Medical Science M.S.

Program Overview

Stand Out When You Apply for Medical or Health Professional School

Enhance your academic credentials through an advanced science degree and differentiate yourself when it comes time to apply to medical school—or to veterinary, dental, and other health professional programs. The core curriculum includes courses in anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, human physiology, pharmacology, and biostatistics at UVM’s distinguished Larner College of Medicine. The program is offered both fully online or on-campus with the option to complete the program in 12-months or on a part-time basis.

What Sets UVM Apart

Customized Curriculum & Support 

Choose electives you’re passionate about and customize your learning experience to complete the program in as little as one year or up to two years. Your pre-health advisor will guide you every step of the way.

Medical School on Campus

Based at a leading academic medical center, teaching hospital, and Level I trauma center, UVM’s Master of Medical Science program is aligned with the UVM Larner College of Medicine.

Linkage Agreements

You are guaranteed an interview with the UVM Larner College of Medicine Office of Admissions provided you meet the professional school guidelines and minimum GPA requirement.

Committee Letter of Endorsement

UVM’s Pre-health Committee Letter Process will enable you to highlight and present your academic and personal strengths in your medical or health professional school application.

Curriculum

UVM’s Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree is a 30-credit, on-campus or online program with a cohesive set of courses that form a strong foundation of understanding how the human body works. Program courses include fundamentals of biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, pharmacology, biostatistics and anatomy that prepare our graduates for the rigors of medical school and health professional school curricula. While designed to be completed in 1 year, our flexible curriculum allows for part time study.

Students must complete a comprehensive exam, integrating their knowledge of core course material in a written paper, by the end of their final semester in the program.

Students may contact us directly regarding our linkage opportunities with the Larner College of Medicine.

Master of Medical Science Curriculum 

This course curriculum is 30 credits and designed to enhance students’ academic portfolio and increase their success in the health related fields.

Possible Electives

The Larner College of Medicine offers a variety of courses at the graduate level; some on a rotating basis. Please refer to the registrar’s website for up-to-date course offerings: https://www.uvm.edu/registrar.  Below is a non-exhaustive list of electives for consideration (prerequisites listed for any must be met prior to registration)

• BIOC 6051 Proteins I: Structure and Function
• BIOC 6072 Cancer Biology
• CTS 6020 Quality Health Care
• CTS 6070 Cell to Society I
• MPBP 6100 Molecular Control of the Cell
• OBGY 5990 Understanding Human Pregnancy
• PH 6010 Public Health & Health Policy
• PH 6020 Epidemiology I
• PH 6040 Environmental Public Health
• PH 6050 Policy Org & Financing of Health Care
• PH 6060 Social & Behavioral Public Health
• PH 6120 Food Systems & Public Health
• PH 6180 Improving Health in Population
• PHRM 6050 Milestones in Pharmacology

Choose the learning style to achieve your goals

One Year On-Campus Schedule

This course flow allows students to complete the MMS degree on-campus in 1 year. Students can take a Gross Anatomy Cadaver course on-campus in the summer term, either at the start or end of the program. sAlternatively, students may fulfill this requirement through an online Radiological Anatomy course taught by the college of medicine faculty.

Two Year On-Campus Schedule

Online Options

Whether you complete our Master of Medical Science program online or on campus, UVM’s high standard of learning and credibility will give you a competitive edge. 

Please note: Students who apply for and enroll in the online Master of Medical Science program can only enroll in online courses; they may not enroll in any in-person courses.

1 Year Online Example (30 Credits)

2 Year Online Example with Summers 

2 Year Online Example (no summers)

Deadlines

Summer 2025 Application Deadlines 
May 19, 2025 (in-person program) 
June 20, 2025 (online program)

Fall 2025 Application Deadlines 
June 13, 2025 (in-person program) 
July 11, 2025 (online program)

Admissions

This program is right for you if you: 

• Have a Bachelor’s degree and have completed introductory science courses.
  • Two semesters of general biology, general chemistry and physics. One semester of Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry. Note: If you are intending to apply to pre-health professional schools, including medical, dental, and physician assistant, labs are required.
• Lack the required courses for admission to medical school or health professional programs.
• Are committed to advancing in the field of health and medicine.
• Want personalized advising and the support of the Larner College of Medicine faculty committed to your success.

How to Apply

All applications must be completed online through the Graduate College. Please note: Students who apply for and enroll in the online Master of Medical Science program can only enroll in online courses; they may not enroll in any in-person courses. 

Learn More About Application Requirements 

Application Deadlines

Summer 2025 
May 19, 2025 (in-person program) 
June 20, 2025 (online program)

Fall 2025 
June 13, 2025 (in-person program) 
July 11, 2025 (online program)

International students need to apply by June 24th for the fall session, summer session is closed

Admission Requirements

• BS or BA from an accredited college or university
• Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
• Two semesters of general biology, general chemistry and physics. One semester of Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry. Note:  If you are intending to apply to pre-health professional schools, including medical, dental, and physician assistant, labs are required.
• TOEFL scores (international students)
• UVM Graduate College Application form
• Standardized test scores are not required. Applicants are highly encouraged to provide previously taken standardized tests as it could affirm baseline knowledge

International Applicants

• International applicants are welcome to apply to the University of Vermont’s Master of Medical Science program; however, preference is given to students who have completed their undergraduate education at a U.S institution. Please note that the Larner College of Medicine will only consider medical school applications from U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, students with DACA status, refugees, or asylees.
• Due to the challenges that non-citizens and non-green card holders may encounter when applying to U.S medical and health profession schools, applicants are invited to articulate their reasons for pursuing the MMS program and their post-matriculation goals in the personal statement section of the application. 

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of our program you will:

1. Describe the the anatomical structures and physiological systems that regulate functions of the human body.
2. Summarize the biochemical and cell signaling pathways that underlie the molecular basis of physiology.
3. Relate the mechanisms by which changes at the cell and tissue level can affect functions of the major human organ systems.
4. Integrate the fundamental mechanisms of drug action, pharmacokinetic properties, and adverse effects for pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of human disease.
5. Apply appropriate statistical methods to evaluate biomedical research results in laboratory and clinical settings.
6. Communicate and behave in accordance with professional and ethical principles, including but not limited to: altruism, compassion and empathy, accountability and responsibility, excellence and scholarship, duty and service, social responsibility, honor and integrity, respect, and cultural humility.

After UVM

We’ll prepare you to successfully gain admission into medical school or health professional school. Here’s a look at where some of our students have gone after completing their Master of Medical Science at UVM.

• Brown University
• Columbia
• Colorado
• Dartmouth
• Johns Hopkins
• Michigan State University
• Tufts
• University of New England School of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

MCAT Preparation

We closely support students in their MCAT preparation to ensure you are as well-prepared as possible to enhance your readiness and succeed in your medical journey.

Kaplan MCAT Prep Self-Paced Online Course

In collaboration with Kaplan Test Prep, UVM is pleased to offer a discounted rate for the MCAT Prep Self-Paced Online course. This comprehensive course includes a variety of study materials, practice tests, and interactive modules designed to help students master the content and strategies needed for the MCAT. The Kaplan MCAT Prep Self-Paced Online course allows you to prep for the MCAT on your schedule. Available to all UVM students at $1,080 per student, this represents a substantial savings off Kaplan’s regular rate of $1,999. There are many programs you can choose from in your MCAT preparation, and we can advocate for additional discounted rates on your behalf.

Medical School Linkage Agreements

One of the many benefits of attending UVM for your Master of Medical Science education is that you can take advantage of linkage programs when it comes time to apply to medical schools or other health professional schools.

As a UVM Master of Medical Science program student, you are guaranteed an interview with schools on our linkage agreement list, provided you meet the professional school guidelines and meet a minimum GPA requirement in your Master of Medical Science program.

University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

The UVM Larner College of Medicine Office of Admissions offers a linkage articulation for our students. For more information, please email mms@uvm.edu.

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

The University of New England (UNE) College of Osteopathic Medicine agrees to provide an interview for students who have completed the UVM Master of Medical Science program and seek admission to the UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine. To be offered an interview under this agreement, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completed a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution
• Successfully completed the following UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better:
  • Biology, 8 semester credits with labs
  • Inorganic Chemistry, 8 semester credits with labs
  • Organic Chemistry, 4 semester credits with lab
  • Biochemistry, 3 semester credits
  • Physics, 8 semester credits with labs
  • English/Humanities, 6 semester credits
• Complete the MMS program with a GPA of a 3.3 or higher
• Successfully completed the MCAT with a minimum score of 500, no later than January of the year of anticipated enrollment with official scores received in the University’s Office of Graduate Admissions by March 1, prior to matriculation
• Documented a minimum of 40 hours of direct patient care, experience, exposure, and/or observations at time of application.
• Maintain good standing at college prior to enrollment into UNE
• Provide an acceptable criminal background check and meet all program academic and technical standards prior to matriculation into UNE

Costs and Funding

Tuition, fees, and financial aid information for the Master of Medical Science program is available at the Student Financial Services (SFS) site (refer to Standard Costs Per Semester, Rates). Please note, tuition is the same for both our online and on-campus modalities.

Have questions? Call 802-656-8205, email mms@uvm.edu today or see the FAQ section below.

Dean’s Pathway Scholarship

The MMS program offers a second semester scholarship award, the Dean’s Pathway Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to one recipient and aims to:

• Foster an environment that appreciates and values an increasingly diverse student body.
• Increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation of a diverse student body.
• Develop opportunities for involvement, and leadership in diversity, inclusion and/or social justice initiatives.

For more information, please contact mms@uvm.edu.