The MS in Molecular Medicine and Health Sciences program is designed for students with a baccalaureate degree in science who are seeking advanced training in the health sciences, typically in preparation for pursuit of a professional degree (e.g., Medical, Dental, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine) or for preparation to work in academia or biotech/pharmaceutical industries. This program is also useful to individuals in academia who wish to keep up with recent advances in biomedical science. Foreign medical graduates (FMG) who wish to develop research skills are also encouraged to apply.
The objective of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of human diseases through didactic teaching and research training. Enrolled students can choose between the thesis- and non-thesis- track. The non-thesis track requires 30 credits of coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate. The thesis track requires a mentored thesis in addition to the coursework. The curriculum is designed not only to improve the credentials of students who are interested in medical, dental, or other health-related professional schools, but also to ease the transition to such professional programs. Additionally, students who choose the thesis track will develop quantitative and qualitative research skills, allowing them to be competitive in employment opportunities in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in academia.
Program highlights:
- Small class size: Allows students to develop meaningful relationships with professors and with each other.
- Diversity: Nearly 50% of enrolled students are from underrepresented minority groups. Students from underrepresented minority groups have achieved the same level of success as the rest of the students.
- Individualized mentoring and career development counseling: Our faculty will work with you to provide career development counseling and to develop an individualized training plan for your chosen career path.
- Flexibility: Students with special needs are allowed to complete the program in an extended period.
- Program Results: Our graduates have been successful in being accepted into prestigious medical and dental schools, MD/PhD, and PhD programs, including a 100% acceptance rate for our pre-dental students.
All courses in this program are taught by full-time faculty in the Tulane School of Medicine. As part of the required coursework, students will have opportunities to prepare written assignments and participate in oral presentations. Specific questions regarding the program can be directed to the Program Directors Dr. Haitao Zhang (hzhang@tulane.edu) and Dr. Gilbert Morris (gmorris2@tulane.edu).
Course Curriculum
For the most up to date curriculum please visit the course catalog
Sample Curriculum (Non-thesis track)
Fall (15 credits)
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMSP 6050 | Advanced Cell Biology-MS | 3 |
| PATH 6300 | Mechanisms of Disease 1 | 5 |
| MSCR/PATH 7070 | Molecular Medicine | 4 |
| PATH 2003 | Advances in Pathology Research | 1 |
| Electives | 2 |
Spring (15 credits)
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PATH 6310 | Mechanisms of Disease 2 | 5 |
| PATH 6400 | Molecular & Cellular Pathobiology | 4 |
| PATH 2003 | Advances in Pathology Research | 1 |
| Electives | 5 |
Sample Curriculum (Thesis track, Year 2)
Fall (9 credits)
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PATH 9980 | Pathology Master’s Research | 6 |
| Electives | 3 |
Spring (9 credits)
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PATH 9980 | Pathology Master’s Research | 6 |
| Electives | 3 |
Student Testimonials
"My time spent as a Master's student in Molecular Medicine, at Tulane Medical school played a pivotal role in my career." -Joshua Conley, Class of 2019
"Applying to this program was the best decision I ever made for myself! I made lifelong relationships with my mentors, peers, and elevated my strength as a student." -Wendy Mauti, Class of 2021
"I am very grateful for my experience in the MS program. The curriculum was designed to challenge me to think critically, hence disciplining me as an overall student...After completing the program, I was able to prove to admissions committees that I can manage a heavy course load schedule." -Rida Sajid, Class of 2020
Contact
Questions regarding the program can be addressed to the Program Director (Dr. Haitao Zhang, hzhang@tulane.edu) or Co-Director (Dr. Gilbert Morris, gmorris2@tulane.edu).
The online application can be accessed at: https://applygrad.tulane.edu/apply/.
