If you're a pre-med student looking to strengthen your academic credentials, gain more science knowledge, or become a more competitive medical school applicant, you may have heard of the MSMS degree—but what exactly is it?
“MSMS” stands for Master of Science in Medical Science. It’s a graduate-level program designed specifically for students like you—those on the path to medical school or another health-related profession who want an academic edge.
Who Is an MSMS Program For?
An MSMS is a great fit for:
- Students who didn’t get into medical school on their first try and want to strengthen their application
- Students whose undergraduate GPA or science coursework isn’t as strong as it could be
- Career changers who didn’t major in science but are pivoting to medicine or healthcare
- Pre-health students who want a gap year that’s both productive and academically relevant
It’s also ideal if you want to demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous graduate-level coursework similar to what you’ll face in medical school.
What Will You Learn in an MSMS Program?
MSMS programs typically cover a wide range of advanced biomedical sciences. While each program varies, you can expect to take courses in:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell and molecular biology
- Pharmacology
- Medical ethics
- Research methods or statistics
Some programs include hands-on lab experience, clinical exposure, or opportunities to conduct research. Others may follow a curriculum almost parallel to the first year of medical school, which helps ease the transition to med school later on. Our MSMS curriculum does exactly this: it mirrors the first year of medical school at an LCME-accredited program. Read more about the courses you can take in our MSMS here.
How Does an MSMS Help You Prepare for Medical School?
During an MSMS program, you’ll build a stronger foundation in medical science, making you better prepared for the pace and complexity of med school. Succeeeding in an MSMS program gives you a chance to prove to medical school admissions committees that you can handle graduate-level science courses.
MSMS programs also offer you an opportunity to gain strong letters of recommendation for your medical school application, either from individual faculty or a committee. There’s also the confidence boost: after succeeding in an MSMS program, many students feel more prepared for the academic demands ahead. Students who earn their MSMS with a Tiber Health University Partner also receive a USMLE Step 1 performance prediction, which offers medical schools another metric to consider.
Finally, some MSMS programs even have formal linkage agreements with medical schools, meaning strong performance could earn you a direct interview or conditional acceptance. Learn more about our MSMS linkage opportunities here.
What Can You Do With an MSMS Degree If You Don’t Go to Med School?
While many students use an MSMS as a stepping-stone to an MD or DO program, the degree can also open doors to other careers in healthcare and science. With an MSMS, you can explore roles such as:
- Physician assistant (PA) school or dental school applicant
- Clinical research coordinator
- Biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry roles
- Health policy or public health work
- Teaching positions in science or health education
- Pursuing a PhD or other advanced graduate program
In short, an MSMS is a versatile degree that can support many professional paths—even if your plans shift along the way.
Start Your MSMS Journey
An MSMS program can be a powerful way to level up your academic background, clarify your career goals, and increase your chances of getting into medical school. Whether you're using it to strengthen your application, take a productive gap year, or explore alternative health careers, it’s a solid investment in your future.
Thinking about applying to an MSMS program? The Tiber Health MSMS curriculum is a one-year, analytics-enhanced program offered by university partners across the country. Find your partner school here.
