Master of Science in Medical Sciences

Master of Science: Non-Thesis Option (36 Credits)

The College of Medicine has established a Non-Thesis Option within the Master of Science in Medical Sciences degree program for those who aim to apply to and attend medical or PA school. The curriculum is designed to expand and deepen the student’s understanding of pre-clinical medical sciences in preparation for entry into medical or PA school.

Students will be exposed to a common core curriculum

1. Physical exam skills
2. Medical Physiology
3. Patient communication skill development
4. Clinical decision making
5. Application coaching and practice interview
6. Medical ethics
7. Human cadaver-based dissection Gross Anatomy

Students who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher after the first year of the program AND an MCAT score of 505 or higher will receive an automatic interview with the Texas A&M Collge of Medicine following submission of their application.

Non-Texas residents, please consult the Texas Residency Rules and Regulations here https://www.tmdsas.com/application-guide/residency.html. Please indicate in your application if you intend to apply to Texas medical schools after establishing residency or will apply to home state medical schools.

Recommended Schedule of Classes

Year 1 — Fall Semester (9 credits)

• MSCI 615 - Medical Physiology (4)
• MSCI 681 - Medical School Preparation (2)
• MSCI 627 - Introduction to Physical Exam Skills and Patient Communication (3)

Year 1 — Spring Semester (9 credits)

• NEXT 620 - Gross Anatomy (8)
• MSCI 685 - Directed Studies (1)  (i.e., Self obtained patient contact hours, MCAT studying, research, etc.) 

Year 1 — Summer Semester (Optional)

• Elective Coursework (Optional)
• MSCI 685 - Directed Studies (Optional)  (i.e., Self obtained patient contact hours, MCAT studying, research, etc.) 

Year 2 — Fall Semester (9 credits)

• Elective Coursework (9)
• Suggestions: 
  • MSCI 635 Mammalian Immunobiology (3)
  • MSCI 630 Pathogenesis of Human Disease (4)
  • NEXT 603 Neuropsychopharmacology (4)
• MSCI 685 - Directed Studies (Optional)  (i.e., Self obtained patient contact hours, MCAT studying, research, etc.) 

Year 2 — Spring Semester (9 credits)

• Elective Coursework (9)
• Suggestions:
  • MSCI  689 Clinical Encounters (3)
  • NEXT 605 Molecular Mechanisms of Drug and Toxin Action (4)
  • NEXT 621 Teaching Gross Anatomy (4)
• MSCI 685 - Directed Studies (Optional)  (i.e., Self obtained patient contact hours, MCAT studying, research, etc.) 

Curriculum

The curriculum for the MS in Medical Sciences degree is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the field beyond that of the undergraduate degree. Students who graduate with an MS in Medical Sciences degree will: demonstrate proficiency in degree program requirements; apply subject matter knowledge in a range of contexts to solve problems and make decisions; use a variety of sources and evaluate multiple points of view to analyze and integrate information; communicate effectively; use appropriate technologies; develop clear research plans and conduct appropriate research; and choose ethical courses of action in research and practice. The progression to the MS in Medical Sciences degree is well defined in the Graduate Catalog, on the Graduate and Professionals Studies website some aspects are summarized here:

Degree Plan

The student’s Advisory Committee, in consultation with the student, will develop the proposed Degree Plan. The Degree Plan must be completed and filed with GPS by the end of the first year. A minimum of 32 credits (Thesis option) or 36 credits (Non-Thesis option) will need to be submitted for approval to GPS. Additional coursework may be added to the approved Degree Plan by petition.

Advisory Committee

The student’s Advisory Committee for the MS in Medical Sciences degree will consist of 1 member (Non-Thesis) or 3 members (Thesis) of the Graduate Faculty.  Only Graduate Faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s Advisory Committee. Other Graduate Faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair) with a member as the chair. The student in agreement with the chair of the Advisory Committee has the responsibility for calling required meetings of the committee and for calling meetings at any other time considered desirable. For more information on the MS in Medical Sciences degree program, please refer to the Graduate Student Catalog.

Coursework

Below are some of the courses available for MS students in the Thesis and Non-thesis Option tracks.

MSCI 601 Contemporary Topics in Advanced Cell Biology (5 credits)
Advanced cell and molecular biology course examining the molecular basis of cellular functions relevant to human health.

MSCI 609 Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)
Responsible conduct of research (RCR) is defined by NIH as the practice of scientific investigation with integrity. It involves the awareness of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research. This course is designed as a survey of basic topics that trainees will need to understand as they enter into the practice of research.

NEXT 620 Gross Anatomy (8 credits)
This course will study the relationship of structures and the functional significance of the human body during its development and adult form as revealed through dissection.

MSCI 681 Seminar - Medical School Preparation (1 credit)
Weekly meetings will consist of medical school application coaching, mock medical and PA school interviews, MCAT assistance, Q&A with Texas A&M College of Medicine Med School representatives, and other preparatory activities.

NEXT 605 Molecular Mechanisms of Drug and Toxin Action I (4 credits)
Introduction to the major tools and concepts of pharmacology.

 MSCI 612 Current Topics in Cell Signaling (3 credits)
The course provides an overview of intracellular signal transduction pathways and will provide a clear understanding of the importance of these pathways in regulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and other cellular processes, both under normal physiologic conditions as well as diseases.

MPHY 624 Biostatistics (2 credits)
Introduction to methods used to acquire, extract, organize, analyze, store and interpret the major types of data of interest in systems biology.

MPHY 625 Bioinformatics (2 credits)
Introduction to methods used to acquire, extract, organize, analyze, store and interpret the major types of data of interest in systems biology.

MSCI 635 Mammalian Immunobiology (3 credits)
Detailed survey of the mammalian immune system.

MSCI 615 Medical Physiology (4 credits)
This course is a survey of the functions of the human body: transport processes, feedback control systems, and homeostasis.

MSCI 630 Pathogenesis of Human Disease (4 credits)
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to recognize and describe the molecular events responsible for various human diseases.

MSCI 685 Directed Studies
This course allows students and their Advisory Committee to design specific projects or experiences to enhance the student’s knowledge toward their career goals.

MSCI 691 Research (flexible credits) for students in the Thesis option

NEXT 603 Neuropsychopharmacology (4 Credits)
Pharmacology as it relates to behavior and the central nervous system. 
Prerequisites: MSCI 601, MSCI 602, or equivalents or course director approval.

MSCI 689 Clinical Encounters (3 Credits)
This course will focus on both the application of knowledge from the pre-requisite course and common encounters involving provider-patient relationships in clinical medicine.

How to Apply

Prospective MS in Medical Sciences students apply through:
2024 Texas A&M Graduate CAS

Please, make sure to fill out the application for Texas A&M University - Medical Sciences Program Application. Avoid confusion with the program in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.

Letters of Recommendation

Two strong letters of recommendation indicating academic excellence, personal maturity, and exceptional motivation, as well as interest in the medical sciences, are an important part of the application.

Transcripts

Transcripts of a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited university are required.

MCAT Test Scores

MCAT or GRE scores are not required to apply to our program. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of English proficiency, according to the guidelines of the Office of Admissions. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the most common test taken by applicants to our program. Other options and exemptions are found at the Office of Admissions.

Domestic and International Applicants

Domestic applicants are those individuals who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and Canadian citizens. International applicants are those individuals who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or Canadian citizens.

Application Deadlines

• Application opens: Early December
• Deadline: Rolling admission offers will occur in April, May, and June.
• Application Portal closes: June 15th