Master’s in Medical Science Program Guide

• A master of medicine can make you a more competitive applicant for medical school.
• Some physicians pursue medical master's degrees to do medical research.
• With a master's in medical science, you can work in various healthcare sectors.

Some people dreaming of medical school may need more science coursework before taking this next educational step. Others may already have their medical degree but want to pursue medical research.

If you can relate to either scenario, consider a graduate medical science degree. A master's in medical science can give you a solid science background and allow for a smoother transition from a bachelor's program to an advanced degree.

Whether you have your sights on medical, dental, or pharmaceutical school, a master's in medical science online may set you apart from other applicants.

What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Medical Science?

With a master's in medical science, you can pursue several in-demand healthcare careers. Many programs offer specialization tracks, such as environmental health, pediatrics, or women's health conditions.

A master's in medical science can give you a competitive advantage when applying to medical school. The degree can also lead to a doctoral program in healthcare.

How Much Does an Online Medical Science Degree Cost?

If you're considering enrolling in a medical science degree program, you'll need to consider tuition costs.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, annual graduate tuition at public schools exceeded $12,000 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students at private schools paid over $26,000 per year on average.

Graduate tuition can be cost-prohibitive for many students. But tapping into financial aid sources like student loans and healthcare scholarships can help you cover the cost.

Total Average Cost of a Master's Degree

Is a Master's Degree in Medical Science Worth It?

A master's degree can be an investment in your future, especially if you want to grow professionally or prepare for a career change.

Suppose you're a nurse who is considering medical school. A master's in medical science online can help you make that transition. The multidisciplinary master of medicine can qualify you for various job opportunities in healthcare and beyond. For example, you could do clinical work, take on research positions, or work in public health or administration.

Finally, getting an advanced education can increase your earning potential.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Medical Science?

Medical scientists typically hold a doctoral or professional degree. People in this position made a median salary of over $95,000 per year in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS reports that life scientists earned a median salary of $80,140 in the same year. In contrast, physicians and surgeons made more than $200,000 annually.

Medical master's degrees can pave the way to jobs that pay far above the average U.S. salary. For example, degree-holders can work as hospital administrators, who earn an average base salary of $90,460, according to February 2023 Payscale data.

Also, the BLS reports that top executives in pharmaceutical manufacturing can make over $182,000 each year on average as of May 2021.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Medical Science Degree?

A medical science master's degree allows you to choose a specialty to help you refine your career path. For example, clinical settings provide many job opportunities. If you want to pursue leadership roles, you can find work in nursing or hospital administration.

If you want to work in healthcare practice, you can become an occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, or prosthetist. Many of these positions require prior training, but a master's degree can build on the education you've already received. You could also pursue jobs in healthcare sciences and research, which include training in statistics, ethics, policy, and scientific writing.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree in Medical Science?

Most traditional master's programs take about two years to complete. However, some students can finish a master's in medical science online faster, depending on graduation requirements. Some programs offer accelerated curricula, allowing working students to fit their coursework into their busy schedules.

Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Medical Science Degree

What courses will I take in a master's in medical science program?

Typical courses for medical master's degrees cover biology, scientific writing, ethics, and immunology.

You can expect to enroll in classes like biostatistics, medical biochemistry, and ethical issues in medical science. The curriculum may also cover microanatomy, medical leadership, and research in medical science.

In addition, you'll also take classes reflecting specialties, such as biochemistry, genetics, biostatistics, or gerontology.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in medical science?

A medical science degree can qualify you for some of the highest-paying jobs in healthcare and medicine. For example, Payscale reports that clinical trial managers earned an average of $104,630 annually as of March 2023.

If you have a nursing background, you can pursue work as a chief nursing officer. According to March 2023 Payscale data, these workers earned an average income of $138,640 per year. Other nurses with a master's degree can work as nurse educators, who made a median salary of $77,440 in May 2021, according to the BLS.

What degree do you need to be a medical scientist?

Many medical scientists hold doctoral or medical degrees. However, a master's in medical science online can provide the required background for some positions in the field.

An undergraduate major in biology, chemistry, or a related physical science can make up for not having a doctorate in some cases. Even with a master's in medical science, pursuing a doctorate may increase your earning potential and help you advance in your career.

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