The Master of Science in Medical Sciences is an eleven-month program that prepares students for advanced studies in professional health care programs such as medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, optometry, physician assistant, podiatry, and the medical industry. 

The program is offered in a consortial agreement with Ponce Health Science University-St. Louis (and Ponce, PR), a locally and institutionally accredited university through Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits M.D.-granting programs in the United States. A unique pedagogy of recorded lectures, in-class active learning, and structured formative assessments coupled to strong data analytics packages that tailor study for individual student development, similar to the first year of medical school at PHSU, and prepares students for future study. Strong academic and pre-professional advising is integrated into the program.

The program is an intense, full-time academic experience. Students are strongly advised not to have outside employment during the 11 months of this program in order to meet the rigorous requirements of a first-year medical school curriculum.

Program Outcomes

• Knowledge: Students will demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving medical sciences in relation to the following content areas: Anatomy, Embryology, Biochemistry, Histology, Microbiology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Community Medicine, Medical Imaging, and Ethics.
• Knowledge: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of medical sciences to critically evaluate primary research literature.
• Professionalism: Students will demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and to abide by ethical principles that are informed by a Christian worldview.
• Professionalism: Students will demonstrate honesty, integrity and respectful behavior in all research, courses and career training activities.
• Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate interpersonal skills and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information.

Admission Requirements

The M.S. degree program in Medical Sciences will consider applicants who:

• Meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
• Submit official evaluations of foreign transcripts from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organization, an Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) member organization, or Commission on Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International.
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited (or internationally recognized as equivalent) institution. 
• Have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale on the highest degree completed.
• Have completed college-level subject matter prerequisites from institutionally accredited U.S. higher education institutions with a B- as lowest grade in any of the required courses.
  • ​Required prerequisites:
    • Biology - 8 credits with lab (taken within the last five years)
    • Psychology - 3 credits
    • General Chemistry - 8 credits with lab (taken within the last five years)
    • Organic Chemistry - 8 credits with lab (taken within the last five years) - Or - One semester of Organic Chemistry plus one semester of Biochemistry
    • Statistics - 3 credits
  • Recommended prerequisites:
    • Physics - 8 credits with lab (taken within the last five years)
    • College Algebra or Calculus - 3 credits
• TOEFL examination score report is required of all international applicants and all applicants whose primary language is not English. A minimum score of 95 on the internet-based test, 26 on the speaking test, or 10 on the Essentials test is required.
• Submit three references, preferably from a STEM faculty member, pre-health committee, and/or health care provider.
• Submit a written Statement of Purpose.
• Submit a resume that includes prior education and work experience.  
• Interview with program faculty.

Students who have not achieved the minimum GPA, grade standards, or other assessment criteria may still apply to be considered for provisional acceptance. See Admission Categories.

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All courses in the program must be taken for credit at Bethel. A grade of B or better is required for all courses.