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.
Choose to learn online or in person
The online version of the program benefits from the same faculty expertise and access as the on-campus program. Students form communities with their peers and participate in presentations and workshops geared toward their goals.
Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion of our program you will:
- Describe the the anatomical structures and physiological systems that regulate functions of the human body.
- Summarize the biochemical and cell signaling pathways that underlie the molecular basis of physiology.
- Relate the mechanisms by which changes at the cell and tissue level can affect functions of the major human organ systems.
- Integrate the fundamental mechanisms of drug action, pharmacokinetic properties, and adverse effects for pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of human disease.
- Apply appropriate statistical methods to evaluate biomedical research results in laboratory and clinical settings.
- 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.
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.
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.
| MMS Required CORE Courses (subject to change) | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry I | X | ||
| MPBP 6010 Human Physiology & Pharmacology | X | ||
| PHRM 6080 Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology orPHRM 6010 Applied Systems Pharmacology (for online learners) | X | ||
| BIOC 6002 General Biochemistry II | X | ||
| CLBI 6010 Cell Biology | X |
| Additional Courses Requirement | Fall | Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | ANNB 6000 Human Gross Anatomy (on-campus) or | X | ||
| RAD 6890 Human Anatomy via Radiology (online) | X | |||
| Biostatistics | PH 6030 Biostatistics I: Applied Research in Public Health or | X | X | X |
| CTS 6200 Analyze Clinical & Translational Research | X | |||
| CTS 6250 Multi Analysis Clin&Trans Research | X | |||
| MPBP/PHRM 6900 Capstone (optional) |
| Electives (Common electives listed below) | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOC 6051 Proteins I: Structure & Function | X | ||
| BIOC 6072 Cancer Biology | X | ||
| PATH 6280 Techniques in Microscopy | X | ||
| NSCI 6020 Neuroscience | X | X | |
| PHRM 6050 Milestones in Pharmacology | X | ||
| Public Health Courses (Online) | X | X | X |
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
On Campus Options
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.
| Summer | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| ANNB 6000 Anatomy (6 credits) | BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry (3 credits) | BIOC 6002 General Biochemistry (3 credits) |
| MPBP 6010 Human Physiology & Pharmacology (4 credits) | CLBI 6010 Cell Biology (3 credits) | |
| PHRM 6080 Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology (3 credits) | Capstone (2 credits) | |
| Elective OR Biostatistics (3 credits) | Elective OR Biostatistics (3 credits) |
This course flow allows students to complete the MMS degree on-campus in 2 years.
| Year 1 Fall | Year 1 Spring |
|---|---|
| PHRM 6080 Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology (3 credits) | CLBI 6010 Cell Biology (3 credits) |
| MPBP 6010 Human Physiology & Pharmacology (4 credits) | RAD 6890 Radiological Anatomy (3 credits) |
| Elective (3 credits) | |
| Year 2 Fall | Year 2 Spring |
| BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry (3 credits) | BIOC 6002 General Biochemistry (3 credits) |
| PH 6030 Biostatistics (3 credits) | Capstone (2 credits) |
| Elective (3 credits) |
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.
| Summer | Credits | Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH 6030 Biostats | 3 | BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry | 3 | BIOC 6002 General Biochemistry | 3 |
| PH 6180 Improving Health in Populations | 3 | MPBP 6010 Human Physiology & Pharm | 4 | CLBI 6010 Cell Biology | 3 |
| PHRM 6010 Applied Systems Pharmacology | 3 | RAD 6890 Radiological Anatomy | 3 | ||
| PH 6020 Epidemiology I | 3 | Capstone | 2 | ||
| Semester total | 6 | 13 | 11 |
| Summer 1 | Credits | Fall 1 | Credits | Spring 1 | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH 6030 Biostats | 3 | MPBP 6010 Human Physiology & Pharm | 4 | CLBI 6010 Cell Biology | 3 |
| PH 6040 Environmental Public Health | 3 | RAD 6890 Radiological Anatomy | 3 | ||
| Semester total | 3 | 7 | 6 | ||
| Summer 2 | Credits | Fall 2 | Credits | Spring 2 | Credits |
| PH 6180 Improving Health in Populations | 3 | BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry | 3 | BIOC 6002 General Biochemistry | 3 |
| PHRM 6010 Applied Systems Pharmacology | 3 | Capstone | 2 | ||
| Semester total | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Fall 1 | Credits | Spring 1 | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPBP 6010 Human Physiology & Pharm | 4 | CLBI 6010 Cell Biology | 3 |
| PH 6060 Social & Behavioral Public Health | 3 | RAD 6890 Radiological Anatomy | 3 |
| PH 6030 Biostats | 3 | ||
| Semester total | 7 | 9 | |
| Fall 2 | Credits | Spring 2 | Credits |
| BIOC 6001 General Biochemistry | 3 | BIOC 6002 General Biochemistry | 3 |
| PHRM 6010 Applied Systems Pharmacology | 3 | Capstone | 2 |
| PH 6180 Improving Health in Populations | 3 | ||
| Semester total | 6 | 8 |
UVM Launches Online Option of Master of Medical Science Degree
The online version of the Master of Medical Science degree benefits from the same faculty expertise as the on-campus program, but with the bonus of flexibility.
Student Stories
Student Stories
Master of Medical Science students come from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds.
Meet some of our students and learn more about our program.
“I wanted to make sure that I had what it took to handle the rigors of medical school. I attended the Post-Bacc Pre-Med and Master of Medical Science programs. The confidence I have now after going through those programs makes me a confident medical student and makes me feel like I will be a better doctor.
Maisie Laud, medical student at Larner College of Medicine
“I feel no different than if I was in person. I talk to Sarah all the time. The faculty is amazing. I did my homework on UVM’s program, and it was highly recommended. I’m so glad that I chose UVM.”
Mya Crabtree, online Master of Medical Science student
Administration
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More InfoKaren Lounsbury, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoChristopher Berger, Ph.D.
Professor
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More InfoSarah Ringler, M.S.
Director of Health Professions Advising
Additional faculty in the College of Medicine interact with the Master of Medical Science graduate students ad hoc, as advisors, during research experiences or in formal classes. You can explore all faculty labs within The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont by visiting the directory or browsing the UVM directory here.
Have questions? Call 802-656-8205 or email mms@uvm.edu today!
Cost
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.
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
The Master of Medical Science Program at the University of Vermont is excited to offer two MCAT preparation options for all UVM MMS students. 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.
Jack Westin Live Online MCAT Prep Course
In partnership with Jack Westin, any UVM MMS student will receive partial tuition funding towards the Live online MCAT Prep Course with Jack Westin for the Fall 2024 MMS cohort. This 8-week course includes 16 classes totaling 48 hours of top-tier instruction, led by Instructors who have scored 520+ on their own exams. It covers essential content and strategy for the entire MCAT, ensuring you can apply foundational concepts on test day. Gain a competitive edge with Jack Westin’s acclaimed strategies, enhancing your skills to tackle the MCAT’s unique challenges. All UVM MMS students enrolled will have lifetime access to the Asynchronous materials related to the course. Pricing is dependent on number of registrations, so please reach out to MMS@uvm.edu to learn more.
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.
The UVM Larner College of Medicine Office of Admissions agrees to provide an interview for students who have completed the Master of Medical Science program and seek admission to Larner College of Medicine. To be guaranteed an interview under this agreement, students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the MMS program and a 509 MCAT score. Students are also required to meet all other criteria for admission.
Additional requirements include:
- Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate degree program or higher at an institution accredited by the National Committee of Regional Accrediting Agencies in the U.S. or Canada
- No pending charges or finding of violation of University Policy
- Be a US citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or have DACA status
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
Resources
FAQ
The Master of Medical Science is an academic enhancer program and a Special Master’s Program (SMP). Qualified candidates are those who have shown promise in the sciences and can complete a challenging curriculum without needing remedial courses. The program is designed for students who may have completed core science prerequisites and need to enhance their academic record for application to medical school.
Our student cohort is a diverse group. Some have recently graduated from undergraduate schools, while others have been working in a career for some time. Many of our students are looking to improve their academic record by demonstrating their intellectual capabilities in a rigorous graduate program. Successful alumni of the MMS program become more competitive applicants to medical schools or other health professional programs.
The cohort is kept small to ensure students have direct faculty support, while learning in an intimate environment. On average, we accept 35 students into each cohort.
Our Post-Bacc Pre-Med program requires 24-37 credits and may be completed in 1-2 years (depending on a student’s preparation before entry). It is designed for career changers who have very few medical school prerequisites, or who completed prerequisites more than seven years ago. The 30-credit Master of Medical Science program is a one-year program for students who have already completed the basic health professional school prerequisites and need a BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math) GPA enhancer. The Master of Medical Science program is offered online or in person. The Post-Bacc Pre-Med program is a hybrid of online and in-person learning. Both programs provide linkages with the Larner College of Medicine and other health professional schools, a committee letter evaluation, and personal advising.
At the Larner College of Medicine we realize how important your future goals and aspirations are and provide one-on-one and group advising throughout the program. In addition to academic advising, we provide support in the medical school admissions process according to each student’s timeline and goals. Our support does not end once you graduate from the program. We continue to work with alumni to help them reach their career aspirations.
During your time as an MMS student, you will have access to a variety of resources to support your learning, including:
- UVM Libraries
- UVM Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
- UVM Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS)
- UVM Center for Health & Well-being
- UVM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Identity Centers
- UVM Writing Centers
- UVM CATcard Service Center
- UVM Green Mountain Transit – Free Public Transportation with CATcard.
When reviewing applications, we look at each candidate holistically. We want to know that you are capable of succeeding in our program and can handle a strong science curriculum. We take into account prior academics, experience, letters of recommendations, recent coursework and anything else that helps to demonstrate your character and potential. Standardized test scores are not required, though applicants are highly encouraged to provide previously taken standardized test scores that may help confirm baseline knowledge.
Many students will take a glide year unless they apply to MMS and medical schools at the same time. Most often, our students will apply to medical school after completing the MMS degree.
Is there a difference between the online and on-campus Master of Medical Science program curriculum?
No, the on-campus curriculum is replicated in the online curriculum with one difference: Where our online anatomy course is RAD 6890 – Human Anatomy via Radiology; our on-campus anatomy course is ANNB 6000 – Human Gross Anatomy.
The campus is home to the top-ranked University of Vermont Medical Center and Level 1 Trauma Center. You’ll learn in a close-knit environment with the same faculty expertise as the on-campus program. You’ll connect with your cohort online and form a community with your peers, and have virtual access to presentations and workshops happening on campus.
There is no difference in tuition between the online and on-campus version of the program.
Yes, students who apply for and enroll in the online Master of Medical Science program can take in-person Master of Medical Science courses. Students who apply for the on-campus Master of Medical Science program are able to take online courses as well.
There is no on-campus housing for this program, but there are many options for off-campus housing. Many MMS students live together off-campus, within walking distance. Here are some housing resources in the Burlington area:
One of the unique features of our program is that you’re getting the content that is covered in the MCAT very intensively through your academic courses. Additionally, in partnership with Kaplan Test Prep, UVM offers a discounted rate for the MCAT Prep Self-Paced Online course, which is open and available to all UVM students at a rate of $1080 per student, a significant savings off of Kaplan’s current retail class rate of $1999 per student. Kaplan’s MCAT Prep Self-Paced Online course allows you to prepare for the MCAT on the schedule that works best for you. View the details of the Kaplan MCAT class.
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.
Application Deadlines
- Summer 2024: June 7, 2024
- Fall 2024: July 1, 2024
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
Application Requirements
- Three Letters of Recommendation – As part of the online application, you will be required to identify three professional and/or academic references. Your references should be able to provide an informed opinion regarding your motivation, your intellectual ability, your work ethic, and your personal qualifications. We highly recommend that at least two of your references are academic in nature. If you are submitting letters through Interfolio, please note this in your application and send them directly to graduate.admissions@uvm.edu.
- College transcripts – In the online application, you will be required to attach official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework and, if applicable, graduate coursework that you have completed, regardless of whether or not a degree was conferred. This includes transfer, international, and study abroad credit. Unofficial transcripts uploaded by you are sufficient for the review process for most programs. Official transcripts are only required if you are admitted.
- Statement of purpose – Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to describe your reasons for pursuing a degree in healthcare, motivations to enter our program, as well as a chance to provide any context as to how your past experiences may have impacted your academic performance.
- A CV or résumé
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants, and in some cases, applicants whose native or first language is not English
- Standardized test scores are not required. Applicants are highly encouraged to provide previously taken standardized tests as it could affirm baseline knowledge
In some cases, if the Graduate College seeks additional information, you may send it to The Graduate College Admissions Offices:
The University of Vermont
330 Waterman Building
Burlington, Vermont 05405-0160
Telephone: (802) 656-2699
Fax: (802) 656-0519
E-mail: graduate.admissions@uvm.edu
Have questions? Call 802-656-8205 or email mms@uvm.edu today!
Advising and Student Support
You have the goal; we’ll help you achieve it
We are dedicated to helping you access UVM. It is our role to get to know your experience and goals, assist you in choosing courses, guide you through registration, and serve as your resource throughout your time at UVM.
Curious if your past college credits apply at UVM? Want to understand where a program will take you after completion? Looking for resources for financial aid, tutors, or UVM policies? We’re here to help.
