Interdepartmental Medical Science (IMS) Certificate Program

34.5 semester credits

The IMS program is an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates basic science courses and presents them through clinical system based modules. Applicants to the IMS program include students who are late in their decision to apply to medical school, students interested in improving their academic record before applying or re-applying to medical schools, or students who would like a year in a medical school setting before deciding whether medicine is the career for them. The program has been designed for college graduates who wish to enhance their academic credentials required for entry into U.S. medical school programs. However, the IMS program can also assist students interested in applying to dental, optometry, podiatry, or chiropractic schools.

Interdepartmental Medical Science Curriculum
Considered as a special master’s program, students in the IMS program are afforded the opportunity to take actual first-year medical school courses. Applicants to the IMS program must have already fulfilled undergraduate premedical requirements and demonstrated mastery of the material at a minimum grade of “C. ” These prerequisites include a year of biology, chemistry, physics and organic chemistry including respective laboratory sections. Students who feel that they have overcome their previous academic performance and can prove to medical schools that they can perform at a higher level are appropriate applicants to this program.

For more information, visit Drexel's College of Medicine Interdepartmental Medical Science Program web page.

Interdepartmental Medical Science Required Courses			Credits
Fall Semester
IMSP 502S	Medicine and Society I			3.0
IMSP 510S	Medical Biochemistry I			7.5
IMSP 520S	Medical Physiology I			3.5
IMSP 540S	Cell Biology and Microanatomy I			5.0
IMSP 570S	Medical Immunology*			3.0
IMSP 550S	Medical Nutrition*			1.0
* Although optional for students pursuing the certificate, these courses are required for students who desire the M.MS degree. Students receive their grade for this course in the spring.
Spring Semester
IMSP 503S	Medicine and Society II			2.0
IMSP 511S	Medical Biochemistry II			.5
IMSP 521S	Medical Physiology II			3.5
IMSP 541S	Cell Biology and Microanatomy II			3.5
IMSP 560S	Medical Neuroscience			6.0

Master of Science in Medical Science Option
Those who have at least a B average and wish to receive a graduate degree may continue for another year of training to complete the requirements for the Master of Science in Medical Science. The degree can be completed in one additional year and requires research (non-thesis).

The Master of Science in Medical Science Program is the second year of the IMS program. Students cannot directly apply to the MS in Medical Science program. After successful completion of the IMS year (minimum 3.0 GPA in IMS) students are guaranteed admission into the MS in Medical Science program.

Students also have the option of transferring to other graduate programs after completing the Interdepartmental Medical Science Certificate program.