Medical Science Courses and Degree Programs

<p>Medical science degree programs prepare students to work in a variety of medical- and health-related fields. Students explore all aspects of the human body and how it functions. Aspiring medical science students will be trained in a diverse study of health topics including biology, chemistry, anatomy and more. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degrees </b> </td><td>Bachelor's degree in medical science-related field, Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Science, Doctor of Integrated Biomedical Sciences</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td>Genetics, organic chemistry, biostatistics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, neurobiology, medical cell biology, research</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Mean Salary (2021)*</b> </td><td> $104,050 per year (for medical scientists); <br /> $208,000 per year (median salary) (for physicians and surgeons, all other)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatMedicalScienceCoursesAndDegreeProgramsAreAvailable">What Medical Science Courses and Degree Programs Are Available?</h3> <p>Medical science courses and degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Usually, bachelor's degree medical science programs prepare you to work in an allied healthcare field, such as physician assisting. Sometimes, these programs are combined with master's degree programs and are designed to fast track you through medical school. These dual programs may allow you to earn a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree in seven years instead of the traditional eight. </p> <p>At the master's degree level, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Science prepares you for medical school or to work as a medical scientist. An M.S. program might be offered in two separate tracks, one intended to prepare you to work as a scientist and another to prepare you for medical school. In contrast, Master of Arts in Medical Science programs are specifically designed to prepare you to attend medical school. </p> <p>Doctor of Medical Science programs are research focused. Many times, in these programs you can specialize in a specific medical field, such as anatomy, biochemistry or biophysics. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWouldITake">What Courses Would I Take?</h3> <p>In a bachelor's degree program, you would complete courses in subjects such as: </p> <ul><li>Genetics </li><li>Organic chemistry </li><li>Anatomy and physiology </li><li>Patient assessment </li><li>Molecular biology </li><li>Genetics </li></ul><p>The curriculum in these courses may be in both lab and lecture format. </p> <p>Courses in a master's program designed to prepare you to attend medical school typically cover science-specific subjects. Examples include biochemistry, genetics, neurobiology, cell biology and medical cell biology. Courses in a program designed to prepare you for a career in research also include science courses such as biomolecules and cell biology, but may also include more lab-oriented classes. Examples of these classes include lab techniques, research in medical science and medical pathology. </p> <p>The curriculum of a doctoral program includes courses in responsible research conduct, cell biology and general biochemistry. These programs also require you to research and write a dissertation. </p> <h3 id="section---HowWouldIUseTheseDegrees">How Would I Use These Degrees?</h3> <p>With a degree in medical science, you can attend medical school and eventually work as a physician or surgeon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021 there were 761,700 physicians and surgeons in the nation (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The agency projects that this number will grow by 3% by 2031. </p> <p>You can also work as a medical scientist. These scientists investigate biological systems to learn about what causes diseases and how to prevent them. They may also design drugs or other treatments to cure illnesses. In 2021, the BLS stated there were 119,200 medical scientists employed in the nation. This number is expected to grow by 17% by 2031.</p>