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Overview
MSHS Program Overview
St. John’s University's Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) is an integrated, multidisciplinary program in the life sciences with focuses on health care and medical research. Offered in an accelerated format, the robust MS in Health Sciences program allows students to complete their degrees in as little as 12 months.
Aiming to produce competitive, well-trained, and socially responsible health science professionals, the MSHS degree program provides you with the knowledge and confidence you need to pursue a challenging health-related career. Through rigorous study, you are well-prepared to continue your studies in medical school, clinical research, or other health professions, such as dentistry, veterinary medicine, and chiropractic medicine.
Apply Request InfoUnique Features of St. John’s MS in Health Sciences Program
The Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) program is unique within the New York and tristate area. It offers an alternative pathway toward admission to postbaccalaureate medical professions and health-related research programs.
Ultimately, the master’s in Health Sciences program empowers a cohort of culturally diverse students who are underrepresented in current medical professions and health-related research. It offers an innovative solution for increasing diversity within the health sciences—which aligns the program goals with St. John’s mission.
Innovative Academic Approach
St. John’s University’s MSHS degree differs from traditional postbaccalaureate “bridge” programs offered at other institutions. Encouraging interdisciplinary study, the program employs a hybrid academic approach to maximize student success.
This transformative hybrid model includes extensive independent or group study during which students review prerecorded video lectures from medical specialists. After the video lectures, students participate in interactive in-class sessions guided by expert faculty members. In these sessions, utilizing cutting-edge technology to collect student data through classroom polling, professors deliver focused lectures to reinforce the knowledge taught in the prerecorded videos and answer student questions.
Through this unique educational approach, students can learn in an engaging environment and achieve their academic goals with the assistance of real-time data.
Expanding Career Networks through Academic Partnerships
MSHS students can also benefit from St. John’s University's academic partnership with Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU). This partnership includes an expanding health education and medical career networks with accredited medical schools and other health science-related institutions. Through the connection with PHSU, you are able to maximize your career opportunities and have access to PHSU’s medical school instructors, technology, medical education material, and consultation.
Excellent Preparation for Health-related Professions
Designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, clinical research, and other advanced health professions, the Master of Science in Health Sciences degree program is deeply rooted in medical education and heavily mirrors the first year of a Liaison Committee on Medical Education-accredited medical school.
With a robust curriculum that can effectively increase your science competencies, the master’s in Health Sciences program comprehensively prepares you for the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) exam or other admission exams, as well as the early years of medical school or other health-care-related programs.
Career Paths with an MSHS Degree
The health care industry is rapidly growing and is filled with exciting career opportunities. After earning a master’s degree in Health Sciences from St. John’s University, you are fully prepared for a wide variety of health-related career pathways including admission to medical school and other clinical academic programs such as veterinary, dental, chiropractic, physician assistant, and more. In addition, the MSHS degree can also help you launch your career in health administration, health education, or clinical research upon graduation.
Learn more about your career opportunities with a Master of Science degree in Health Sciences.
MS in Health Sciences Program Curriculum
The Master of Science in Health Sciences program employs a 42-credit intensive pre-med curriculum delivered over 12 months (three semesters). Besides the in-depth study in life sciences, students are required to complete a Comprehensive Examination in the last semester of coursework.
Semester I
Course | Credits |
Gross Anatomy, Embryology, and Imaging | 9 credits |
Physiology I | 4 credits |
Medical Biochemistry I | 5 credits |
Total | 18 credits |
Semester II
Course | Credits |
Microbiology and Immunology | 4 credits |
Physiology II | 4 credits |
Medical Biochemistry II | 5 credits |
Neuorscience | 5 credits |
Total | 18 credits |
Semester III
Course | Credits |
Histology and Cell Biology | 4 credits |
Medical Ethics | 1 credit |
Interprofessional Perspectives on Health Disparities | 1 credit |
Comprehensive Exam | |
Total | 6 credits |
Degree Requirements
Credits in Semester Hours: 42
Comprehensive Examination: Required
Academic Standing
The MSHS Program requires that a student maintain an average of B (GPA+3.0) or better and receive no more than 2 grades below a B. The PHS Department GEPC reviews all files of students whose grade point average falls below 3.0 or who attain a grade below B in any course and/or demonstrate insufficient progress. One grade below "B" places the student on probation. The second grade below a "B" places the student on terminal probation.
Admission Requirements
Interested applicants of the MSHS program must hold a bachelor’s degree with an overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and submit the following required documents for admission:
- GRE or MCAT score (may be waived*)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Course prerequisites (see below)
*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) may be waived if students’ overall bachelor's degree GPA is 3.25 or higher. If the GPA is below 3.25, the GRE or MCAT will not be waived. If the GRE or MCAT® requirement is not waived and you have not taken the MCAT®, it is recommended that you take the GRE for admission.
Pre-reqs taken off page: Required prerequisites
Course | Semesters/Credits |
Biology | 2 semesters each with lab |
Chemistry | 2 semesters each with lab |
Organic Chemistry | 2 semesters each with lab |
Physics | 2 semesters each with lab |
Mathematics | 6 credits |
Psychology/Behavioral Sciences and Social Sciences | 6 credits |
Recommended prerequisites
Course | Semesters/Credits |
Biochemistry | 1 semester |
Tuition & Financial Aid
The tuition for the Master of Science in Health Sciences program is $1,550 per credit.
St. John’s University also offers generous financial aid and scholarships to help students afford their education. Learn more about our tuition and financial aid opportunities.
MSHS Program Contact
Ashley T. Martino, Ph.D.
Director, MSHS ProgramAssociate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
718-990-3374
martinoa@stjohns.edu
Department Contact
Vijaya L. Korlipara, Ph.D.
Professor and ChairDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences
St. Albert Hall, Room 164
718-990-2013
korlipav@stjohns.edu
Learn More about the Master of Science in Health Sciences Program
Earn your master’s degree in Health Sciences from St. John’s University to get ready for a challenging and rewarding career in health care or admission to medical and other health professional schools.
Start your application today, or request information to learn more about the MSHS program.