Master of Science in Medical Science
Saint Louis University School of Medicine Masters of Sciences (MSMS) program is a rigorous one-year masters degree that mirrors the structure of the first year of medical school and prepares students for application to medical school as well as entry to other health professional schools such as nursing, physician assistant and dentistry programs.
Benefits of the Master of Medical Sciences Program
There is a significant focus on active learning in the master's program, which prepares students to engage in the kind of active learning that is prominent in contemporary medical education.
Other benefits include:
- Guaranteed interview for admission to Saint Louis University School of Medicine for students who meet certain performance metrics in the MSMS (see below)
- Rigorous course study aimed at improving the strength of graduates' applications to medical school or other health professional schools
- Students take courses with first-year medical students
- Learn from a diverse team of faculty who are clinicians and scientists dedicated to teaching, training, and advising students
- Experience hands-on training in gross anatomy, embryology, systems neurobiology and systems physiology
- Opportunities available to engage in either service, research, or clinical shadowing opportunities that fit the student's interests and needs.
Guaranteed Interview for Admission
Candidacy for a guaranteed interview at Saint Louis University School of Medicine is offered to students who meet certain metrics and submit an application to the School of Medicine. Applicants must have already successfully completed all prerequisite courses required for admission to Saint Louis University School of Medicine. View the School of Medicine requirements and standards.
To qualify for a guaranteed interview with Saint Louis University School of Medicine, an MSMS student must:
- Achieve an MCAT score of 498 or greater before the start of the MSMS program. The minimum score must be achieved within no more than two MCAT attempts to qualify for a guaranteed interview
- Demonstrate substantial and sustained involvement in community service and clinical experiences, including meaningful physician shadowing and patient-facing experiences, before the start of the MSMS program. Research experience is strongly encouraged but is not required.
- Earn a minimum combined summer and fall GPA of 3.25 in the MSMS program
- Consistently uphold standards of professionalism, including attending classes as expected and treating fellow students, faculty and staff respectfully
Students who satisfy these requirements and complete the medical school application requirements outlined below will receive a guaranteed interview with Saint Louis University School of Medicine early in the spring semester.
Conditional Acceptance Criteria
If a student receives an offer of admission following the guaranteed interview, the offer will be conditional upon completing the following requirements by the end of the spring semester:
- Earn a minimum spring semester GPA of 3.25
- Complete at least 20 hours of local community service during the MSMS program
- Consistently uphold standards of professionalism, including attending classes as expected and treating fellow students, faculty and staff respectfully
Failure to satisfy these requirements by the end of the spring semester will result in the withdrawal of the conditional acceptance.
Applying to Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Students participating in the guaranteed interview pathway for Saint Louis University School of Medicine are strongly encouraged to submit their application during the summer semester at the latest.
- Submit a primary application to Saint Louis University School of Medicine through the AMCAS portal by the Nov. 15 deadline.
- Take the AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam and submit the score as part of the medical school application. Any previously received PREview score will satisfy this requirement. Students who have already taken the exam do not need to retake it.