Medical Studies

About this opportunity

The Medical Studies BS program provides students with a strong foundation in both science and health systems knowledge to gain an edge when applying to medical and professional schools, and be on their way to becoming leaders in health and health care.

The program allows students to meet the prerequisites for a variety of health professions programs (medicine MD/DO programs, dentistry, physician assistant, pharmacy, occupational therapy, optometry and others) and prepares the student for required postgraduate entrance exams, including the revised MCAT.

Students can customize the medical studies degree to meet the prerequisites of the health professions programs for which they intend to apply. Students have the opportunity to learn directly from health care providers who are currently practicing in the field, and they can select clinically related internships or electives during their junior year.

This degree program integrates communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership, all of which are essential competencies for members of today's health care teams.

Thesis

The thesis can be completed as a supplement to the MED internship course or as an independent study (research, clinical, creative project)under the mentorship of a faculty member (Thesis Director). Students will work with a faculty thesis director, second committee member (who is faculty or a qualified professional in a related area/field), and an optional third committee member. 

Academic Preparation

Students must follow a timeline and check in with their thesis director and committee members as determined at the start of the project. Students should also connect with health care providers in the field as needed to successfully complete their projects. FHAs can assist with connecting students with healthcare professionals and faculty with expertise in the field of interest.

Recommended Timeline

Students should start as soon as possible working on honors credits, internship, research and brainstorming thesis ideas. It is highly recommended students identify faculty and speak to them about working as Thesis Director and meet to discuss the proposed thesis a semester before they intend to start. 

Other Honors Opportunities

Honors enrichment contracts are created on a case-by-case basis with course instructors. Students should reach out to their course instructors at the beginning of the semester to determine if an honors enrichment contract is available. Students have the opportunity to participate in two clinical internships (MED484) in the medical studies program where they will work directly with healthcare providers and these will count for automatic honors credit.