Biomedical Sciences — M.M.S.

Program Coordinator
Kenneth R. Wright

Students accepted into the Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree program in biomedical sciences enroll in five of the six blocks taken by first-year medical students, but at a reduced class-load. Faculty members responsible for teaching students in the M.M.S. degree program teach these first-year blocks.

The program enables students to complete their studies in one academic year of full-time commitment. The program is intended to provide experience in the rapidly changing area of biomedical sciences, and prepares students to apply to professional programs in medicine or to pursue other career options—such as high school teaching, patent law, or biotechnology management.

The curriculum includes 3 units of religion and a 3.5-unit, year-long seminar—including topics such as the science of learning, critical thinking, medical practice management, clinical cases, and writing a thesis paper. The remaining units come from the first-year medical curriculum—which includes the following blocks: foundations I and II, hematology and immunology, endocrine and reproductive, and cardiovascular. Although courses share lecture/active learning/laboratory experiences and assessments with the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree program, such courses will not be transferred to the M.D. degree program. A student subsequently admitted to the M.D. degree program should expect to take, and pay for, the normal M.D. degree curriculum.

Program learning outcomes

By the end of this program, the graduate should be able to:

1. Demonstrate mastery of foundational knowledge in the basic sciences.
2. Develop skill in critical thinking and appropriate study strategies.
3. Develop a social support network and an attitude of teamwork.
4. Lay the foundation for the concept of whole-person care through spiritual, social, and scientific growth and knowledge.
5. Demonstrate personal ethics in both academic and social settings.

Applicants to the Master of Medical Science must satisfy the same requirements as those applying to the Doctor of Medicine Program at Loma Linda University. They will have completed a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) with a course of study that includes a year each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and general physics and a course in biochemistry. Applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).  Students are accepted into the program on recommendation of the School of Medicine admissions committee only.

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Fulfills service learning requirement

Noncourse requirement

To be eligible for the M.M.S degree, all required courses must be completed with an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or above and no grade below a "C."

Normal time to complete the program

One (1) year (3.5 academic quarters) — full-time enrollment required