| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Preclinical Sciences (MSPCS) program at Mercer University provides a solid foundation in biomedical sciences, critical thinking, and communication skills. It prepares students for success in doctoral-level healthcare studies, such as MD, DO, DMD, and PA programs, as well as careers in clinical research, medical laboratory science, and pharmaceutical research and development. The program's small faculty-to-student ratio and location within a medical school environment offer students access to expert faculty and exposure to the medical education climate.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview
The Master of Science in Preclinical Sciences (MSPCS) is structured to equip students with a strong foundation in biomedical science knowledge and the fundamental skills required for succeeding in research and doctoral-level healthcare studies, such as MD, DO, DMD, and PA programs.
Program Objectives
- Educational Basis: Enhance students’ foundational knowledge in the fundamental sciences underlying clinical medicine.
- Critical Thinking: Cultivate students' analytical and critical thinking abilities in applying biomedical science knowledge.
- Communication Skills: Develop effective communication and scientific writing abilities in students.
Program Description
The program offers coursework in essential biomedical fields, such as anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, physiology, public health and epidemiology, statistics. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes developing students’ critical thinking skills, allowing them to analyze complex scientific information and apply it effectively. The capstone project, a research project supervised by a Mercer faculty member, allows students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to solve a biomedical research question. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in clinical settings or research. The majority of graduates from the MSPCS program have continued their education in advanced medical studies, and many Georgia residents among them have gained admission into Mercer's Doctor of medicine program, reflecting the program's effectiveness in preparing students. The program's small faculty to student ratio and location within a medical school environment offer students access to expert faculty and exposure to the medical education climate. Students interact with both students and faculty of the Doctor of medicine program, fostering collaboration and exchange of knowledge. The program is offered on Mercer's Macon campus, which is renowned for the quality of life, including academics, student life, and recreational activities. Overall, this MSPCS program is a well-rounded and comprehensive academic experience that prepares students for success.
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Teaching:
Program Teaching Methods
The program emphasizes active learning, collaborative learning, problem-solving, critical reasoning, and effective communication..
Program Faculty
The program faculty is composed of experts in their respective biomedical sciences fields.
Careers:
Career Paths and Opportunities
The MSPCS curriculum provides a robust grounding in biomedical principles, preparing graduates for various career opportunities and doctoral-level programs.
Potential Careers
- Clinical Research
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development
- Science Writing and Policy
- Science Education
- Healthcare Administration The program's focus on critical and creative thinking prepares graduates to approach complex problems with ingenuity and adaptability, which is highly sought in scientific and medical fields.
Career Outcomes:
40 percent o MSPCS Graduates from Georgia have successfully gained entry into the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Mercer.
