Find your perfect college degree
Are you passionate about discovering the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases? Are you a graduate of a non-medical bachelor’s degree and want to attend a dental or medical school? Do you want to advance or shift to a career in the medical field?
If you say yes to any of the questions, a master of medical science degree is for you. But if you are currently working, enrolling in a traditional graduate program would be difficult unless you are willing to sacrifice your job.
As a working professional and student in one, it would be difficult for you to study. Thanks to the advent of online master’s degree programs, working students like you can now pursue advanced studies without giving up their current commitments.
Quick audio summary:
Overview
One of the main reasons why many students pursue a master’s degree in medical science is a desire to qualify for professional medical studies. But it is not uncommon for some individuals to enroll in a medical science program because they want to attain a thriving career in medical and clinical research, work as a physician assistant or pursue a Ph.D. degree.
The master’s in medical science degree is best suited for students who have an interest and knack for medical field subjects such as advanced genetics, advanced pharmacology, cell biology, family medicine, and scientific research.
Methodology
Several schools are offering master’s degrees in medical sciences programs, but only a few offer them online. Nevertheless, we are meeting some high bars here to produce a list of what we believe are the most capable of producing quality medical science graduates with the potential to succeed after graduation.
These are the factors that we consider as the basis for our selection:
- Hybrid or blended instruction, which consists of courses that require web-based completion and in-person attendance for subjects that require laboratory work and similar classes,
- Comprehensive coursework consisting of Medical Science theories and principles relating to the practice, preparing students and future graduates for a successful career shift or advancement in the career ladder,
- Impressive Master’s of Medical Science program track record and graduate school reputation in educating and training students, and producing quality graduates by enhancing their potential for personal and professional success,
- Generous credit transfers,
- Experienced instructors and academic staff consisting of Medical Science practitioners and experts,
- Financial aid or tuition reduction programs for qualified online graduate students,
- National or regional accreditation that indicates the college’s or university’s compliance with the accrediting organization’s educational standards and guidelines,
- Affiliation with industry associations advancing Medical Science,
- Positive feedback from Medical Science communities and students.
In choosing the schools, we made sure that the degrees they offer are Masters in Medical Science degrees and not its alternatives. While several schools are offering Masters in Health Science degree programs, we chose not to include them in this ranking.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
The 5 Best Online Master of Medical Science Graduate Schools
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Fort Worth, TX
Master of Science in Medical Science
The Master of Science in Medical Science at the University of Texas Health Science Center is designed for students who aspire to obtain the right credentials to gain entry into medical school. The University of Texas guarantees this via a strong biomedical sciences curriculum you can complete within 12 months. Its online program allows students to work on their professional futures without sacrificing their work, family, and other commitments.
The MS in Medical Science aims to prepare you not only for an opportunity to study in a medical, dental, or veterinary school or pursue a Ph.D., but it also enhances your qualifications to take a career in health sciences, clinical research, or healthcare administration.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is registered with and approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to grant baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
Did You Know?
Dr. Phil McGraw aka Dr. Phil, the celebrated author, and television personality graduated from the University of North Texas with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1979.
The University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
Master of Medical Science Degree
The online Master of Medical Science degree program at the University of Vermont is intended for individuals who aspire to qualify for enrollment in medical or health professional schools.
Designed to strengthen your academic credentials, this master’s degree program consists of major medical science courses that include pharmacology, human physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, anatomy, and biostatistics.
As a student of an online medical science graduate program, you will have the same expert instructors and receive the same lessons as on-campus students. Upon admission, the program automatically makes you a part of the school’s virtual community where you will engage and interact with peers, and gain access to workshops relevant to your studies.
The University of Vermont has a policy that students who enroll in its online master’s degree in medical science program are not allowed to take on-campus courses.
The University of Vermont’s educational system is registered with and approved by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Did You Know?
The University of Vermont was founded in 1791. But it is only the fifth oldest university in New England State.
Southern California University of Health Sciences
Whittier, CA
Master of Science in Medical Science
Southern California University created its Master of Science in Medical Science to strengthen your academic credentials and qualify you for enrollment in medical, dental, and veterinary schools or build a career in the healthcare industry.
You can avail of the program either as a 100% part-time online student or in a full-time, hybrid format.
Aside from being flexible, the program also allows you to work with a dedicated faculty advisor to tailor your training and equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a healthcare professional.
Aside from giving you the essential qualifications for entry into medical school, the Master of Science in Medical Science degree you get from Southern California University will qualify you for jobs in the medical, dental, and pharmaceutical industries.
Southern California University of Health Sciences is approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Did You Know?
The top 20% of SCU’s graduating class are guaranteed an interview for Ponce Health Sciences University’s M.D. program.
University of South Florida Health
Tampa, FL
Master’s in Medical Sciences
The Master in Medical Sciences degree program at the University of Southern Florida Health is designed for students who want to complete a graduate medical sciences degree but cannot attend face-to-face classes. It aims to equip you with a solid foundation for a career in research or health-related professions and prepare you for enrollment in professional programs.
Courses are taught by expert and experienced faculty from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
Did You Know?
The U.S. News and World Report lists the University of Florida as one of the top 50 public universities in the country for 2022.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
MA in Medical Sciences
The online Master of Arts in Medical Sciences at Liberty University is designed to prepare you for a career in the medical profession. This program aims to equip you with a working knowledge of public health, molecular medicine, business informatics, business management, and biopsychology. The skills you will learn from the program will prepare you for a career in medical research and medical-related fields, or pursue a Ph.D.
Offered 100% online, the MA in Medical Sciences program allows you to build a promising medical career without sacrificing your job, family, and other commitments. It is flexible, affordable, and taught by expert faculty committed to helping you gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a medical professional.
Liberty University is registered with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and authorized to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
Did You Know?
Liberty University’s tuition fees for all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs have not increased since 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master of Medical Science?
The Master of Medical Science is a degree designed for students who aspire to enroll in a medical school or embark on a career in the medical, biomedical, and nutritional field, or work as a public health administrator. It prepares the way to allow you to attain your dream of becoming a competent medical professional. It equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in medical school or qualify you for leadership positions in the medical and related industries.
The Master of Medical Sciences degree includes courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Genetics, Internal Medicine, Cell Biology, and Biomedical Sciences.
What is a Master of Health Sciences?
The Master of Health Sciences is a graduate degree that focuses on the study of improving healthcare with the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Health science is a branch of study that connects STEM to medicine. It is constantly on the lookout for new STEM discoveries applicable in the medical field.
Courses in a typical Master of Health Science program include Medical Terminology Human Anatomy, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Patient Care, and Occupational Health.
What’s the difference between Health Science and Medical Science education?
Medical science is a pre-professional curriculum that focuses on building a foundation for more advanced education like a Ph.D. or doctor of medical or dental medicine. It is the ideal program you should take if you intend to proceed to medical school after graduation.
Health science, on the other hand, refers to the study of the role science plays in medical investigations. It also refers to the application of science in fostering health, particularly in nutrition, medicine, and health-related fields.
We desire to erase your confusion about the medical science and health science graduate programs. That said, we deem it appropriate to let you learn more about health science- graduate programs.
A master of health science program consists of a broad range of healthcare topics. It gives students a holistic viewpoint of the healthcare industry and provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers as leaders in healthcare.
Some of the most popular areas of specializations in a typical master of health science program include:
- Health Education
- Health Informatics
- Athletic Training
- Environmental Health
- Health Policy
- Health Research and Methodology
- Health Promotion and Advocacy
- Administration and Leadership
- Community Health
Completion of a Master of Health Science degree increases your potential to qualify for these jobs:
- Senior Epidemiologist
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Hospital/Clinic Administrator
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Health Policy Analyst
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Health Educator
- Healthcare Project Manager
- Environmental Science/Specialist
- Clinical Research Scientist/Coordinator
- Classroom Manager
- Biostatistician
- Athletic Trainer
Now that you know the main differences between the two programs, you should be able to pick the right degree based on your passion and desire for personal and professional success.
Aside from the opportunity to qualify for enrollment in a medical school, what else can I do with a Master’s in Medical Science degree?
There are several careers in the medical industry that you can pursue with a master’s degree in medical science. These include:
- Epidemiology – studying human diseases and other medical conditions.
- Microbiology – studying microscopic organisms that affect human health, including cells, viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
- Medical / Clinical Laboratory Research – testing samples with chemicals and advanced equipment.
- Chemistry – studying the impact of chemicals on the human body and the environment.
- Biophysics and Biochemistry – conducting research on physical or chemical properties of biological processes and their effects.
- Public Health – Developing, testing, and implementing preventive measures communities can apply to prevent diseases and promote health and wellness.
What requirements do I need to comply with to qualify for a Master’s in Medical Sciences degree program?
Like medical schools, several master’s of medical science programs will require you to hurdle the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). However, some schools require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If a program requires a GRE, it may require a general exam that you should also pass.
While most programs require prospective students to pass a test, they don’t have a common standard for accepting applicants. While some programs set a minimum passing score, others merely ask you to complete the test.
In case a school doesn’t require an MCAT or GRE, it will set the traditional requirement for eligibility into a master’s program one of which is the completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Key Takeaways
- A graduate degree in medical science is the key to a doctoral degree. It qualifies you for enrollment in a medical school even if your bachelor’s degree does not align with the medical field. It develops and hones your medical knowledge and opens doors for you to better career opportunities.
- If you are a working professional, the online master in medical science program can help you achieve your cherished dream of obtaining a graduate degree and professional success. It helps to make you a part of a thriving medical profession that is projected to increase by 27% and create 39,300 jobs annually from 2022 to 2032. You should take this chance!
