M.D. and Master of Science in Clinical Research

MUSC offers a combined MD degree and Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree program.

The MD-MSCR degree aligns with MUSC’s mission as it prepares physicians to participate in biomedical clinical research and advance new knowledge. The MD-MSCR degree provides currently enrolled medical students with the opportunity to acquire core competencies in clinical research. Students completing the prescribed course of study for the MSCR degree, either in a concentrated full-time option or a blended part-time option, will complete the combined degree in 5 years.

Description of the Program

Program Timing

The earliest entry into the MD-MSCR degree program is the second semester of the MD degree program. Students submit their application as early as fall of year 1 and no later than December 15th of year 4. Students in the accelerated MD degree curriculum track are not eligible to apply. Students in the Primary Care Parallel track at MUSC AnMed Health clinical campus are eligible to apply.

Application

Only students who are enrolled in good academic and professional standing in the MD degree program may apply to transfer into the combined degree program. To apply, students should email the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Student Wellness or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Professionalism in the College of Medicine to explain their rationale for seeking acceptance into the combined degree program and state when they would like to enter the program; the respective associate dean will meet with the student for academic advising prior to notifying the Director of the MSCR program. Students must submit the following to the Director of the MSCR degree for review by the College of Graduate Studies Admissions Review Committee: an official medical school transcript and a letter from the COM Student Progress Committee confirming support for the student’s enrollment in the combined degree program.

Acceptance and Approval of Transfer

Students are accepted/approved to transfer into the program if the following occur:

1. Confirmation from the College of Medicine Dean’s Office - Student Affairs that the requested timing of entry into the combined degree program is compliant with college and university policies.

2. Review and approval from the Student Progress Committee (SPC) confirming their confidence that the student will be able to succeed professionally and academically. If a student seeks to enter the blended curriculum, the final curriculum plan must be approved by both the Director of the MSCR and the associate dean(s) for curriculum for the relevant phases of the MD degree in order for the SPC to approve transfer.

3. Approval from the Admissions Review Committee in the College of Graduate Studies.

4. Verification that the student has met with the Office of Financial Aid.

Cost

The cost for pursuing the MSCR as part of the MD-MSCR combined degree is a one-time MSCR fee of $20,661 (in-state or out of state status) when the student is transferred from the MD degree program to the MD/MSCR degree program. All regular medical school tuition and fees are collected for each of the 4 years of the MD degree portion of the MD-MSCR program. The bill is triggered by student enrollment in the course MCR 970 MD Mentored Research: 0.25 credit hours.

Policies and Procedures

All students enrolled in MD-combined degree programs are fully responsible for following all of the policies of the MD degree program including but not limited to professionalism, progress, and student responsibilities, including phases in which they are enrolled solely in MSCR coursework. Students are also fully entitled and encouraged to utilize all of the resources available as an MD degree student.

Clarification: Stop-Out Option

MD/MSCR students are eligible for the Master of Science in Medical Sciences stop-out option if they have completed the requisite preclerkship curriculum/semesters designated. MSCR coursework does not count toward the MSMS degree.

Curriculum

The MUSC combined MD/MSCR degree is more flexible than similar combined degrees in that MD students can enroll in the combined degree as early as the second semester of medical school compared to after year 1 at other institutions. The recommended course sequencing is listed below for two different options students may choose. For more information, please visit the Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program page.