Department Chair: Dale Connally
Program Director: Jacob Brewer

The Master of Science (MS) program in Medical Science is a specialized master’s program designed to prepare graduates to pursue further academic training in medicine, dentistry, other professional health schools, completing a rigorous combination of multidisciplinary courses.  The MS Medical Science program is designed to elevate student’s qualifications for professional programs.

Admission Requirements

Students may have a bachelor’s degree in any field but must include typical science courses. A strong science background is encouraged. The program will not fulfill undergraduate medical-based professional school prerequisites. Prior to admission, applicants must have completed the following pre-requisite courses, all with grades of a C or better:

• General Biology I & II
• General Chemistry I & II
• General Physics I & II
• Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry I & II
• Statistics

Please note the above courses are a minimum for admittance into the program.  Preference will be given to students who have completed Human Anatomy and/or Human Physiology. 

All undergraduate GPAs of 3.0 and above will be considered, with a preference given to those with an earned undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher for final admission decisions.

Additional Requirements:

• Resume: Current resume that outlines the applicant’s health professions experiences, work history, and applicable certifications.
• Transcript(s) displaying grades for all prerequisites are required. They may be unofficial but must be clear and readable.
• Standardized test scores (optional): GRE or MCAT or DAT
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency: To be eligible for admission, applicants must either hold US Citizenship or US Permanent Residency.
• Personal Statement: One page statement that highlights your strength as an applicant, motivation for this program, and relevant extracurricular activities.
• Two letters of recommendation (one from a science faculty member). Applicants who have previously applied to medical school may use the same documents to apply to this program.

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Professional School Matriculation Pass/Fail Transition Policy

 Purpose

This policy outlines the academic procedures and modifications available to Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) students who receive and accept an offer of admission to an accredited professional school while enrolled in their final trimester of coursework. The policy provides a structured mechanism for students to complete degree requirements through Pass/Fail (P/F) grading to support timely matriculation into their professional programs, while maintaining the academic standards of Baylor University and the Graduate School.

Policy Statement

MSMS students who are officially accepted into an accredited professional program (including medical, dental, physician assistant, pharmacy, or other health-related doctoral programs) while enrolled in the MSMS program may petition to transition their summer coursework into Pass/Fail designated sections. This academic accommodation is intended to facilitate the student’s transition to professional school while ensuring completion of all MSMS degree requirements and upholding academic integrity.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for enrollment in Pass/Fail course sections under this policy, students must meet all of the following conditions:
1. Enrollment Status: The student must be actively enrolled in the MSMS program and must possess a cumulative MSMS GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time the request is submitted.
2. Academic and Professional Standing: The student must be in good academic and professional standing with both the Baylor University Graduate School and the MSMS program.
3. Professional School Acceptance: The student must have received and accepted an official offer of admission from a professional school while enrolled in the MSMS program. Acceptable documentation includes an official admissions letter or authenticated communication from the admitting institution.
 

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Procedures

Notification Requirements

• The student must notify the MSMS Program Director in writing of their acceptance into a professional school and their intent to transition to Pass/Fail grading for the summer trimester.
• Documentation must include:
  • Official acceptance documentation, and
  • A written statement confirming the students’ intent to matriculate into the professional program.
• The student must also provide the final date on which they can participate in summer coursework and must coordinate with the MSMS Program Manager to determine an appropriate academic completion plan with course instructors.

Registration in Pass/Fail Sections

• Upon verification of eligibility, the MSMS Program Manager will create Pass/Fail course sections for the designated summer courses.
• The Program Manager will grant individualized registration permissions for eligible students.

Completion of Academic Work

• Students must complete all assigned modules or activities agreed upon between the student, Program Manager, and course instructors prior to their transition date.
• Grading: Course instructors will assess the student’s performance based on the completed work and will assign a Pass or Fail grade accordingly.

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Limitations

• Students may not be dually enrolled in the MSMS program and any other Baylor University academic program within the same trimester.
• This policy applies exclusively to the final summer trimester of the MSMS curriculum.
• Students who receive professional school acceptance after the summer trimester has begun must notify the MSMS Program Manager as soon as possible to request conversion to Pass/Fail sections. Approval is subject to Registrar processing timelines and program discretion.

Requirements for the MS in Medical Science Program

The one-year MS in Medical Science program will be a minimum of 33 credit hours and will be a non-thesis program with three-term admission cycle (Spring, Summer, Fall) to accommodate different start date of medical-based professional schools.

For Medical Science (MS) students who receive and accept an offer of admission to an accredited professional school while enrolled in their final trimester of coursework, please note the Professional School Matriculation Pass/Fail Transition Policy.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required STEM Coursework
BIO 5220	Pathophysiology	2
BIO 5432	Microbiology and Immunology	4
CHE 5380	Principles of Biochemistry	3
MSMS 5300	Biostatistics	3
MSMS 5440	Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology	4
MSMS 5500	Advanced Human Anatomy	5
Additional STEM Coursework
MSMS 5350	Pharmacology (Pharmacology)	3
Other Required Coursework
MSMS 5100	Seminar: Professional Development for MSMS Graduate Students (Seminar)	1
MSMS 5201	Introduction to Clinical Research & Evidence-based Decision Making	2
MSMS 5202	Introduction to Physical Exam Skills and Patient Communication	2
MSMS 5250	Medical Ethics from a Christian Perspective	2
MSMS 5260	Health Industry & Health Disparities in the United States	2
Total Hours		33