Medical Scholars Program with Example Curricula for MS and MBS

The Medical Scholars Program is designed for students interested in applying to medical school, including schools of osteopathic medicine, and to other health related professions such as physician assistant. In contrast to post-baccalaureate coursework, the Medical Scholars Program leads to a graduate degree (Master of Science or Master of Biological Science) that can also be used as a qualification for other careers.

Additional advantages of the GSBS-Newark Medical Scholar's Program include:

• Assignment to an experienced clinical advisor
• Training for volunteer positions at the University Hospital Emergency Room and along side medical students in the Newark community
• Opportunity to take medical courses and be graded with New Jersey Medical School students (limited enrollment)
• Complete degree in one year, or follow a less intense 3-4 semester program
• Even in non-thesis master's degree, students obtain research experience with medical school faculty
• Enrollment in an on campus MCAT course (additional fee)
• Personalized advice from the Office of Admissions at NJ Medical School
• A guaranteed interview at NJ Medical School by earning a 3.5 GPA after at least 20 credits and a 28 or better MCAT score (must be permanent resident or citizen of the US)

Example Curricula for Medical Scholars

The following tables show typical curricula pursued by MS and MBS students who are interested in gaining admission to medical school. The first table shows the most rapid track to complete the master's degree in one year (usually only recommended for students with strong academic credentials). The second table shows typical curricula for completion of the master's degrees in 3 semesters. A less intense program of study can also be undertaken over 4 semesters. Full-time status requires registration for a minimum of 8 credits per semester. Students can also obtain a master's degree on a part-time basis

Medical School Interest (complete program in 1 year)
Students can complete the 30-credit program in one year by taking 15 credits per semester. However, it is also possible to take 12 credits per semester and then complete the master's degree requirements after entering medical school by transferring 6 credits back from medical school courses to GSBS. Students who do not enter medical school may remain in the master's program for an additional semester to complete the program and further improve GPA/MCAT scores (up to a total of 36 credits).

MBS

Semester I (Fall)
MGM*                                                   7
Research rotation†                               2
Seminar                                               1
Elective(s)                                            2- 5
Total                                                    12-15

Semester II (Spring)
Fundamentals 2/Human Physiology*   3-5
Elective(s)                                            2-7
2nd research rotation†                         0-2
June elective§                                      2-3
Total                                                    12-15
______________________________________
TOTAL                                                 30

Semester I (Fall)
Fundamentals 1/MGM*                        3/7 Research rotation†/thesis research¶   2-7
Seminar                                               1
Elective(s)                                            0-6
Total                                                    12-15

Semester II (Spring)
Fundamentals 2/Human Physiology*   3-5
Elective(s)                                            2-9
Continuing thesis research                  0
June elective§                                      2-3
Total                                                    12-15
______________________________________
TOTAL (25 + 5 credit Thesis)           30

*Students in MGM & Human Physiology are taught and graded identically with the medical school class.

§Several courses are offered in late May or June, after most other spring semester courses have ended.

†Research rotations can be initiated (and finished) at any time during the master's program. Many students find this flexibility an attractive feature when designing their academic schedule.

¶The thesis can be initiated at any time during the master's program, but is often started directly following the research rotation. Students completing a 5 credit thesis may omit the research rotation and replace it with 2 additional elective credits.

Medical School Interest (complete program in 3 semesters)
Students who complete the 30-credit program in 3 semesters take 10-12 credits per semester. They can also remain in the master's program for a fourth semester to complete the program and further improve GPA/MCAT scores (up to a total of 36 credits).

MBS

Semester I (Fall)
Fundamentals 1/MGM*                        3/7
Elective(s)                                            0-4
Seminar                                               1
Research rotation†                               2
Total                                                    10

Semester II (Spring)
Fundamentals 2/Human Physiology*   3/5
Elective(s)                                            2-7
Research rotation†                               2
June elective§                                       2-3
Total                                                    10-12

Semester III (Fall)
MGM*                                                   7
Elective(s)                                            3-10
Total                                                    10-12

______________________________________
TOTAL 30

Semester I (Fall)
Fundamentals 1/MGM*                         3/7
Elective(s)                                            0-6
Seminar                                                1
Research rotation†/thesis research¶    2-7
Total                                                    10-12

Semester II (Spring)
Fundamentals 2/Human Physiology*   3/5
Elective(s)                                            2-7
Thesis¶/continuing thesis research      5/0
June elective§                                       2-3
Total                                                    10-12

Semester III (Fall)
MGM*                                                   6
Elective(s)                                            3-10
Continuing thesis research                  0
Total                                                    10-12
______________________________________
TOTAL (25 + 5 credit Thesis)            30

*Students in MGM & Human Physiology are taught and graded identically with the medical school class.

§Several courses are offered in late May or June, after most other spring semester courses have ended.

†Research rotations can be initiated (and finished) at any time during the master's program. Many students find this flexibility an attractive feature when designing their academic schedule.