The Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) Program at Indiana University School of Medicine was created in 1995 to enhance the preparation and confidence of its students to be successful in a medical curriculum.  This unique opportunity is for students from especially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Students aspiring to careers in medicine at times require additional skill-building experience and an enhanced knowledge of learning strategies.  Some students who are not admitted to the Indiana University School of Medicine on their first attempt may be invited to enroll in the MSMS Program.  Others seeking direct admission can complete and submit the program's application for admission.

The MSMS Program is a two-year program that includes 36 credit hours of course work at the graduate level that includes experiences in didactic instruction, problem-based learning and research.  A Master of Science in Medical Science degree is earned upon completion of the program with a minimum grade point average of  3.00.  Students may spend one or two years in the program before being admitted to medical school. 

All admitted students are required to complete an intensive summer Medical College Admission Test Preparation Program offered at Indiana University School of Medicine before starting the graduate MSMS curriculum in the fall semester.

History

In 1994, a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of Indiana University School of Medicine, Walter Daly, M.D., reviewed the recruitment and retention of disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students at Indiana University School of Medicine and recommended the formation of a premedical postbaccalaureate program as a pilot project, to replace the Modified Curricular Program.  The program was launched in the summer of 1995.  The committee members in alphabetical order included the following:

William Bosron, Ph.D., Member
Joseph Christian, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman
Fred Ficklin, Ed.D., Member
Edward Harper, Ph.D., Member
Robert Harris, Ph.D., Member
George Rawls, M.D., Member

Program Directors

1995 to 1998: George Rawls, M.D.
1998 to 2000: Edward Harper, Ph.D.
2000 to present: William Agbor-Baiyee, Ph.D.

Program Mission

The mission of the MSMS Program is to provide a unique academic experience for the student to develop into a confident and prepared person ready for the challenges of medical school and the practice of medicine. The program seeks to empower students to believe in themselves and their abilities to achieve. The program aims to help students recognize and acquire the attributes of successful medical students and physicians.

Program Administration

Program administration is undertaken at three main levels. The staff, at present a Director aided by a staff in the MSMS Program Office, manages the daily operations of the Program. Second, the Executive Associate Dean for Educational Affairs ensures programmatic compliance with the academic standards of Indiana University School of Medicine.  Third, a Faculty Advisory Committee ensures that the Program curriculum is relevant and challenging. This Committee provides oversight on matters of academic policy and student progress.

Program Objectives

• To increase the diversity of Indiana University School of Medicine's student body.
• To promote the future academic success of MSMS Program participants in the medical school curriculum by providing an introductory graduate level instructional program in the basic medical sciences.
• To enhance successful admission of especially disadvantaged applicants to Indiana University School of Medicine