Welcome to the Medical University of SC

College of Graduate Studies! 

The College of Graduate Studies is committed to the training of tomorrow's biomedical research scientists. Our degree programs of Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences or Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences train students in cutting-edge research; our Master of Science in Clinical Research program provides part-time or full-time training for those interested in clinical research. We also offer an NIH funded MD/PhD program with the College of Medicine, a DMD/PhD program with the College of Dental Medicine and a PharmD/PhD with the College of Pharmacy for students interested in careers in medical, dental or pharmaceutical research. Our Masters in Medical Science program is a one-year pre-professional program to launch the careers of students interested in pursuing MD or DMD training. Within the sphere of workforce development, we offer a Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)and Summer Undergraduate Research (SURP) programs.

Departments and Programs:

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Overview of Programs and Admission Requirements

PhD in the Biomedical Sciences

No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate's qualities is considered by our Admissions Committee.  Applicants more likely to be considered favorably will meet the following requirements/guidelines.

• Possess Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Submit reference letters from 3 individuals (References should address the applicant's aptitude for research when possible)
• Provide evidence of research experience (except applicants who are interested in Biostatistics or Epidemiology and have majored in math or a similar field)
• The general GRE test is no longer required for most of our programs. Students applying for Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology are strongly encouraged to submit their GRE scores.

Once an application is complete it is sent for evaluation to the Graduate Admissions Committee. Selected applicants are invited to visit the campus and the cost of the visit is partially defrayed by the College. The visit is composed of interviews with members of the Graduate Admissions Committee, campus tours, introduction to the graduate training programs and discussion with faculty. After an applicant is interviewed, the Graduate Admissions Committee meets to decide on the qualifications of each applicant. Applicants are notified within a week or two of the interview of the Graduate Admissions Committee decision.

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MS in Biomedical Sciences

The Master of Science in Biomedical Science at MUSC is an interdisciplinary and research-intensive Master’s Program offering training in the following areas of concentration:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
• Biostatistics and Epidemiology
• Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
• Microbiology and  Immunology
• Neurosciences
• Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology

All concentration tracks require completion of an independent laboratory research project under the direction of a mentor in their chosen field, written thesis, and oral thesis defense. Coursework requirements vary by track, but consist of at least 45 total credit hours including 12-18 hours of didactic instruction. Each student follows an individual Program of Study designed in consultation with the Thesis Advisory Committee and approved by the Graduate Training Committee. The curriculum, which must be pursued full time, is typically completed in 21-24 months. Completion of this degree offers opportunities in academic institutions, industry, government agencies and administration.

Requirements

No single metric is used to assess applicants, but rather a broader picture of the candidate's qualities is considered by our admissions committee. As a guideline, candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater are more likely to be considered favorably. Submission of a standardized test score is not required but will be considered if submitted. Students interested in Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology are strongly encouraged to submit official GRE scores. Any of the following test scores are accepted: unofficial or official GRE scores (school code 5407), unofficial MCAT, unofficial DAT, or unofficial PCAT. To submit unofficial test scores, scan or screenshot your score report and insert it as a page in your resume/CV that you submit with your application. There are no school codes for the MCAT, DAT, or PCAT.

Experience in research is desirable, although not required. 

International Students

Exceptional international applicants may be considered for a stipend. Because several months may be required for securing needed information and for processing an application from abroad, foreign nationals are urged to submit complete information as early as possible. In addition to other official entrance credentials, those applicants whose native language is not English must submit the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or IELTS score) in addition to the official results of the GRE. The TOEFL or IELTS score must not be more than two years old. The GRE score must not be more than five years old. Final consideration cannot be granted to an international student’s application for admission until these official scores are received by the Office of Enrollment Management.

If an international applicant has graduated or will graduate from an institution that uses English as the language of instruction, the TOEFL may be waived upon request.

Application Process

All applications for the MBS degree will be considered by faculty from all tracks. Depending on availability of research opportunities, multiple tracks may make offers of admission to any applicant. The applicant will then have the opportunity to choose the track they prefer from among the offers when sending in their matriculation fee. If an applicant is interested in only certain tracks, there are two places in the application to indicate this: first by the checkboxes in the application for this purpose, and second, by describing his or her research interests and goals in the required personal statement.

In addition to the application itself, the applicant must complete supplemental reference materials. The necessary forms are available in PDF format within the application and are also sent through email once an application is submitted. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each and every post-secondary school attended and all materials must be received by the application deadline.

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MS in Medical Sciences

The Master of Science in Medical Sciences is a one-year program specifically designed to provide students with a structured opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the challenges of applying to and succeeding in medical and other professional schools. Graduates of this program will also be academically prepared to enter industrial or academic technical positions requiring a biomedical sciences background. The program contains didactic coursework at the graduate professional level, professional skills development sessions, standardized test preparation, and clinical exposures to form a complementary skill set to those that have been acquired at the undergraduate level.

Requirements

Prerequisites for the program include obtaining at least a baccalaureate degree with coursework appropriate for admission to medical and other professional schools. 

Applicants should also have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or other required standardized test  (e.g. DAT) within two years of the date of matriculation. A GRE score will not be accepted. Coursework for this MS program will include standardized test taking tutoring and strategies to prepare for retaking the test.

Application Process

Applications may be submitted at any time within the dates specified below. You need to fill in the application completely and arrange to have three letters of reference and copies of MCAT, or other standardized test, scores sent to the Office of Enrollment Management. You will also need to submit official transcripts from all prior institutions before an application will be considered complete. All applications to the College of Graduate Studies must be submitted online. Students interested in medical or dental schools are encouraged to apply. Students interested in other professions should inquire before applying. See the website for contact information.

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PREP-Post baccalaureate Research Education Program

Program starts once per year on June 1st

Post-baccalaureate Research Education Programs are funded by the NIH at selected universities around the United States with the goal of increasing the diversity of the biomedical research workforce, which in turn will be better equipped to address and reduce health disparities.

MUSC PREP provides a one-year intensive research and professional development program for individuals with a keen interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences.  Participants will engage full time in activities to ready themselves for graduate school and a career in scientific research.  Individuals accepted into the program will be full-time employees of the Medical University of South Carolina and receive salary support and benefits for 12 months.

This program is designed to enhance the success of participants in Ph.D. programs and beyond in their research careers, but please note that successful completion of this program is in no way a guarantee of an interview or acceptance into a Ph.D. program at MUSC or anywhere else.

Components of the program include:

Research:

• A hands-on introduction to bench work techniques summer course
• Hypothesis-driven laboratory research project with experience, dedicated mentors

Professional development:

• Individualized professional development plans and personalized coaching sessions extending into graduate school
• Workshops and numerous presentation opportunities to improve scientific communication skills
• Travel to national scientific conference
• Preparation for the GRE exam, graduate school applications and interviews
• Graduate level coursework and research ethics training

Community

• Inclusion in a diverse, vibrant community of biomedical scientists at all levels of training
• Monthly research meetings with current Ph.D. students from underrepresented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds
• Career exploration and networking with Ph.D.s in traditional and nontraditional career paths
• Activities to share the PREP Scholar experience with family

Requirements to Apply

1. You must be a US Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident.
2. You must have graduated or be in the process of graduating with a baccalaureate degree in a biomedical relevant science, from an accredited US college or University, no more than 36 months before your expected matriculation into the PREP program, and not be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.
3. You must belong to a group considered to be underrepresented in the field of biomedical research by virtue of race/ethnicity, disability or disadvantaged background (socially, culturally, economically or educationally).  Nationally, racial and ethnic groups who have been found to be underrepresented in biomedical research include, but are not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic/Chicano/Latino(a) Americans, Native American/American Indians, Alaska Natives, Mainland Puerto Rican, or Native Pacific Islander [American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Melanesia, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Palau, or the Philippines].
4. You must plan to apply to a Ph.D. granting program in a scientific related field after successful completion of PREP.

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SURP-Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Program dates: May 2022 to August 2022

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) offers outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on cutting edge biomedical research projects. Participants in this 10-week program are to perform at a graduate student level. Students are placed with faculty members to work with faculty on an individual basis or as part of a research team. Research teams may also include graduate students, post docs, Medical Students, research scientists and other SURP students.

During the 10-week program, participants will be taught important research skills and techniques. In addition, there is a mandatory seminar series component to the program with tracks in Cardiovascular Biology, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Marine BioMedical Environmental Health. SURP participants are expected to pursue substantive research projects over the course of the program and are required to make a full-time commitment (at least 40 hours per week) to their research as guided by their faculty research mentor. Students will be required to write a research paper summarizing their projects and will also be required to make a presentation to their fellow participants, faculty mentors and others at the end of the program. SURP students are registered for CGS 761-Laboratory Observation and Apprenticeship, a 15-hour course that appears on an MUSC transcript.

SURP participants are encouraged to build both social and academic networks with one another and with members of the university community. Participants are encouraged to organize and coordinate activities with their peers during off-hours. The Graduate School provides planned activities and events for all SURP participants. Participants may not enroll for classes or hold other employment during the period of the program.