Program Director: Kenneth L. Kramer, PhD
Program Office: Hixon-Lied, Rm 236

Graduate Study in Medical Sciences

The Master's program in Medical Sciences is offered by the Department of Medical Education. The program offers two primary tracks: our historically-successful Clinical Anatomy track and a Biomedical Sciences track.

All students must begin the program in August with a Foundations of Medicine course taken with the first-year medical students. This 5-week course is followed by an integrated study of human organ systems that includes gross anatomy, physiology, histology, and embryology as related to clinical practice. Students have opportunities to dissect the entire body and engage in the analysis of medical cases. During late November and early December, time is dedicated to board prep or service learning, depending on the individual student needs.

In the spring, students will work in small groups to examine ethical and humanitarian problems as well as attend autopsies and surgeries. Students will also identify a faculty mentor to determine a track of study and begin work on their Capstone Project, an interdisciplinary project based on their coursework which will address a specific challenge to medicine. Students will choose a course of study between our anatomy educator and biomedical sciences tracks that differ in the coursework during the spring.

The program lasts 11 months, concluding in June after the first Summer Session when students present their Capstone Projects to their faculty and peers. Successful students will graduate with a master’s degree in Medical Sciences in August.

Program Goals

Graduates with a master’s degree in Medical Sciences will:

• describe the structure and function of the human body at the whole body, system, organ, and cellular levels.
• assess the signs and symptoms of pertinent human illnesses and relate them to the pathophysiology of disease.
• develop and employ an ethical framework for evaluating issues in biology and medicine.
• nurture professional development through a wide variety of interactions with medical and allied health professional as well as time dedicated to board prep or service.
• develop and demonstrate a habit of cognitive and affective reflection that enhances self-awareness.
• address personal learning gaps through critical, self-directed evaluation of scientific literature.
• explore, reflect and choose a professional path that matches an area of their passion and abilities.

All graduate students in the program will be guaranteed an interview at Creighton University Medical School in March for possible admission in the subsequent fall.

Admissions Requirements

This course of study is primarily designed for students who wish to continue to pursue a professional degree in medicine, dentistry, or another health care profession. Graduates will also be prepared for careers in clinical anatomy education or biomedical science research.

Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., must have earned at least a B.S. or B.A. with a strong science component, and must have attained at least a 3.0 grade point average. For graduates with a degree from a non-biology or non-chemistry program, coursework requires an advanced biology course (e.g. a 300-level cell/molecular/developmental biology) and statistics.

Students are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or an equivalent professional school entrance exam (e.g. MCAT, DAT) less than two years prior to the application deadline. While there is no minimum score requirement, MCAT of 500, GRE of 50%, or DAT of 50% is preferred.

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation; two of three letters must be from an assistant, associate, or full professor.

Students are required to complete a personal statement essay in which the applicant reflects on their motivation for admission to this program. In addition, students may wish to comment on significant fluctuations in their academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application and/or include information such as unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced their educational pursuits.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the Creighton University School of Medicine’s technical standards (medschool.creighton.edu/future-students/md-program/application-process).

We review applications starting April 1st, interview outstanding applicants soon thereafter, and promptly send out decisions. All applications must be complete by June 15th.  Applicants accepted to the program on or before April 15th must enroll by June 15th. Because our class is filled on a rolling basis, we strongly encourage prospective students to complete their applications and enroll as soon as possible. We know many students on medical school waiting lists wish to delay their application and enrollment for as long as possible. However, all unresolved applications are cancelled when the class fills. Only admitted applicants who enroll are ensured a seat in the program.

Medical Sciences Degree Programs

M.S., Medical Sciences

M.S., Integrated Medical Sciences

Program Faculty

Medical Education

Leah D. Chrisman, PhD
Venkatesh Govindarajan, PhD
Cassandra L. Hays, PhD
Kenneth L. Kramer, PhD
Naomi A. Schmalz, PhD

Medical Humanities

Kevin T. FitzGerald, SJ, PhD
Sara W. Bharwani, Ed.D.
James F. Clifton, SJ

Pharmacy Sciences 

Anthony E. Kincaid, PT, PhD