of homeostasis. You also learn about disease conditions and physiology.
- Cellular Biology: You examine cellular function and organization. Topics include cell signaling, cell division, and cellular structure. The course may also cover disorders that alter the functions of cells.
- Human Pathology: You explore core principles of human pathology, including pathological analysis, diagnostic testing, and components of disease such as inflammation and tissue adaptation.
- Biostatistics: You’ll develop their statistical analysis and reasoning skills, with a focus on clinical trials. The course covers clinical research, population-based research, and public health applications.
How to Get into a Medical Science Graduate Program
Universities that offer a master of science in medical sciences typically require an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA. You may also need to complete prerequisite courses in biology and chemistry. While you don’t need a specific major to get into MSMS programs, make sure you meet any prerequisite course requirements.
Master’s in medical science programs may also require:
Letters of recommendation- Personal statements
- Standardized tests such as the MCAT, DAT, or GRE
- Prerequisite math and science courses
Check out our graduate admissions guide for more information.
Featured Online Medical Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Medical Science?
A master’s in medical science can lead to many health science careers, including in public health, clinical research, and health informatics. You’ll also gain valuable skills for careers as a health educator, medical writer, or medical science liaison.
Many students earn a master’s in medical science to prepare for medical school or other doctoral programs in healthcare. Graduate-level coursework in medical science can help pursue a career as a physician, dentist, physical therapist, or other healthcare professional.
8 Medical Science Careers
- Public Health Official
- Epidemiologist*
- Biostatistician
- Clinical Research Associate
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Health Education Specialist
- Medical or Health Science Writer
- Medical Science Liaison
How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s in Medical Science Degree?
An MSMS can increase your earning potential and open up new career opportunities. With a master’s, you may qualify to work as a medical scientist. These professionals saw a median pay of $99,930 in 2022, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. However, many employers prefer you hold a Ph.D. or medical degree for this position.
You can also pursue opportunities in public health, health informatics, or microbiology. Your earning potential with a master’s in medical science depends on your specialization and industry. For example, microbiologists working in the federal government report a median annual pay of $119,500 (BLS, May 2022).
Medical Science Career Salaries
Epidemiologist
$78,520
Biostatistician
$99,960
Health Informatics Specialist
$102,240
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Medical Science Programs
The cost of a master of medical science degree varies greatly depending on the program. At the University of South Florida, tuition ranges from $431 per credit for Florida residents to $877 per credit for out-of-state students. Liberty University charges $565 per credit for full-time learners, while Lasell University costs $750 per credit.
In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for fees, textbooks, and other expenses. While master of science programs report a median tuition cost of $12,800, total costs exceed $30,000.
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