M.S.B.S. dual degrees provide formal research-intensive experiences for highly interested clinical students and may enhance opportunities for placement in highly competitive residencies. Students in the program gain:
- proven track record of research skills
- proficiency in assessing scientific literature
- enhanced communication skills
- increased critical thinking skills
- experience giving presentations and/or completing publications (most students)
Dual Degree Option 1 - D.O. Students
The dual degree curriculum allows for D.O. students to complete M.S.B.S. degree requirements without delaying their graduation date. D.O./M.S.B.S. students choose their mentor and start their research projects in the summer prior to matriculation into their clinical program. Research is integrated into the didactic and clinical years of their D.O. degree, culminating in a four- to six-week research experience in their fourth year.
How to Apply
- Students apply to the M.S.B.S. program the summer prior to their matriculation into the D.O. program.
- If accepted, they begin the master’s curriculum the following June.
- Dual enrollees complete up to 25.5-26 credit hours specific to the master of biomedical sciences degree.
An example curriculum is shown below.
|
Summer Term (June - July) |
Fall Term (August - December) |
Spring Term (January - May) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
Research Safety (0.5 credits) Research (5 credits) |
Research (1 credit) Frontiers in Biomedical Research (2.5 credits) |
D.O. Mentored Research Experience1 (1 credit) Selective (1-1.5 credits) |
| Year 2 |
Research (3 credits) Biostatistics (2 credits) Seminar in Biomedical Sciences 22 (1 credit) |
Presentation of Scientific Information (1 credit) Research (1 credit) Seminar in Biomedical Sciences 22 (1 credit) |
Scientific Communications (1.5 credits) Research (1 credit) Selective (1-1.5 credits) |
| Year 3 |
COMFLEX Level 1 Exam |
Crit. Analysis of Biomedical Research Topics (1 credit) |
Crit. Analysis of Biomedical Research Topics (1 credit) |
| Year 4 | Crit. Analysis of Biomedical Research Topics (1 credit) | D.O. Research Elective Rotation1 (4 credits) | |
| Residency Focus (Beginning in September) | Dual Degree Completion | ||
1 D.O. Program Electives that are required for the M.S.B.S. dual degree program.
2 Seminar in Biomedical Sciences 2 can be taken in either Summer Year 1 or Fall Year 2.
Dual Degree Option 2 - D.O. and D.P.M. Students
Students who are already pursuing a doctor of osteopathic medicine or doctor of podiatric medicine degree at DMU may pursue a dual degree leading to a master of science in biomedical sciences. Students apply during the first year of their clinical program and start MSBS specific coursework the following Fall. After the second year of their clinical program, dual degree students spend a year focusing on completing their research project and thesis before moving on to their clinical clerkships.
How to Apply
- Students apply for enrollment in the master’s program during the first year of their clinical program.
- If accepted, they begin the master’s curriculum the following fall term.
- Dual enrollees complete up to 23 credit hours of the master of biomedical sciences program prior to starting their research year.
- Students must complete a year of research, typically between the second and third years of their clinical studies.
An example curriculum is shown below.
|
Summer Term (June - July) |
Fall Term (August - December) |
Spring Term (January - May) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
|
|
|
| Year 2 |
Frontiers in Biomedical Research (2.5 credits) Research Safety* (0.5 credits) |
||
| Year 3 | Leave of Absence From Clinical Program | ||
|
Research (2 credits) Biostatistics (2 credits) Thesis (1 credit) |
Research (8 credits) Presentation of Scientific Information (1 credit) Thesis (1 credit) |
Research (8 credits) Scientific Communications (1.5 credits) Thesis (1.5 credits) |
|
| Year 4 | Thesis (5 credits) | ||
| Year 5 | Dual Degree Completion | ||
* Only required if not previously taken a research elective or participated in MSRP.