Archived Program Catalog 2024-2025

The Post-Doctoral program in Digital Dentistry is the first full-time program of its kind worldwide; it is a 2-year clinical program with an emphasis on prosthodontic rehabilitations using multiple digital systems and technologies. The objective of this program is to provide clinicians with a sound academic and clinical background in digital dentistry with a wide variety of technologies from over 20 different manufacturers. Emphasis is placed on training clinicians who are competent in all aspects of digital dentistry from guided surgical implant placement to 3D smile design, full mouth rehabilitation, and computer-assisted manufacturing of high-quality restorations. The program is enriched by comprehensive treatment planning involving full mouth rehabilitation, treatment of edentulism, and rehabilitation of the worn dentition. Contemporary esthetic materials and dental implant therapy are emphasized.

Candidates will have the opportunity to complete the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) - Digital Dentistry track. This degree requires completion of a research project and defense of a thesis project. The didactic component of the program includes treatment planning seminars and literature review seminars in addition to formal lecture courses. The Master's degree program is completed simultaneously with the clinical Certificate program in Digital Dentistry and there is no option for a Certificate only program. A research project culminating in the defense of a thesis is mandatory, and preparation of a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal is strongly recommended.

Curriculum

The format outlined below is subject to change based on availability of courses, instructors, and continued relevance to the overall curriculum.

Year 1, Summer

GDENT 710	Head and Neck Anatomy Review	0.5
GDENT 834	Advanced Topics in Radiology	1
DIGT 700	Digital Dentistry Basics	1.5
DIGT 706	Digital Smile Design	1
Semester Total		4

Year 1, Fall

GDENT 801	Teaching Methodologies	1.5
GDENT 878	Oral Medicine	1.5
GDENT 800	Research Methodologies	1.5
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GDENT 827	Interdiscipl Dent Impl 1	1
DIGT 708	Digital Dental Materials	1
DIGT 710	Structured Literature Review	1
DIGT 712	Surgical Principles, Implant	2
DIGT 718	Case Review Portfolio 1	2
Semester Total		12.5

Year 1, Spring

GDENT 863	Dental Ethics/Behavioral Mgmt	1
GDENT 828	Interdispl Dent Impl II	1
GDENT 829	Innov & Resch in Oral Health	1
GDENT 868	Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial	2
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
DIGT 714	Advanced Digital Dentistry	2
DIGT 719	Case Review Portfolio 2	2
Semester Total		10

Year 2, Summer

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
DIGT 715	Advanced Digital Dentistry II	2
Semester Total		3

Year 2, Fall

DIGT 716	Advanced Digital Dentistry 3	2
DIGT 711	Structured Lit. Review II	1
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
DIGT 720	Case Review Portfolio 3	2
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Spring

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
DIGT 717	Advanced Digital Dentistry 4	2
DIGT 721	Case Review Portfolio 4	2
Semester Total		5

Curriculum Total

40.5

The curriculum is structured to create a balanced course load, adequate time for broadening the student’s clinical experience, and an opportunity for students to gain research experience in an area of special interest.

The Master of Science in Dentistry will only be offered in conjunction with a dental clinical specialty Certificate program offered by the College of Dental Medicine.  A student may not enroll in the Master of Science in Dentistry program if not also concurrently enrolled in a dental specialty program.

Curriculum

The format outlined below is subject to change based on availability of courses, instructors, and continued relevance to the overall curriculum.

Year 1, Summer

GDENT 701	Preclinical Instruction	1
GDENT 710	Head and Neck Anatomy Review	0.5
GDENT 834	Advanced Topics in Radiology	1
Semester Total		2.5

Year 1, Fall

GDENT 800	Research Methodologies	1.5
GDENT 801	Teaching Methods	1.5
GDENT 878	Oral Medicine	1.5
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GDENT 827	Interdiscipl Dent Impl 1	1
GENDO 704	Classic Literature Review	2
GENDO 705	Current Literature Review	1
GENDO 783	Clinical Case Review I	2
Semester Total		11.5

Year 1, Spring

GDENT 868	Advanced Oral and Maxillo Path	2
GDENT 863	Dental Ethics/Behavioral Mgmt	1
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	2
GDENT 829	Innov & Resch in Oral Health	1
GENDO 706	Classic Literature Review II	2
GENDO 716	Current Literature Review II	1
GENDO 784	Clincal Case Review II	2
Semester Total		11

Year 2, Summer

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GENDO 785	Clinical Case Review III	1
Semester Total		2

Year 2, Fall

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GENDO 728	Classic Literature Review III	2
GENDO 729	Current Literature Review III	1
GENDO 786	Clinical Case Review IV	2
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Spring

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	2
GENDO 733	Classic Literature Review IV	2
GENDO 734	Current Literature Review IV	1
GENDO 787	Clinical Case Review V	2
Semester Total		7

Year 3, Summer

GENDO 788	Clinical Case Review VI	1
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
Semester Total		2

Curriculum Total

42

In order to meet the goal of providing a wide range of experiences grounded in a process of critical analysis, the program provides the following:

The mission of the MSD Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct an ethical, patient-centered, evidence-based practice in the specialty of orthodontics. The MSD curriculum is structured for a balanced work load to allow time for each postgraduate student to broaden their clinical and didactic experiences as well as provide opportunities to gain additional experiences in areas of special interest. Postgraduate students who complete the program are expected to have developed their skills and knowledge to the level of a specialist in orthodontics as approved by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation.  This implies the student will have had considerable didactic background and direct experiences with patients exhibiting a variety of malocclusion presentations. Critical topics to the specialty of orthodontics will be covered in departmental based seminars (e.g. Craniofacial Growth & Development, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Space Supervision, Cephalometrics, Edgewise Appliances Design, Biomechanics, Dentofacial Orthopedics). Seminar topics will be supported by literature reviews and case analysis treatment planning sessions that are reinforced through clinical experiences. Recognition  of malocclusion parameters, hereditary conditions and orofacial patterns will be expected by completion of the program with knowledge of physical and emotional development essential to successful outcomes. Utilizing diagnostic training, the graduate should be able to prepare and present a treatment plan that is comprehensive and efficiently sequenced. Clinical expertise will be attained in management of the primary and mixed dentitions (space supervision, interceptive procedures, growth modification, multi­ phase early treatment), the young permanent dentition (comprehensive non-extraction and extraction protocols} and adult patients  (orthognathic  surgery,  coordinated  restorative  -  prosthetic management). The MSD program curriculum and experiences are further designed to  prepare graduates not only for successful entry into the contemporary practice of orthodontics; but to provide a scientific foundation for future growth in the field. In addition to clinical expertise, the graduate should have superior abilities in interpreting new evidenced-based procedures and concepts available to the profession and public. An evidenced-based understanding of the specialties knowledge base will be emphasized in seminar discussions, the clinical environment, through the core curriculum of the MSD program, and in research experiences. In sum, the MUSC Orthodontic Program will strive to produce knowledgeable and compassionate practitioners who have the skills and desire for lifelong learning and who will play a leadership role in specialty governance, education, research, and community activity.

Curriculum

An overview of curriculum components and distribution for the three years of the program:

Year 1, Summer

GDENT 701	Preclinical Instruction	1
GDENT 710	Head and Neck Anatomy Review	0.5
GDENT 834	Advanced Topics in Radiology	1
Semester Total		2.5

Year 1, Fall

GDENT 800	Research Methodologies	1.5
GDENT 801	Teaching Methods	1.5
GDENT 878	Oral Medicine	1.5
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GORTH 710	Contemporary Orthodontics	2
GORTH 732	Literature Review	1
Semester Total		8.5

Year 1, Spring

GDENT 863	Dental Ethics/Behavioral Management	1
GDENT 829	Innov & Resch in Oral Health	1
GDENT 868	Advanced Oral and Maxillo Path	2
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GORTH 745	Literature Review II	1
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Summer

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GORTH 746	Literature Review III	0.5
Semester Total		1.5

Year 2, Fall

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GORTH 747	Literature Review IV	1
Semester Total		2

Year 2, Spring

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GORTH 748	Literature Review V	1
Semester Total		2

Year 3, Summer

GORTH 749	Literature Review VI	1
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	2
Semester Total		3

Year 3, Fall

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	2
GORTH 750	Literature Review VII	1
Semester Total		3

Year 3, Spring

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	2
GORTH 751	Literature Review VIII	1
Semester Total		3

Curriculum Total

31.5

The Residency Program in Periodontics and the MSD-Periodontics track develop dental specialists with a sound academic background on which to base clinical treatment, research, and teaching. A structured curriculum in the MSD-Periodontics track augments the experiential training and didactic activities the resident/post-doctoral student receives in the Periodontics Residency Program. The combined training program results in clinicians competent in all aspects of periodontology and makes them eligible to seek certification by the American Board of Periodontology.

All students must complete the requirements of both the residency and the MSD-Periodontics track. In addition to the individual degree requirements, the program provides a broad experience in clinical periodontics and allied medical and dental subjects. Intensive training is provided in advanced regenerative techniques, aesthetic periodontal surgery, ridge preservation and augmentation, sedation and the surgical placement and maintenance of dental implants. Literature review and treatment planning seminars provide a rationale for therapy based on current literature. Students develop and complete a research project and participate in both didactic and clinical teaching.

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

GDENT 701	Preclinical Instruction	1
GDENT 710	Head and Neck Anatomy Review	0.5
GDENT 834	Advanced Topics in Radiology	1
GPERI 864	Advanced Periodontology	2
Semester Total		4.5

Year 1, Fall

GDENT 800	Research Methodologies	1.5
GDENT 801	Teaching Methods	1.5
GDENT 878	Oral Medicine	1.5
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 871	Advanced Periodontology II	1
GPERI 870	ADVP Treatment Planning Seminar	1
GDENT 827	Interdiscipl Dent Impl 1	1
Semester Total		8.5

Year 1, Spring

GPERI 880	Treatment Planning Seminar II	1
GDENT 829	Innov & Resch in Oral Health	1
GDENT 863	Dental Ethics & Behavioral Management	1
GDENT 868	Advanced Oral and Maxillo Path	2
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 872	Advanced Periodontology III	1
GDENT 828	Interdispl Dent Impl II	1
Semester Total		8

Year 2, Summer

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 873	Advanced Periodontology IV	1
Semester Total		2

Year 2, Fall

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 881	Treatment Planning Seminar III	1
GPERI 874	Advanced Periodontology V	1
Semester Total		3

Year 2, Spring

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 875	Advanced Periodontology VI	1
GPERI 882	Treatment Planning Seminar IV	1
Semester Total		3

Year 3, Summer

GPERI 876	Advanced Periodontology VII	1
GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
Semester Total		2

Year 3, Fall

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 883	Treatment Planning Seminar V	1
GPERI 877	Advanced Periodontology VIII	1
Semester Total		3

Year 3, Spring

GDENT 899	Research Thesis	1
GPERI 884	Treatment Planning Seminar VI	1
GPERI 878	Advanced Periodontology IX	1
Semester Total		3

Curriculum Total

37

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree program is a four year program that educates and trains individuals as dentists who have not only the fundamental knowledge of the profession, but also the qualities and characteristics required of dentists as leaders of dental teams and members of community health teams.

Approximately 295 students are currently enrolled in the College of Dental Medicine’s four-year program leading to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree. Before receiving their degrees, dental students must be able to recognize and assess disease as it affects the oral cavity and to appreciate the systemic effects of oral disease, to understand the effects of systemic and local therapy on oral health, and to treat or refer for treatment not only the disease but the patient as a whole. A dentist must be capable of preventing oral disease and maintaining and restoring oral health. A dentist must also be aware of his or her professional limitations, be motivated to seek the patient’s best interests, and have the self-confidence to ask others to participate in the treatment of patients.

Throughout their professional lives, dentists must add to their knowledge by evaluating their own observations and those of others, this ability having been engendered by a critical approach to learning and cultural competence.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to allow for a balanced work load, time for remediation of weak students, a broadening of the student’s clinical experience, and an opportunity for the honor student to gain additional experience in areas of special interest. The first two years concentrate on preclinical dental science courses, but clinical observations and experiences are incorporated. The final two years concentrate on clinical practice.

Year 1, Summer

DBSCI 724	Gross Anatomy	8
GENDT 802	Introduction to Dentistry	3
Semester Total		11

Year 1, Fall

CLNDM 805	Early Clinics I	3.5
DBSCI 727	Dental Biochemistry	3
DBSCI 728A	Cell Bio and Basic Histology	3
DBSCI 728B	Oral Histology and Embryology	2
DPOH 806	Preventive Dentistry	1
FXPRO 801	Pre-Clinical Occlusion I	2.5
GENDT 801	Dental Morphology	3
GENDT 804	Nutrition and Oral Health	1
GENDT 819	Infection Control	1
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
IP ###	IP Concentration Course	1
PERIO 802	Periodontics I	2
GENDT 831	Evidence Based Dentistry	0.5
Semester Total		24.5

Year 1, Spring

CLNDM 806	Early Clinics II	3.5
DBSCI 723	Dental Microbiology	4
FXPRO 805	Fixed Prosthodontics I	2
DBSCI 725	Physiology	6
DBSCI 729	Oral Immunology/Biology	4
MATSC 801	Dental Materials	2.5
PROS 820	Implant Prosthodontics I	2.5
STOMA 880	Behavioral Science	2
Semester Total		26.5

Year 2, Fall

CLNDM 810	Early Clinics III	3
ENDO 816	Principles of Endodontics	3
FXPRO 806	Fixed Prosthodontics II	2.5
GENDT 805	Operative I and Cariology	4.5
OMFS 801	Oral Surgery I	1
ORAD 800	Introduction to Rad Tech & Interp	2
ORTHO 801	Orthodontics I	2
RMPRO 811	Complete Dentures Pros I	4.5
SDENT 623	General & Systemic Pathology	3.5
SDENT 838	Oral Medicine I	1
Semester Total		27

Year 2, Spring

CLNDM 811	Early Clinics IV	3
ENDO 817	Endodontic Technique	1.5
FXPRO 807	Fixed Prosthodontics III	2.5
GENDT 830	Operative II	4
OMFS 805	Comp. Control of Pain/Anxiety Dentistry	1
ORTHO 802	Orthodontics II	2
DBSCI 726	Pharmacology	4
PDENT 800	Pediatric Dentistry I	1
RMPRO 813	Complete Dentures II	1.5
RMPRO 835	Removable Partial Pros	3.5
SDENT 907	Oral Medicine II	1
Semester Total		25

Year 3, Summer

CLNDM 812I	Junior Clinic Oral Diagnosis/Rad	1
CLNDM 890	Orientation to Clinics	1
CLNDM 896	Junior Attendance I	2
GENDT 835	Treatment Plan Fundamentals	1
GENDT 888	Preclinical Skills Assessment	0.5
OMFS 806	Clinical Pathopsys of Com Med Cond	0.5
OMFS 810	Physical Diagnosis	1
PEDOR 825	Pediatric/Orthodontic Lab	1
PROS 821	Implant Prosthodontics II	2.5
PERIO 817	Periodontics II	1.5
Semester Total		12

Year 3, Fall

CLNDM 813E	Junior Clinic Pediatric	0.5
CLNDM 813I	Junior Clinic Oral Diagnosis/Radiology	1.5
CLNDM 830	Continued Quality Improvement	1.5
CLNDM 897	Junior Attendance II	3
DBSCI 730	Clinical Genetics	1
ENDO 813	Endo Special Topics	1
GENDT 818	Introduction to Research Methods	2
PDENT 801	Pediatric Dentistry II	1
PERIO 818	Periodontics III	1.5
SDENT 839	Oral Pathology I	3
Semester Total		16

Year 3, Spring

CLNDM 814A	Junior Clinic Fixed Prosthodontics	1
CLNDM 814C	Junior Clinic Operative Dent	3.5
CLNDM 814D	Junior Clinic Oral Surgery	1
CLNDM 814E	Junior Clinic Pediatric Dent.	0.5
CLNDM 814I	Junior Clinic Oral Diagnosis/Rad	1.5
CLNDM 814J	Junior Clinic Periodontics	3
CLNDM 814K	Junior Clinic Orthodontics	0.5
CLNDM 814L	Junior Clinic Removable Pros	3
CLNDM 827	Junior Treatment Plan Clinic	1
CLNDM 831	Continued Quality Improvement II	1.5
CLNDM 874	Oral Rehab Clin Experience I	2
CLNDM 898	Junior Attendance III	3
GENDT 807	Practice Management I	1
GENDT 816	Patient Management	1
MATSC 886	Independent Project	1
PROS 830	Dental Implantology	1
SDENT 840	Oral Pathology II	3
DPOH 808	Dental Public Health	1
ORAD 801	Radiology Advanced Topics	1
Semester Total		30.5

Year 4, Summer

CLNDM 832	Cont. Quality Improvement III	1.5
CLNDM 850E	Senior Clinic Pediatric Dentistry	0.5
CLNDM 892	Senior Attendance I	2.5
GENDT 806	Esthetic Dentistry	0.5
GENDT 825	Comp Clinical Competency I	0.5
OMFS 885	Advanced Concepts in OMFS	1
GENDT 817	Practice Management II	1
SDENT 846	Chronic Orofacial Pain Mgmt	0.5
Semester Total		8

Year 4, Fall

CLNDM 833	Continued Quality Improvement IV	1.5
CLNDM 851C	Senior Clinic Operative Dentistry	3
CLNDM 851E	Senior Clinic Pediatric Dentistry	0.5
CLNDM 875	Oral Rehab Clin Experience II	2
CLNDM 893	Senior Attendance II	3
GENDT 810	Advanced Dental Seminar Series	1
GENDT 823	Advanced Treatment Planning	2.5
Semester Total		13.5

Year 4, Spring

CLNDM 828	Senior Treatment Plan Clinic	1
CLNDM 818	Ryan White Wellness Center	0.5
CLNDM 834	Continued Quality Improvement V	1.5
CLNDM 845	Oral Surgery Rotation	1.5
CLNDM 852B	Senior Clinic Endodontics	1
CLNDM 852C	Senior Clinic Operative Dentistry	1
CLNDM 852E	Senior Clinic Pediatric Dentistry	0.5
CLNDM 852J	Senior Clinic Periodontics	3
CLNDM 852L	Implant Prosthodontic Clinic	1
CLNDM 852M	Senior Clinic Removable Pros	3
CLNDM 852N	Senior Clinic Fixed Prosthodontics	1
CLNDM 871	Clinical Rest Dent Comp	7.5
CLNDM 872	Oral Diagnosis Rotation	1.5
CLNDM 876	Oral Rehab Clin Experience III	1
CLNDM 880	Oral Head & Neck Cancer Clinical	0.5
CLNDM 894	Senior Attendance III	3
CLNDM 865	Off Campus Enrichment Sites	0.5
GENDT 822	EBD Capstone	0.5
GENDT 826	Comp Clinical Competency II	0.5
Semester Total		30.0

Curriculum Total

225

The Dental Scientist Training Program (DSTP), also known as the D.M.D./Ph.D. program, is one of only 13 such programs supported by a National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Health training grant. It is also financially and administratively supported by the Colleges of Dental Medicine and Graduate Studies. The program is designed to facilitate the development of superior students into individuals who can provide the innovative leadership required in oral health sciences. The integrated program provides the training for the attainment of both the D.M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. Accordingly, the program seeks to incorporate the best qualities of the dental and graduate programs into a cohesive whole and to foster exceptional training in both clinical and research areas.

The DSTP consists of faculty members drawn from both basic and clinical sciences departments. The program directors with internal and external steering committees are responsible for the operation of the program. The primary purpose of such an administrative structure is to guide the Dental Scientist Training Program and its participants toward the highest quality of intellectual curiosity and the accomplishment of academic excellence. 

The DSTP is an integrated program with both the D.M.D. and Ph.D. degrees conferred upon a student at the very end of the program, and only upon successful completion of the program.  The curriculum is essentially the same curriculum for the D.M.D. and the Ph.D. programs, just integrated.  Since DSTP students begin with the first year of D.M.D. training, they begin the dental school didactic curriculum in June, ahead of traditional Fall academic year start dates. DSTP students begins with 1 year of dental school, followed by 3-4 years of research, and then the final 3 years of the dental school curriculum. This paradigm helps students concentrate on their research and/or clinical work for better retention and offers a more satisfactory blend of academic and patient experiences. Additionally, dental students need continuity in their clinical training to maintain the skills acquired during their 2nd year of preclinical, laboratory-based dental classes. To stimulate and promote integration of the basic research skills and interests likely to be acquired during the years of PhD training, we provide 2 opportunities for DSTP students, during the clinical training, to gain knowledge about and actively participate in clinical and translational research through the Month in the Research Nexus and the Translational Sciences Clinic. DSTP students differ in the amount of time needed to complete their training; the average – based on 10 graduates to date – is 8.1 years.  

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	10.5
Semester Total		10.5

Year 1, Fall

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	23.5
Semester Total		23.5

Year 1, Spring

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	25.5
Semester Total		25.5

Year 2, Summer

CGS 720	Laboratory Rotation	4
CGS 721	Laboratory Rotations	4
### 970	Research	3 - 6
Semester Total		11 - 14

Year 2, Fall

MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
CGS 768	Techniques & Experimental Design	2
### 970	Research	3 - 6
Semester Total		6 - 9

Year 2, Spring

CGS 772	Learning From the Literature	2
CGS 770	Principles Practices & Professionalism	2
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
### 970	Research	3 - 6
	Dissertation
Semester Total		8 - 11

Year 3, Summer

### 970	Research	3 - 6
Semester Total		3 - 6

Year 3, Fall

CGS 727	Designing Rigorous Research	1
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
CGS 700	Intro to Biostatsistics	4
### 970	Research	3 - 6
	Any additional department specific requirements
Semester Total		9 - 12

Year 3, Spring

MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
### 970	Research	3 - 6
	Dissertation	8-11
Semester Total		15 *

Year 4, Summer

	Dissertation	15
Semester Total		15

Year 4, Fall

MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
	Dissertation	14
Semester Total		15

Year 4, Spring

MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
	Dissertation	14
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Summer

	Dissertation
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Fall

MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
	Dissertation	14
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Spring

MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Science Seminar Series	0.5
	Dissertation	14
Semester Total		15

Year 6, Fall

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	27
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Sci Seminar Series	0.5
Semester Total		28

Year 6, Spring

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	25
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Sci Seminar Series	0.5
Semester Total		26

Year 7, Summer

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	12
Semester Total		12

Year 7, Fall

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	17
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Sci Seminar Series	0.5
Semester Total		18

Year 7, Spring

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	27.5
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Sci Seminar Series	0.5
Semester Total		28.5

Year 8, Summer

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	9.5
Semester Total		9.5

Year 8, Fall

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	14.5
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Sci Seminar Series	0.5
Semester Total		15.5

Year 8, Spring

	Reference D.M.D. Curriculum	28
MCBP 745	Topics in Oral Health Sciences	0.5
MCBP 747	Oral Health Sci Seminar Series	0.5
Semester Total		29

Curriculum Total

368-383+

* In Dissertation years, total credit hours for each semester must equal 15.

The Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research (CCR) provides training to clinical and health care professionals who desire skills and understanding of core competencies for participation in human clinical research without the time commitment of a graduate degree.

The 19-credit hour graduate certificate is online, part-time and ideal for working individuals. It includes courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical research industry and regulations, overview of grants and team sciences. Courses completed in the graduate certificate may transfer to the M.S. Clinical Research degree.

The graduate certificate courses are offered in specific terms- fall, spring and summer.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

MCR 700	Clinical Biostatistics	3
MCR 736	Clinical Epidemiology	3
MCR 750	Ethical Issues in Clinical Research	1
Semester Total		7

Year 1, Spring

MCR 724	Introduction to Clinical Trials	3
MCR 752	Team Science in Clinical Research	1
MCR 732	Comparative Effectiveness Research	3
MCR 777	Introduction to Grant Writing	1
Semester Total		8

Year 1, Summer

MCR 731	Critical Review	2
MCR 773	Industry/Regulatory	2
Semester Total		4

Curriculum Total

19

The MS in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) is a research intensive degree program for individuals seeking to improve their credentials for PhD programs or to pursue careers in the biotech industry, government agencies, or higher education. With the exception of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, thesis work will involve in person, laboratory research at the bench. To be successful and graduate on time, students should expect to devote a minimum of 40 hours per week on their coursework and research projects.

Curriculum

Individuals admitted to this program and choosing any of the six laboratory science tracks complete 49-academic credit hours, including a minimum of 15 didactic semester hours, and thesis. The program includes classroom lectures, seminars, scientific writing requirements, oral presentations, and mentored original research. The degree is designed to be completed in 21 months on a continuous, full time basis, beginning each fall. Part-time enrollment is not permitted. The Fall 1 term is a common curriculum for all tracks except Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and students are encouraged to try different disciplines through laboratory rotations of the student's choice. Thesis mentors and tracks are usually chosen at the start of the Spring 1 term.

Year 1, Fall

CGS 765	Proteins:Dynam Struct & Funct	3
CGS 766	Genes: Inheritance/Expression	4
CGS 767	Cells:Organization/Communicate	3
CGS 768	Techniques & Experimental Design	2
CGS 970	Research	1
Semester Total		13*

Year 1, Spring

CGS 770	Principles Practices & Prof	2
	Track Specific Research & Electives	7
Semester Total		9*

Year 1, Summer

CGS 762	Scientific Writing for MBS	1
	Track Specific Research & Electives	8*
Semester Total		9*

Year 2, Fall

	Track Specific Research & Electives	9*
Semester Total		9*

Year 2, Spring

	Track Specific Research & Electives	9*
Semester Total		9*

Curriculum Total Minimum

49

*Required Track-specific additional coursework:

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

BMB 730. Seminar in Biochemistry Research & Methods, 1 credit hour, in Spring 1, Fall 2, Spring 2

Neuroscience

NSCS 730. Fundamentals of Neuroscience, 2 credit hours, Spring 1

BMTRY 700. Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics, 4 credit hours

Biostatistics or Epidemiology

• BMTRY 700. Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics, 4 credit hours
• BMTRY 701. Biostatistical Methods II, 4 credit hours
• BMTRY 702. Methods IV: Advanced ANOVA & Regression, 4 credit hours
• BMTRY 706. Theoretical Foundations of Statistics I, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 707. Theoretical Foundations of Statistics II, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 711. Analysis of Categorical Data, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 713. Infectious Disease Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 714. Linear Models in Biology & Medicine, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 717. Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials, 2 credit hours
• BMTRY 719. Bayesian Biostatistics, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 722. Analysis of Survival Data, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 724. Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 725. Grant Development of Clinical Research, 2 credit hours
• BMTRY 726. Multivariate Methods in Biology & Medicine, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 734. Cancer Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 736. Foundations of Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 737. Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 738. Field Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 745. Environmental Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 747. Foundations of Epidemiology II, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 748. Foundations of Epidemiology III, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 757. Molecular Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 759. Health Disparities, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 761. Longitudinal Data Analysis, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 763. Spatial Epidemiology - Statistical Methods & Applications, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 765. Chronic Disease Epidemiology, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 766. Methods & Outcomes in Cancer Population Sciences, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 776. Public Health Seminar, 1 credit hour
• BMTRY 779. Advanced Inference, 4 credit hours
• BMTRY 781. Methods in Clinical Cancer Research, 2 credit hours
• BMTRY 783. Statistical Methods for Bioinformatics, 2 credit hours
• BMTRY 784. Biostatistical Methods III, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 785. Probability & Statistical Inference, 3 credit hours
• BMTRY 790. Machine Learning & Data Mining, 3 credit hours

Part-Time Curriculum

Students can complete the part-time program in two years on a part-time basis, beginning each fall. Individuals admitted to this program complete a 38-academic credit hour master's program composed of classroom lectures and seminars.

Year 1, Fall

MCR 700	Clinical Biostatistics	3
MCR 736	Clinical Epidemiology	3
MCR 750	Ethical Issues in Clinical Research	1
MCR 770	Contemporary Topic Seminar	1
Semester Total		8

Year 1, Spring

MCR 724	Introduction to Clinical Trials	3
MCR 746	Informatics & Data Management	2
MCR 752	Team Science in Clinical Research	1
MCR 771	Regression Analysis	2
Semester Total		8

Year 1, Summer

MCR 731	Critical Review	2
MCR 772	Community Engaged Research	1
MCR 773	Industry/Regulatory	2
MCR 774	Leadership	2
MCR 970	Mentored Research	1
Semester Total		8

Year 2, Fall

MCR 725	Grant Development	2
MCR 732	Comparative Effectiveness Research	3
MCR 789	Special Topics	1
MCR 970	Mentored Research	2
Semester Total		8

Year 2, Spring

MCR 776	Innovation in Clinical Research	1
MCR 970	Mentored Research	5
Semester Total		6

Curriculum Total

38

Full-Time Curriculum

The full-time program is designed for students who are currently pursuing doctoral degrees in one of the six colleges (Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy) as well as international applicants. Students complete the program in one year on a full-time basis.

Year 1, Fall

MCR 700	Clinical Biostatistics	3
MCR 731	Critical Review	2
MCR 736	Clinical Epidemiology	3
MCR 750	Ethical Issues in Clinical Research	1
MCR 770	Contemporary Topic Seminar	1
MCR 775	Clinical Research Training	1
MCR 970	Mentored Research	2
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Spring

MCR 724	Introduction to Clinical Trials	3
MCR 732	Comparative Effectiveness Research	3
MCR 746	Informatics & Data Management	2
MCR 752	Team Science in Clinical Research	1
MCR 771	Regression Analysis	2
MCR 777	Introduction to Grant Writing	1
MCR 970	Mentored Research	3
Semester Total		15

Year 1, Summer

MCR 772	Community Engagement Research	1
MCR 773	Industry/Regulatory	2
MCR 774	Leadership	2
MCR 789	Special Topics	1
MCR 970	Mentored Research	4
Semester Total		10

Curriculum Total

38

Approved Electives

• IP 728
• ETH 738
• MCR 777. Introduction to Grant Writing (part-time only), 1 credit hour

The Master of Science in Medical Sciences is a one-year program specifically designed to provide students with a structured opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the challenges of applying to and succeeding in medical, dental, and other professional schools. The program contains didactic coursework at the graduate professional level, professional skills development sessions, standardized test preparation, and clinical exposures to form a complementary skill set to those that have been acquired at the undergraduate level. Graduates of this program will also be academically prepared to enter industrial or academic technical positions requiring a biomedical sciences background.

We expect this program to enhance students' success at professional school acceptance, but please note that successful completion of this program is in no way a guarantee of an interview or acceptance into professional school at MUSC or anywhere else.

Curriculum

The general plan for the coursework for the program is laid out below. In addition, optional coursework may be made available to students in the program depending on availability and interest.

Year 1, Summer

BSC 720	Fundamentals of Biochemistry & Molecular	4
BSC 706	Professional Development	1
BSC 710	Clinical Exposures	1
BSC 700	Histology	4
	Core Clinical Research Training*
Semester Total		10

Year 1, Fall

BSC 702	Anatomy	4
PHBIO-700	Intro to Clinical Biostatistics	3
BSC 708	Grand Rounds	1
IP Elective	Interprofessional Course elective	1
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Spring

BSC 714	Oral Immunobiology	4
BSC 716	Medical Microbiology	4
MCR 736	Clinical Epidemiology	3
	Interprofessional elective course or research	1
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

31

* This is recommended, and a certificate is awarded upon completion. This is not available for academic credit.

The granting of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is based on evidence of general proficiency and distinctive attainments in a special field, particularly on the demonstrated ability to carry on independent and original investigation. Critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis and the ability to communicate in a scholarly manner are also key skills learned during the Ph.D. training. The degree is not one to be conferred solely as a result of study for a specific length of time with the accumulation of credits taken.

The College of Graduate Studies (CGS) offers a common entry pathway for new Ph.D. students. Upon matriculation, students pursue their studies in Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Data Science & Informatics, Biostatistics, or Epidemiology each with different curricula and training plans. Students pursuing Biomedical Sciences follow a first-year core curriculum designed and administrated by CGS. This first-year curriculum provides a broad interdisciplinary background devoted predominately to the principles of the basic sciences. It also provides information on some of the latest and cutting-edge areas of science. After their first year, Biomedical Sciences choose a major advisor for their dissertation research and a departmental or interdepartmental program for their further training.

As a prerequisite for the Ph.D. degree, the College requires students to demonstrate a predetermined level of statistical competence. This may be achieved by both enrolling in and completing CGS 700 in the second or subsequent years of graduate study, or by providing transcript evidence of satisfactory completion of previously taken statistical course(s) that fulfill the College requirement. The Dean will decide whether or not to grant a waiver.

Doctor of Philosophy with concentrations in:

Degree Requirements

CGS does not require a specific number of course credits for the Ph.D. degree. In addition to those requirements mentioned above for the Biomedical Sciences students (see Curricula), programs may require participation in journal clubs or seminars. All students will complete Qualifying and/or Admission to Candidacy exams that differ for students in the Biomedical Sciences, Biostatistics, Epidemiology and BDSI programs. Finally, students submit a dissertation based on their original investigation. Biomedical Sciences programs have adopted the rule that students must have 1 first author peer-reviewed research article accepted prior to the dissertation defense. Students and mentors can petition the Dean for an exception if there are unusual extenuating circumstances. Students will then present a public seminar and are given an oral examination related to the defense of the dissertation. The Dissertation Advisory Committee will then recommend whether to award the final degree; a successful written document and oral defense are required.

Program of Study

Within three months of the selection of Dissertation Advisor, the Program of Study is planned in a joint meeting of the student and his/her Dissertation Advisor. The Program of Study is a list of courses and other requirements, including those of the major department/program, which the student must complete in order to meet the program requirements for the given degree. It lists courses that are being transferred as well as courses that are to be taken on campus. After approval by the Dissertation Advisor, the approved Program of Study is filed with the departmental graduate coordinator and with the office of the dean. A decision to remove, substitute, or add courses to the Program of Study can be made in a joint meeting of the student and the Dissertation Advisor. Any changes in the program must be completed no later than one week after the substituted or additional course has begun. A record of any change in the program will be submitted by the Dissertation Advisor to the office of the dean. In addition, it will be the final responsibility of the student and his/her Dissertation Advisor to ensure that any change in the Program of Study is consistent with the maintenance of at least the minimum course requirements of the major department.

The Dissertation Advisor, in consultation with the student, will prescribe additional course work needed to complete the departmental requirements for graduation and other course work or areas of study needed to remedy deficiencies in the student's background to ensure successful completion of the proposed dissertation. The Program of Study form must be completed before scheduling the Admission to Candidacy exam.

Dissertation Advisory Committee

A student's dissertation advisory committee should be formed no later than 6 months after passing the Admission to Candidacy exam. The Chairperson must be a full member of Graduate Faculty or an associate member with a full member co-mentor. The advisory committee should consist of 5 members including the Chairperson: three from the students' major department and two from outside the department. This stipulation is to encourage diversity of thought and to ensure that the committee members feel free to express their opinions to the student and to the major advisor. For students training in MCBP, the “external” members should be chosen from departments other than that of the mentor, and preferably from outside the same MCBP track. All members shall be members of the Graduate Faculty, with the exception of individuals external to MUSC. External faculty must have appropriate credentials at their institution and their appointment to the committee must be approved by the Dean. The Chairperson will be responsible for coordinating the activity of the Dissertation Advisory Committee and ensuring compliance with graduate school regulations. The Dissertation Advisory Committee is chosen by the student with the proposed dissertation advisor and the names forwarded through the departmental graduate coordinator for approval by the Dean. (Recommendation for Appointment of Dissertation Advisory Committee)

The student must meet at least annually with his/her Dissertation Advisory Committee from the time of appointment of the committee until completion of the requirements for the degree. A written status report must be submitted by the student to the committee one-week prior to each meeting. The Evaluation of Student Progress form is posted on the CGS intranet site and includes a rubric and a mandatory statement from the mentor and the student. It is strongly advised that meetings be held every 6 months, or more often if the committee feels it necessary. The departmental coordinator and the Dean should receive completed copies of the student progress forms.

Curriculum

Students in MUSC's Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences degree programs enroll in approximately 15 credit hours per semester (3 semesters per year), which includes a combination of didactic course credits and research project credits. The total credit hours taken per year is typically 45. Because time to complete the degree is significantly affected by progress in one's research project(s), the range of credits students acquire by graduation varies.

The degree can be earned in four to seven years. Degree completion in fewer than 4 or more than 7 years requires prior approval by the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. The number of credit hours associated with these time frames follows:

• 4 years (12 semesters)=180 credit hours
• 5 years (15 semesters)=225 credit hours
• 6 years (18 semesters)=270 credit hours
• 7 years (21 semesters)=315 credit hours

Students typically graduate with 225-270 credit hours (5-6 years)

Year 1, Fall

CGS 720	Laboratory Rotation	4
CGS 765	Proteins: Dynamic Structures & Functions	3
CGS 766	Genes: Inheritance/Expression	4
CGS 767	Cells: Organization/Communication	3
CGS 768	Techniques & Experimental Design	2
Semester Total		16

Year 1, Spring

CGS 721	Laboratory Rotations	4
CGS 770	Principles Practices & Prof	2
CGS 772	Learning From the Literature	2
CGS 790	Topics in Contemporary Biomedical Science	2
TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	4
Semester Total		14

Year 1, Summer

CGS 764	Science Writing As Persuasion	1
TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	14
Semester Total		15

Year 2, Fall

CGS 817	Rig. Extramural Fellowship App	2
TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	13
Semester Total		15

Year 2, Spring

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 2, Summer

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 3, Fall

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 3, Spring

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 3, Summer

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 4, Fall

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 4, Spring

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 4, Summer

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Fall

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Spring

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 5, Summer

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 6, Fall

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 6, Spring

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 6, Summer

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 7, Fall

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 7, Spring

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Year 7, Summer

TBD	Additional courses in concentration and/or research	15
Semester Total		15

Curriculum Total

180-315

Biomedical data science and informatics is an interdisciplinary field that applies concepts and methods from computer science and other quantitative disciplines together with principles of information science to solve challenging problems in biology, medicine and public health.

The nation's transition to new healthcare delivery models and the exponential growth in biomedical data translate to a need for professionals with expertise in data science focused in biomedical research who can leverage big data to improve health in the state and the nation. Specialized tracks include precision medicine, population health, and clinical and translational informatics.

Curriculum

Coursework (65-68 credit hours):

Area I - Biomedical Informatics Foundations & Applications	15-16 credit hours
Area II - Computing, Math, Statistics, & Engineering	18 credit hours
Area III - Population Health, Health Systems, & Policy	5-6 credit hours
Area IV - Domain Biology/Medicine	3-4 credit hours
Area V - Lab rotations, seminars, doctoral research	24 credit hours

Additional requirements include passing a qualifying exam, a dissertation proposal, and ultimately a dissertation and its defense.

*This course is delivered through Clemson University as part of a joint Biomedical Data Science and Informatics program.

Area I - Biomedical Informatics Foundations & Applications

	Biomedical Informatics Foundations
BDSI 701 (MUSC)	Introduction to Biomedical Informatics	3
BDSI 702 (MUSC)	Biomedical Data Standards	3
	Research Foundations (Choose 1)
BDSI 8210 (MUSC)	Health Research I	3
BDSI #### (MUSC)	Research Principles & Concepts	3
HIN 708 (MUSC)	Applied Statistical & Research Methods	3
	Track Specific Course (Choose 1)
BDSI 711 (MUSC)	Precision Medicine Informatics	3
BDSI 712 (MUSC)	Translational Informatics	3
BDSI 8900 (MUSC)	Population Health Informatics	3
	Electives (Choose 1-2, Minimum 3 credit hours)
CPSC 8450 (CLEM)	Bioinformatics Algorithms	3
BMTRY 783 (MUSC)	Statistical Methods for Bioinformatics	3
BDSI #### (MUSC)	Panomics	3
BDSI #### (MUSC)	Consumer & Quantified Self	3
BDSI #### (MUSC)	Health Enterprise Analytics	3
BDSI 731 (MUSC)	Microbiome Informatics	3
Area Total		15-16

Area II - Computing, Math, Statistics, & Engineering

	Systems & Database Management (Choose 2)
	Applied Software Engineering
BDSI 8710 (CLEM)	Foundations of Software Engineering	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Software Design	3
	Computing Environments
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Computational Science	3
BDSI 6780 (CLEM)	General Purpose Copmutation on GPUs	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	High Performance Computing with GPUs	3
BDSI 8200 (CLEM)	Parallel Architectures	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Introduction to Parallel Systems	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Principles of Scientific Computing	3
	Data Management Tools & Technology
BDSI 6620 (CLEM)	Database Management	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Database Management System Design	3
BDSI 8470 (CLEM)	Introduction to Information Retrieval	3
	Human Factors, HCI, & Usability
BDSI 6140 (CLEM)	Human & Computer Interaction	3
BDSI 8310 (CLEM)	Fundamentals of Human-Centered Computing	3
BDSI 8000 (CLEM)	Human Factors Engineering	3
	Performance & Scalability
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Systems Modeling	3
	Math & Computing Foundations (Choose 1)
BDSI 8010 (MUSC)	Statistical Methods I	3
BDSI 8050 (MUSC)	Data Analysis	3
BMTRY 700 (MUSC)	Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics	3
	Machine Learning/Data Science (Choose 1)
BDSI 6420 (CLEM)	Artificial Intelligence	3
BDSI 6300 (MUSC)	Applied Data Science	3
BDSI 721 (MUSC)	Applied Machine Learning	3
BDSI 6430 (CLEM)	Machine Learning: Implementation & Evaluation	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Advanced Machine Learning	3
	Choose 2
	Biostatistics
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Biostatics	3
BDSI 8310A (MUSC)	Quantitative Analysis	3
BMTRY 701 (MUSC)	Biostatistical Methods II	3
	Data Mining
BDSI 8650 (CLEM)	Data Mining	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Pattern Recognition	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Network Science	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis	3
BMTRY 719 (MUSC)	Bayesian Biostatistics	3
	Visualization & Exploratory Data Analysis
BDSI 6030 (CLEM)	Data Visualization	3
BDSI 8031 (CLEM 8030)	Scientific Visualization	3
BDSI 8430 (CLEM)	Deep Learning	3
	Image & Signal Processing
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Introduction to Computer Vision	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Introduction to Digital Signal Processing	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Digital Image Processing	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Medical Imaging	3
	Decision Analysis/Knowledge Integration/Modeling
BDSI 6410 (CLEM)	Introduction to Stochastic Models	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Knowledge Engineering	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Engineering Optimization & Applications	3
	Geospatial Analysis
BDSI #### (CLEM)	GIS for Public Administrators	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	GIS & Mapping for Public Health	3
	Algorithms/Data Structures
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Design & Analysis for Algorithms	3
BDSI 8380 (CLEM)	Advanced Data Structures	3
	Natural Language Processing
BDSI 722 (MUSC)	Clinical Natural Language Processing	3
Area Total		18

Area III - Population Health, Health Systems, & Policy

	Choose 2 (Course titles must be different)
	Ethical, Legal & Social Issues, Privacy, and Security
HAP 735 (MUSC)	Health Law & Risk Management	3
HIN 716 (MUSC)	Ethical, Legal, & Regulatory	3
	Health Systems
BDSI 8110 (MUSC)	Health Care Delivery Systems	3
HAP 705 (MUSC)	Health Economics	3
DHA 807 (MUSC)	Managing Healthcare Information	3
	Health Policy
HAP 704 (MUSC)	Health Policy	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Health Policy	3
	Population Health
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Population Health & Research	2
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Epidemiology	3
BMTRY 736 (MUSC)	Foundations of Epidemiology I	3
DHA 850 (MUSC)	Population Health Management	3
BMTRY 747 (MUSC)	Foundations of Epidemiology II	3
	Quality & Safety
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Health System Quality Improvement	2
HAP 632 (MUSC)	Quality Management of Health Care Services	3
Area Total		5-6

Area IV - Domain Biology/Medicine

	Choose 1
	Biochemistry/Pathology
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Molecular Biology: Genes to Proteins	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Molecular Basis of Disease	3
	Foundations of Biomedical Sciences
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Biomedical Basis for Engineered Replacement	3
CGS 765 (MUSC)	Proteins: Dynamic Structures & Functions	3
CGS 766 (MUSC)	Genes: Inheritance & Expression	4
CGS 767 (MUSC)	Cells: Organization & Communication	3
BDSI 6400 (MUSC)	Bioinformatics	3
	Genetics
BDSI 6700 (MUSC)	Human Genetics	3
BDSI #### (CLEM)	Introduction to Applied Genomics	3
Area Total		3-4

Area V - Lab rotations, seminars, doctoral research

	Lab Rotations
BDSI 720 (MUSC)	Lab Rotation	2
BDSI 700 (MUSC)	BDSI Seminar	4
BDSI 771 (MUSC)	Health Equity	1
BDSI 780 (MUSC)	BDSI Special Topics	1-3
BDSI 970 (MUSC)	Research	18
Area Total		24

Curriculum Total

65-68

Lauren Gellar, PhD, HCS Division Director.

The online Bachelor of Science in Health Care Studies is a degree completion program. It provides students with a foundation in healthcare studies and population health. Students are prepared to become informed and engaged health professionals who can think critically about health-related issues, work as part of a healthcare team, and develop innovative solutions that integrate comprehensive determinants of health.

This program is ideal for individuals that want to:

• Complete their bachelor's degree online while continuing to work,
• Increase their career advancement opportunities by obtaining a bachelor's degree,
• Apply to a graduate program in the health professions upon completion of their bachelor's degree.

Students come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, including occupational therapist assistants, physical therapist assistants, medical assistants, radiologic technologists, and cardiovascular technologists. Most of our students are working professionals hoping to advance their careers by attaining a bachelor's degree.

The program also offers an option for students to enter into the Accelerated Pathway track in the Executive Master of Health Administration degree. This track allows qualified students to earn their EMHA in a shorter period of time.

Curriculum

In addition to the coursework outlined below, students are required to attend a full-day virtual course orientation session at the beginning of each semester (August, January, May).

Year 1, Fall

HCS 300	Introduction to Health Behavior/Education	3
HCS 301	Health Drivers & Emerging Inn	3
HCS 302	Foundations of Public Health	3
HCS 307	Academic and Scientific Writing	3
Semester Total		12

Year 1, Spring

HCS 310	Program Planning and Implement	3
HCS 312, HAP 512	Overview of the US Health, or US Health Care System	3
HCS 316	Etiology and Pathophysiology	3
HCS 324, HAP 524	Principles of Epidemiology, or Epidemiology	3
HCS 330	Practicum Development	1
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Summer

HCS 320	Introduction to Health Policy	3
HCS 318	Evaluation of Health Promotion	3
HCS 314, HAP 514	Applied Research & Statistics	3
HCS 412, HAP 737	Leadership in the Health Profession, or Organization Theory	3
HCS 331	Practicum Development II	1
Semester Total		13

Year 2, Fall

HCS 406	Global Health	3
HCS 410	Rural Public Health	3
HCS 322	Health and Disease Across the	3
HCS 480, HAP 580	Guided Practicum, or Guided Practicum Health Administration	3
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total		50
Prerequisite Credit Hour Total		72
Required Credit Hour Total		122

* Required Courses for Accelerated Pathway/Advanced Standing for the BSHS to Master in Health Administration program.

** If addition work required.

Zahi Jurdi, D.H.A., Division Director

Healthcare facilities are increasingly complex to manage due to a number of factors: increased governmental regulation, demand for accountability, advances in healthcare technology, the changing demographics of the country, and the variety of reimbursement systems. There is a pressing need for qualified healthcare administrators to plan, organize, direct, and control their organization's resources. Career opportunities abound for capable, highly skilled individuals. To help meet this need, the Master in Health Administration program in the College of Health Professions offers the MHA degree in two formats: one is a full-time traditional day program (residential format) and one is an executive format, which includes blended courses which have on-campus classes over an extended weekend three times per year, with online delivery of remaining course content.

Residential MHA

The Residential MHA Program prepares students who have limited knowledge of Health care with the required knowledge and skills to enter and ultimately advance in health care management positions. Concepts presented in class are reinforced and applied in practice settings throughout the students’ program of study. Students take classes during the day as full-time students. Upon completion of program requirements, they are prepared to compete for administrative fellowships or employment.

Executive MHA

The Executive MHA program develops working health care professionals by providing the needed knowledge and skills for advancement in the health care industry. Classes are delivered online with on-campus visits one weekend each semester. Students may attend part-time, full-time, or in a part-time/full-time hybrid format. Each format is year-round and requires 54 credit hours.

Part-Time Format

The part-time program begins in the summer semester each year. Students complete two classes each semester for nine semesters. Applications close on April 15 and classes start in May.

Full-Time Format

The full-time program begins in the summer semester year. Students complete three classes each semester for six semesters. Applications close on April 15 and classes start in May.

Flex Format

The flex format begins in the fall semester each year. The schedule varies between a part-time and full-time format for the duration of the program. Students take two classes per semester in the fall and spring, and three classes in the summer, for eight semesters. Applications close July 15 and classes start in August.

Accelerated Tracks Physician/Doctoral-Prepared Clinician Advanced Standing Track

This accelerated track is for physicians or individuals who have earned a clinical doctorate or a terminal degree in their field. In recognition of the training they have completed, the program is reduced to 45 credit hours instead of the traditional 54. The program begins in the fall semester, and students may attend part-time or full-time. Applications close on July 15, and classes start in August.

BS in Healthcare Studies Accelerated Track

This accelerated track is available only to individuals who have completed the online BS in Healthcare Studies Accelerated EMHA Pathway program. Students are eligible to have those courses waived in the EMHA program by completing five graduate-level classes during their course of study in the bachelor's program. The program is offered full-time and begins in the spring semester each year. Students complete three classes each semester for four semesters for a total of 45 credit hours. Applications close on December 1, and classes start in January.

Accreditation

The Master in Health Administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

HAP 737	Organization Theory and	3
HAP 721	Health Care Delivery Systems	3
HAP 725	Statistical Analysis in Health	3
HAP 726	Financial Mgmt for HC Org I	3
HAP 756	Executive Skills I	1
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Spring

HAP 705	Health Economics	3
HAP 729	Financial Mgmt for HC Org II	3
HAP 730	Healthcare Project Management	3
HAP 738	Management & Health	3
HAP 632	Quality Management of Health Care Services	3
Semester Total		15

Year 1, Summer

HAP 735	Health Law & Risk Management	3
HAP 754	Summer Internship	10
Semester Total		13

Year 2, Fall

HAP 620	Healthcare Reimbursement Systems	3
HAP 704	Health Policy	3
HAP 740	Human Resource Management	3
HAP 753	Seminar in Ethical Leadership	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
IP ###	IP Concentration Course of Choice	1
Semester Total		14

Year 2, Spring

HAP 722	Health Behavior and Epidemiology	3
HAP 744	Decision Analytics	3
HAP 746	Strategic Management & Marketing	3
ELEC	1 Elective is Required	3
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

67

Approved Electives

Students are eligible to take these courses as electives in the semesters in which they are available:

• HAP 635. The Language of Medicine, 1 credit hour
• HAP 743. Managing Across Continuum Care, 3 credit hours
• HIN 706. Systems Analysis and Design, 3 credit hours

Zahi Jurdi, D.H.A., Division Director

Healthcare facilities are increasingly complex to manage due to a number of factors: increased governmental regulation, demand for accountability, advances in healthcare technology, the changing demographics of the country, and the variety of reimbursement systems. There is a pressing need for qualified healthcare administrators to plan, organize, direct, and control their organization's resources. Career opportunities abound for capable, highly skilled individuals. To help meet this need, the Master in Health Administration program in the College of Health Professions offers the MHA degree in two formats: one is a full-time traditional day program (residential format) and one is an executive format, which includes blended courses which have on-campus classes over an extended weekend three times per year, with online delivery of remaining course content.

Residential MHA

The Residential MHA Program prepares students who have limited knowledge of Health care with the required knowledge and skills to enter and ultimately advance in health care management positions. Concepts presented in class are reinforced and applied in practice settings throughout the students’ program of study. Students take classes during the day as full-time students. Upon completion of program requirements, they are prepared to compete for administrative fellowships or employment.

Executive MHA

The Executive MHA program develops working health care professionals by providing the needed knowledge and skills for advancement in the health care industry. Classes are delivered online with on-campus visits one weekend each semester. Students may attend part-time, full-time, or in a part-time/full-time hybrid format. Each format is year-round and requires 54 credit hours.

Part-Time Format

The part-time program begins in the summer semester each year. Students complete two classes each semester for nine semesters. Applications close on April 15 and classes start in May.

Full-Time Format

The full-time program begins in the summer semester year. Students complete three classes each semester for six semesters. Applications close on April 15 and classes start in May.

Flex Format

The flex format begins in the fall semester each year. The schedule varies between a part-time and full-time format for the duration of the program. Students take two classes per semester in the fall and spring, and three classes in the summer, for eight semesters. Applications close July 15 and classes start in August.

Accelerated Tracks Physician/Doctoral-Prepared Clinician Advanced Standing Track

This accelerated track is for physicians or individuals who have earned a clinical doctorate or a terminal degree in their field. In recognition of the training they have completed, the program is reduced to 45 credit hours instead of the traditional 54. The program begins in the fall semester, and students may attend part-time or full-time. Applications close on July 15, and classes start in August.

BS in Healthcare Studies Accelerated Track

This accelerated track is available only to individuals who have completed the online BS in Healthcare Studies Accelerated EMHA Pathway program. Students are eligible to have those courses waived in the EMHA program by completing five graduate-level classes during their course of study in the bachelor's program. The program is offered full-time and begins in the spring semester each year. Students complete three classes each semester for four semesters for a total of 45 credit hours. Applications close on December 1, and classes start in January.

Accreditation

The Master in Health Administration program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

HAP 726	Financial Mgmt for HC Org I	3
HAP 721	Health Care Delivery Systems	3
HAP 737	Organization Theory and	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Fall

HAP 725	Statistical Analysis in Health	3
HAP 738	Management & Health	3
HAP 729	Financial Mgmt for HC Org II	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Spring

HAP 744	Decision Analytics	3
HAP 735	Health Law & Risk Management	3
HAP 705	Health Economics	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Summer

HAP 620	Healthcare Reimbursement Systems	3
HAP 632	Quality Management of Health Care Services	3
HAP 730	Healthcare Project Management	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Fall

HAP 753	Seminar in Ethical Leadership	3
HAP 704	Health Policy	3
HAP 740	Human Resource Management	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Spring

HAP 722	Health Behavior & Epidemiology	3
HAP 746	Strategic Management & Marketing	3
ELEC	1 Elective is Required	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

54

Laura Dell'Aiera, DHSc MHA, CCP, Division Director

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion (CVP) program prepares its graduates to work as certified clinical perfusionists (CCP) in a variety of health care settings where extracorporeal life support services are required. Perfusionists are typically employed in cardiac surgical centers and operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. They serve as experts in associated technologies such as ventricular assist devices and are involved in many aspects of perioperative blood management.

As a graduate of the MUSC CVP program, you’ll become an essential member of the cardiothoracic surgical team. Extensive knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, pathology and surgical techniques are keys to success. Perfusionists can specialize in areas of pediatric perfusion and mechanical circulatory support devices. The MUSC perfusion program provides extensive experience in both areas.

The MUSC perfusion program was started in 1979 by James P. Dearing and is considered one of the best programs in the country. This is evidenced by very high pass rates on the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion Certification Exam, a large number of research publications by the full-time faculty members, and a world class simulation facility for practicing perfusion techniques. In addition to clinical facilities at MUSC, students receive clinical training at highly recognized cardiac surgical centers across the country and abroad that serve as MUSC clinical affiliation sites.

Accreditation

The MUSC Cardiovascular Perfusion Program is accredited by the Commission of Allied Health EducationPrograms (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (AC-PE).

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

CVP 700	Clinical Monitoring	3
CVP 702	Perfusion Technology I	3
CVP 704	Research Methodology	3
CVP 706	Perioperative Blood Management	2
CVP 721	Perfusion Technology I Lab	1
CVP 718	Pathophysiology	5
CVP 723	Clinical Monitoring Lab	1
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
IP ###	IP Concentration Course of Choice	1
Semester Total		20

Year 1, Spring

CVP 703	Perfusion Technology II	3
CVP 703L	Perfusion Technology II Lab	1
CVP 708	Pathophysiology for Perfusion	4
CVP 610	Pharmacology for Perfusion	4
CVP 710	Fundamentals of Clinical Acid	1
CVP 720	Advanced Pediatric Perfusion	2
CVP 770	Masters Research Project II	3
CVP 716	Seminar I	1
Semester Total		19

Year 1, Summer

CVP 714	Cardiac Assist Devices	2
CVP 731	Extracorporeal Life Support	1
CVP 733	Principles and Practices	3
CVP 733L	Principles and Practices Lab	1
CVP 771	Masters Research Project III	3
CVP 760	Clinical Experience I	6
CVP 722	Perfusion Simulation	2
Semester Total		18

Year 2, Fall

CVP 724	Quality Improvement and Inform	2
CVP 762	Clinical Experience II A	6
CVP 763	Clinical Experience II B	6
Semester Total		14

Year 2, Spring

CVP 728	Leadership and Health Services	2
CVP 764	Clinical Experience III A	6
CVP 765	Clinical Experience III B (track in leadership, pediatrics perfusion or cardiac assist)	6
Semester Total		14

Curriculum Total

85

David Fitzgerald, DHA, MPH, CCP, Division Director

New technologies and surgical procedures require that practicing certified cardiovascular perfusionists (CCP) have an increased knowledge base for managing both neonates and elderly patients with complex medical conditions as well as the application of new cardiac assist devices. Leadership skills are becoming more essential as an increased number of practicing cardiovascular perfusionists attain leadership roles.

The post-professional Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is designed for working perfusionists who have completed an AC-PE accredited perfusion education program. This graduate level program provides individuals an opportunity to advance their educational and professional goals.

The one-year program is completed via distance learning, using a combination of online course work, independent reading, and projects. In addition to perfusion specific coursework, students will also take courses in leadership, quality improvement, and informatics. The program includes a capstone research project.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

CVP 724	Quality Improvement & Information	2
CVP 772	Masters Research Project I	3
CVP 726	Evidence-Based Medicine	2
Semester Total		7

Year 1, Spring

CVP 728	Leadership and Health Services	2
CVP 773	Master's Research Project II	4
CVP 730	Pathophysiology of Aging	1
Semester Total		7

Year 1, Summer

CVP 714	Cardiac Assist Devices	2
CVP 774	Masters Research Project III	3
CVP 719	Post Professional Pediatric	1
Semester Total		6

Curriculum Total		20
Transfer Credit Hour Total*		10
Required Credit Hour Total		30

* Transfer credits must be from an AC-PE accredited perfusion program and must not have been used as credits towards a first bachelor's degree. Course examples: pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology.

The Master of Science in Extracorporeal Science (MS-ECS) provides students with the cognitive knowledge and application of extracorporeal technology. The MS-ECS program is an online, distance-based curriculum aimed to meet the growing needs of the international perfusion and critical care communities. The curriculum is designed to serve global communities in the treatment of patients with advanced cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases using extracorporeal technology.

The MS-ECS program prepares its graduates with the required theoretical knowledge necessary to work as a clinical perfusionist in a variety of health care settings where cardiopulmonary life support services are required. Perfusionists are typically employed in cardiac surgical centers and operate the heart-lung machine during open heart surgery. They serve as experts in associated technologies such as ventricular assist devices (VADs), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and are involved in all aspects of perioperative blood conservation and management. Clinical perfusionists are highly trained members of an open-heart surgery team. Extensive knowledge of anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and surgical techniques are keys to success. Perfusionists often specialize in areas of pediatric perfusion or mechanical circulatory support devices.

Successful candidates for the MS-ECS program would include: Entry-level perfusion students residing outside of the United States who can complement the cognitive knowledge from the program with clinical experience acquired from on-the-job employment. Practicing perfusionists working outside of the United States that seek a graduate degree in perfusion theory and didactic knowledge. Allied health and research professionals seeking didactic education in ECMO and ventricular assist technologies, such as biomedical engineers, nurses, and respiratory therapists not requiring direct hands-on clinical experience.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

CVP 700	Clinical Monitoring	3
CVP 702	Perfusion Technology I	3
CVP 718	Pathophysiology	5
Semester Total		11

Year 1, Spring

CVP 703	Perfusion Technology II	3
CVP 708	Pathophysiology for Perfusion	4
CVP 710	Fundamentals of Clinical Acid	1
Semester Total		8

Year 1, Summer

CVP 714	Cardiac Assist Devices	2
CVP 731	Extracorporeal Life Support	1
CVP 733	Principles and Practices	3
CVP 704	Research Methodology	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Fall

CVP 724	Quality Improvement and Inform	2
CVP 770	Masters Research Project II	3
CVP 706	Perioperative Blood Management	2
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
IP ###	IP Concentration Course of Choice	1
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Spring

CVP 720	Advanced Pediatric Perfusion	2
CVP 771	Masters Research Project III	3
CVP 610	Pharmacology for Perfusion	4
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

46

The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) at MUSC is a 58-credit hour, five-semester hybrid program. The program is a well-balanced academic and clinically-based program dedicated to teaching practice-based competencies in a compassionate, safe, and evidence-based patient care environment. Students are exposed to a rigorous education curriculum. A majority of coursework is offered online and asynchronously, allowing students to complete didactic components at a time and location of choice. During the first year, students are not required to relocate or visit the MUSC campus in Charleston, SC.

Students begin simulated patient counseling in the first spring semester and move into supervised clinical placements in the first summer semester to develop real-world counseling skills. Over the course of summer and the second year, students are exposed to a variety of clinical settings in order to develop knowledge and skills across major genetic counseling practice areas and other settings. The majority of clinical placements will be in South Carolina. Students should plan to relocate for the second year or have a plan in place for frequent in-person visits to the area for clinical rotation experiences. There may be some opportunities for placement outside of South Carolina or via Telehealth. Read more about our clinical education.

Students will conduct a thesis project over the course of the program, with guidance from a thesis committee. Supplemental activities such as teaching and professional engagement ensure a balanced training experience in the profession of genetic counseling.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be awarded a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Genetic Counseling.

Program Objectives To provide the clinical science for genetic counselors to practice in prenatal, general, cancer and specialty genetics settings.To provide medical and psychosocial assessment skills necessary to facilitate a genetic counseling session.To impart scholarly contributions to the field of genetic counseling.Graduates are prepared for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Board Certification Exam.Graduates contribute to the genetic counseling workforce and adhere to the NSGC Code of Ethics. Student Learning Outcomes Students demonstrate advanced knowledge of prenatal, general, cancer and specialty genetics.Students conduct accurate and appropriate patient assessment and counseling.Graduates are able to engage in applied research relevant to clinical practice.Graduates obtain ABGC certification.Graduates obtain employment in genetic counseling and adhere to the NSGC Code of Ethics.

Mission

To engage the next generation of genetic counselors in cutting-edge genomics education, clinical practice and research. Program graduates will be equipped to practice in precision healthcare and engage in the rapidly evolving landscape of genetics and genomics to advance scientific discovery, education and community health.

Vision

To be a nationally recognized genetic counseling educational program that graduates highly sought after, innovative genetic counseling leaders.

Values Integrity Diversity and Inclusion Evidence-based Education Professional Advocacy Wellness Innovation

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

GENEC 601	Genetic Counseling Principles	3
GENEC 602	Medical Genetics	2
GENEC 603	Fetal and Prenatal Genetics	3
GENEC 604	Principles of Counseling	2
GENEC 605	Genetic Counseling Research	2
Semester Total		12

Year 1, Spring

GENEC 606	Cancer Genomics	3
GENEC 607	Health and Genetic Deviation	3
GENEC 608	Laboratory Methods	1
GENEC 609	Principles of Public Health\	2
GENEC 631	Clinical Practicum I	1
GENEC 641	Thesis Preparation I	2
Semester Total		12

Year 1, Summer

GENEC 632	Clinical Practicum II	6
GENEC 642	Thesis Preparation II	2
GENEC 651	Professional Issues I	2
Semester Total		10

Year 2, Fall

GENEC 610	Advanced Genetics Topics	2
GENEC 611	Advanced Genetic Counseling	2
GENEC 652	Professional Issues II	1
GENEC 633	Clinical Practicum III	5
GENEC 643	Thesis Preparation III	2
Semester Total		12

Year 2, Spring

GENEC 612	Journal Club	1
GENEC 613	Case Conference	1
GENEC 653	Professional Issues III	2
GENEC 634	Clinical Practicum IV	5
GENEC 644	Thesis Preparation IV	3
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

58

Curriculum

Full-Time, Fall Start

Year 1, Fall

HIN 701	Health Informatics Foundations	3
HIN 702	Introduction to Health Care Information	3
HIN 704	Health Care Data-Content	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Spring

HIN 708	Applied Statistics & Research	3
HIN 706	Systems Analysis & Design	3
HIN 705	Electronic Health Records	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Summer

HIN 710	Data Mining and Analytics	3
HIN 716	Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory	3
ELEC, HIN 780	Elective from Approved Listing, or Thesis Option	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Fall

HIN 719	Advanced HIT & Data Technique	3
HIN 718, HIN 780	Capstone Project, or Thesis Option	3
HIN 720	Current Issues & Advances HIT	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

36

Full Time, Spring Start

Year 1, Spring

HIN 708	Applied Statistics & Research	3
HIN 702	Intro to Health Care Information	3
HIN 705	Electronic Health Records	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Summer

HIN 710	Data Mining and Analytics	3
HIN 716	Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory	3
HAP 737	Organization Theory	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Fall

HIN 719	Advanced HIT & Data Technique	3
HIN 704	Health Care Data-Content	3
HIN 720	Current Issues & Advances HIT	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Spring

ELEC, HIN 780	Elective from Approved Listing, or Thesis Option	3
HIN 718, HIN 780	Capstone Project, or Thesis Option	3
HIN 706	Systems Analysis and Design	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

36

Part-Time, Fall Start

Year 1, Fall

HIN 704	Health Care Data-Content, Stan	3
HIN 702	Intro to Health Care Information	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Spring

HIN 705	Electronic Health Records	3
HIN 708	Applied Statistics & Research	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Summer

HIN 710	Data Mining and Analytics	3
HAP 737	Organization Theory & Behavior	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Fall

HIN 720	Current Issues & Advances HIT	3
HIN 719	Advanced HIT & Data Technique	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Spring

HIN 706	Systems Analysis and Design	3
ELEC, HIN 780	Elective from Approved Listing, or Thesis Option	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Summer

HIN 716	Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory	3
HIN 718, HIN 780	Capstone Project, or Thesis Option	3
Semester Total		6

Curriculum Total

36

Part-Time, Spring Start

Year 1, Spring

HIN 708	Applied Statistics & Research	3
HIN 702	Intro to Health Care Information	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Summer

HIN 710	Data Mining and Analytics	3
HAP 737	Organization Theory & Behavior	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Fall

HIN 720	Current Issues & Advances HIT	3
HIN 704	Health Care Data-Content, Stan	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Spring

HIN 706	Systems Analysis and Design	3
HIN 705	Electronic Health Records	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Summer

HIN 716	Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory	3
ELEC, HIN 780	Elective from Approved Listing, or Thesis Option	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Fall

HIN 719	Advanced HIT & Data Technique	3
HIN 718, HIN 780	Capstone Project, or Thesis Option	3
Semester Total		6

Curriculum Total

36

Approved Electives

• HAP 632. Quality Management of Health Care Services, 3 credit hours
• HAP 705. Health Economics, 3 credit hours
• HAP 721. Health Care Delivery Systems, 3 credit hours
• HAP 735. Health Law & Risk Management, 3 credit hours
• HAP 737. Organization Theory, 3 credit hours
• HAP 743. Managing Across Continuum Care, 3 credit hours
• IP 717. Telehealth Teams of the Future, 3 credit hours

Helen S. Martin, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, Division Director

The physician assistant is a licensed health professional qualified by specialized academic and clinical education to perform medical tasks traditionally undertaken by physicians, while practicing under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed physician. Physician Assistants (PA) play a critical role delivering high-quality, affordable health care, and more than ever before, are helping to meet the health care needs of our nation and the world. PAs provide essential diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative, and health maintenance services in primary and specialty care settings. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) program is the perfect place to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to prepare student to practice in this exciting, ever evolving profession.

The PAS program begins at the end of May each year and is approximately seven semesters in length. The first four semesters are devoted to classroom study. They take place on campus and comprise the fifteen-month didactic portion of the program. During the last three semesters, which comprise the twelve-month long clinical year, students complete nine individual clinical rotations at sites predominately located in South Carolina. The clinical rotations include internal medicine, family medicine, women's health, pediatrics, mental health, emergency medicine, surgery, an adjunct clinical experience as well as an elective of the student's choosing.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2033. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. More information regarding Accreditation Standards can be found here: http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-medical-university-of-sc/

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

PA 644	Human Anatomy	4
PA 631	Bioethics and Research Methodology	1
PA 657	Introduction to Clinical Medicine	2
PA 607	Introduction to the PA Profession	1
PA 649	Human Physiology and Basic Pathophysiology	3
PA 656	Public Health	1
Semester Total		12

Year 1, Fall

PA 658	Hematologic System	2
PA 617	Clinical Problem-Solving I	2
PA 659	Cardiovascular System	6
PA 664	Pulmonary System	3
PA 666	Renal System	2
PA 662	Pathophysiology I	3
PA 700	Care of Underserved and Vulnerable Populations	2
PA 668	Clinical Skills I	1
PA 669	Evidence-Based Medicine I	1
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
Semester Total		23

Year 1, Spring

PA 671	Gastrointestinal System	4
PA 618	Clinical Problem-Solving II	2
PA 673	Endocrine System	2
PA 675	Neurologic System	3
PA 681	Reproductive System	3
PA 663	Pathophysiology II	3
PA 677	Musculoskeletal System	3
PA 686	Clinical Skills II	2
PA 687	Evidence-Based Medicine II	1
IP XXX	IP Concentration Course of Choice	1
Semester Total		24

Year 2, Summer

PA 689	Genitourinary System	2
PA 619	Clinical Problem-Solving III	1
PA 693	Dermatologic System	2
PA 694	Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat	2
PA 697	Psychiatry and Behavioral Science	3
PA 698	Clinical Skills III	1
PA 699	Clinical Year Orientation	1
Semester Total		12

Year 2, Fall

PA 670	Clinical Rotation I*	5
PA 672	Clinical Rotation II*	5
PA 674	Clinical Rotation III*	5
Semester Total		15

Year 2, Spring

PA 676	Clinical Rotation IV*	5
PA 678	Clinical Rotation V*	5
PA 679	Clinical Rotation VI*	5
PA 680	Clinical Rotation VII*	5
Semester Total		20

Year 3, Summer

PA 682	Clinical Rotation VIII*	5
PA 685	Clinical Rotation Elective*	5
Semester Total		10

Curriculum Total

116

* Students are scheduled in the following disciplines for clinical rotations 1-8; Emergency medicine, Family medicine, Internal medicine, Mental health, Pediatrics, Surgery, Women's Health, and Adjunct Clinical Experience (ACE). In addition the students are required to complete an elective in a specialty of their choice.

A Summative Evaluation is required by the Accreditation Review Commission for Physician Assistant Education (ARC-PA) within the last 4 months of the program. Each student must successfully pass all components of the Summative Evaluation to be eligible for completion of the program and graduation. The components of the Summative Evaluation include the following:

1. PAEA End of Curriculum Exam
2. Summative Professionalism Evaluation
3. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Christina Y. Pelatti, PhD, CCC-SLP, Division Director

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at MUSC prepares students to work as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) upon graduation. While students will be prepared to work across the entire scope practice for an SLP, our program has an emphasis in medical speech-language pathology. The curriculum is designed to focus on clinical training. Students are taught foundational knowledge early on and hone their clinical skills via interactive classrooms and clinical rotations.

As an academic medical center, MUSC gives students access to top-notch facilities and faculty. Students have will access to a wide range of clinical experiences. At MUSC, SLPs provide care in both hospital and outpatient clinic settings to a diverse patient population including pre-term babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), inpatients after stroke or traumatic brain injury, and patients with head and neck cancer. Students will have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside practicing clinicians in a variety of patient cases throughout the program, including during their didactic course work.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

SLP 600	Professional Issues: Ethical Considerations	1
SLP 601	Adult Swallowing	5
SLP 602	Neurogenic Language	4
SLP 604	Cog. Aspects of Communication	2
SLP 605	Clinical Rotation Didactic I	1
SLP 606	Clinical Rotation I	1
SLP 623	Tracheostomy & Ventilator	1
Semester Total		15

Year 1, Spring

SLP 607	Voice	3
SLP 609	Motor Speech	3
SLP 614	Patient Care & Counseling	1
SLP 612	Clinical Rotation Didactic II	1
SLP 613	Clinical Rotation II	3
SLP 610	Assessment	3
SLP 621	Multicultural Communication	1
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
IP TBD	IP Concentration of Choice	1
Semester Total		17

Year 1, Summer

SLP 615	Clinical Rotation Didactic III	1
SLP 616	Clinical Rotation III	3
SLP 617	Articulation & Phonology	3
SLP 618	Childhood Language: Birth to 5	3
SLP 620	Pediatric Swallowing	2
SLP 627	Craniofacial Anomalies & Genetic Syndromes	1
SLP 628	Social Aspects of Communication	3
Semester Total		16

Year 2, Fall

SLP 631	Communication Modalities	1
SLP 625	Clinical Rotation Didactic IV	1
SLP 603	Evidence Based Practice	1
SLP 619	Childhood Language: School Age	3
SLP 622	Clinical Rotation IV	3
SLP 624	Head & Neck Cancer	2
SLP 632	Hearing	1
Semester Total		12

Year 2, Spring

SLP 636	Professional Issues: Accreditation, Certification, Licensure, Specialty Recognition, & Advocacy	1
SLP 637	Clinical Rotation Didactic V	1
SLP 611	Practice Settings & Reimbursement	1
SLP 629	Intro to Research SLP	3
SLP 626	Clinical Rotation V	3
SLP 630	Comprehensive Exam	1
SLP 633	Fluency	2
Semester Total		12

Year 2, Summer

SLP 634	Clinical Externship	9
SLP 635	Clinical Externship Didactic	1
Semester Total		10

Curriculum Total

82

Jillian Harvey, Ph.D., DHA Division Director

The Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) program is designed to allow ambitious health care professionals to turn their clinical or administrative experiences into opportunities to teach, shape public policy, and/or lead complex organizations. Courses are delivered using a blended format of online coursework and in-person meetings. Students take a core curriculum focusing on leadership and management, applied research methods, health policy, and more.

This unique program gives students the opportunity to meet and learn from national health policy experts during a week-long intensive policy trip to Washington DC and culminates with an individual, supervised doctoral research project. The purpose of the doctoral project is to give students an opportunity to work under the direction of a faculty member to conceive, implement, and analyze an applied research problem that generates new knowledge or adds a new perspective to existing knowledge.

Successful applicants possess relevant post-baccalaureate professional or master's degrees and significant practical experience in the field. All graduates obtain the same Doctor of Health Administration degree.

Curriculum

The DHA requires a minimum of 57 semester hours organized as follows:

• 39 credit hours of didactic coursework
• 18 credit hours of Doctoral Project credit hours (minimum requirement)

Year 1, Fall

DHA 800, DHA 802	Organizational Behavior, or Healthcare Leadership	3
DHA 805	Qualitative Methods	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Spring

DHA 801	Financial Management (2 sections)	3
DHA 807	Managing Healthcare Info	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Summer

DHA 808	Health Politics & Advocacy	3
DHA 867	Quantitative Methods for Research	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Fall

DHA 865	National Health Policy	3
DHA 812	Evidence Based Decision Making	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Spring

DHA 809	Change Management & Negotiation	3
DHA 850	Population Health Management	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Summer

DHA 814	Study Execution	4
DHA 817, or DHA 872, or DHA 878	Strategy & Operations, or Leadership III, or Advanced Information Systems	3
Semester Total		7

Year 3, Fall

DHA 990	Doctoral Project	9
Semester Total		9

Year 3, Spring

DHA 990	Doctoral Project	9
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

55

Angela Ciuca, PhD-c, DNAP, CRNA, Division Director

The MUSC College of Health Professions Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Program (DNAP) is dedicated to producing competent, compassionate, and knowledgeable Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) who will meet the health care needs of society through clinical practice, education, and research.

Students are educated in all facets of nurse anesthesia practice throughout the perioperative period. The first 18 months are primarily simulation and didactic instruction that supports the students’ acquisition of basic and advanced anesthesia skills necessary for the safe administration of anesthesia. Students practice clinical skills using high-fidelity simulation. During the next 18 months, students are immersed in the clinical area where they administer anesthesia to all types of patients and in all types of practice settings. Students are evaluated on their ability to integrate didactic knowledge with clinical practice, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and provide appropriate interventions in patient management. The development and implementation of a scholarly project as well as courses in leadership, business, and health care policy are incorporated throughout the curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate professional advocacy through attendance at state and national meetings.

Through our variety of clinical sites, DNAP students have opportunities to administer anesthesia to complicated pediatric and adult patients in a large teaching hospital and to patients of all ages in community hospitals and rural independent CRNA practices. Students obtain extensive hands-on clinical experiences in administering all types of regional anesthesia utilizing the latest in ultrasound technology. Students are instructed on the current use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) to diagnose and manage perioperative patients.

The DNAP program offers a diverse selection of course work from managing change in healthcare to crisis simulation in anesthesia.

The objectives of the post-baccalaureate DNAP program are to:

• Expand the clinical education of students who will become CRNAs with the addition of increased clinical education hours, instruction in advanced technology, and high-fidelity crisis simulation.
• Prepare CRNAs to provide a clinical practice that is founded on the basis of evidence, research, and outcomes.
• Produce CRNAs who have the education and skills to assume leadership roles in healthcare.

Accreditation

The Medical University of South Carolina Anesthesia for Nurses Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 222 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 655-1160. The program's next review by the COA is scheduled for May 2030. Additional information regarding the COA can be found at https://www.coacrna.org/Pages/default.aspx.

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

AFN 820	Information Systems	3
AFN 823	Research Methods for Nurse Anest	3
AFN 815	Prof Issues Seminar	1
AFN 817	Chemistry and Physics of Anest	2
AFN 811	Princ of Evidence-Based Prac	3
Semester Total		12

Year 1, Fall

AFN 819	Human Anatomy for Nurse Anes	5
AFN 821	Adv Health and Phys Assessment	3
AFN 800	DNAP Seminar I	2
AFN 825	Adv Physiology and Pathophys	5
Semester Total		15

Year 1, Spring

AFN 871	Managing Change in Healthcare	3
AFN 826	Anesthesia Principles I	3
AFN 831	Clinical Simulation I	2
AFN 802	DNAP Seminar II	2
AFN 861	Foundations in Leadership	3
AFN 835	Adv Pharmacology I	3
Semester Total		16

Year 2, Summer

AFN 809	Mgmt Prin for Nurse Anes Prac	3
AFN 832	Clinical Simulation II	2
AFN 836	Advanced Pharmacology II	4
AFN 828	Anesthesia Principles II	5
Semester Total		14

Year 2, Fall

AFN 830	Anesthesia Principles III	3
AFN 841	Anesthesia Practicum I	5
AFN 803	DNAP Seminar III	2
AFN 833	Clinical Simulation III	1
Semester Total		11

Year 2, Spring

AFN 842	Anesthesia Practicum II	10
AFN 806	Foundations in HC Policy	3
Semester Total		13

Year 3, Summer

AFN 843	Anesthesia Practicum III	10
AFN 805	Teaching and Learning	2
Semester Total		12

Year 3, Fall

AFN 844	Anesthesia Practicum IV	10
AFN 807	Principles of Pain Management	2
AFN 813	Clin Sim in Crisis Management	1
Semester Total		13

Year 3, Spring

AFN 845	Anesthesia Practicum V	10
AFN 804	DNAP Seminar IV	2
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

118

Detailed information on clinical sites can be found on the Anesthesia for Nurses page.

Angela Ciuca, PhD-c, DNAP, CRNA, Division Director

The MUSC College of Health Professions post-master’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Program (DNAP-PM) is designed for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) who already hold a master’s degree in nursing or in nurse anesthesia and are seeking opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills. Graduates of the DNAP program are prepared to create and lead new models of care delivery for communities locally, across the nation, and around the world. The 31-credit DNAP program offers a diverse selection of course work from health care leadership and healthcare economics to anesthesia crisis simulation and pain management.

The objectives of the post-master’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Program (DNAP-PM) program are to:

• Empower CRNAs with the educational tools to assume leadership roles in health care
• Expand the educational experiences of CRNAs with additional content in pain management and in crisis simulation
• Develop and expand current clinical practitioner knowledge, skills and abilities in creating an evidence-based practice founded in scholarly research, best practice, and outcome evaluation.

Accreditation

The Medical University of South Carolina Anesthesia for Nurses Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 222 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 655-1160. The program's next review by the COA is scheduled for May 2030. Additional information regarding the COA can be found at https://www.coacrna.org/Pages/default.aspx.

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

AFN 820	Information Systems	3
AFN 811	Princ of Evidence-Based Prac	3
Semester Total		6

Year 1, Fall

AFN 806	Foundations in HC Policy	3
AFN 800	DNAP Seminar I	2
Semester Total		5

Year 1, Spring

AFN 871	Managing Change in Healthcare	3
AFN 802	DNAP Seminar II	2
AFN 861	Foundations in Leadership	3
Semester Total		8

Year 2, Summer

AFN 805	Teaching & Learning	2
AFN 803	DNAP Seminar III	2
AFN 809	Mgmt Prin for Nurse Anes Prac	3
Semester Total		7

Year 2, Fall

AFN 804	DNAP Seminar IV	2
AFN 807	Principles of Pain Management	2
AFN 813	Clin Sim in Crisis Management	1
Semester Total		5

Curriculum Total

31

 

Roxanna Bendixen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Division Director

The Occupational Therapy Educational program at MUSC was the first professional, graduate entry-level program in the state of South Carolina. The entry-level OTD is distinguished among the nation’s finest occupational therapy doctoral programs through its commitment to supporting health and participation in life. The program embraces the university’s core values: compassion, collaboration, respect, integrity, and innovation.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree prepares students for lifelong and rewarding careers. Graduates are prepared to improve the quality of life for people who experience difficulties and challenges to everyday living.

Our high-quality program is provided at an academic medical center and the curriculum is rigorous and engaging. Educational technology enhances classroom learning, group work develops professional skills, and experiential learning refines practice skills.

Interprofessional education is a hallmark of the program and involves connections with other health professionals across the campus and in the community. Research shows that working in teams produces better outcomes. Teamwork supports innovation and promotes excellence.

Beginning in the second year, fieldwork experiences are an integral part of the curriculum and allow opportunities for direct observation and participation in a variety of practice settings and contexts. These experiences help integrate learning from the classroom and lab and enhance capacity for becoming a proficient occupational therapist. We are excited to offer 4 courses online: Evidence-Based Practice I (Semester 2), Population Health and Visionary Leadership (Semester 6), and Professional Seminar (Semester 8). Students should have access to personal technology such as a laptop computer, tablet, or PC throughout the duration of the program as well as a working webcam when taking the online courses.

Semesters seven and eight are two full-time 12-week fieldwork rotations at facilities throughout the state and across the country working under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. The final semester involves a Doctoral Capstone course. The 14-credit capstone course provides an in-depth, customized experience specific to the interests, skills, and professional goals of the occupational therapy student.

Accreditation

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). NBCOT Exam Data will be available shortly after graduating our first ELOTD class in May of 2022. Passing the NBCOT Certification Examination is necessary, but each state may have additional requirements for state licensure. You can find information about state licensure here.

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

OTD 800	Intro to Occupational Therapy	2
OTD 802	Therapeutic Interactions	1
OTD 803	Therapeutic Interactions Lab	1
OTD 806	Human Anatomy	4
OTD 807	Surface Anatomy Lab	1
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Fall

OTD 810	Neuroscience	4
OTD 813	Musculoskeletal I	2
OTD 813L	Musculoskeletal I Lab	2
OTD 815	Evidenced-Based Practice I	2
OTD 817	Pediatrics I	3
OTD 817L	Pediatrics I Lab	1
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
Semester Total		15

Year 1, Spring

OTD 809	Pathophysiology	3
OTD 814	Musculoskeletal II	3
OTD 814L	Musculoskeletal II Lab	1
OTD 818	Pediatrics II	3
OTD 818L	Pediatrics II Lab	2
Semester Total		12

Year 2, Summer

OTD 820	Neurorehabilitation II	1
OTD 816	Level I Fieldwork A	1
OTD 819	Neurorehabilitation I	2
OTD 819L	Neurorehabilitation I Lab	1
OTD 820L	Neurorehabilitation II Lab	1
OTD 825	Evidenced-Based Practice II	1
OTD 842	Musculoskeletal III	2
OTD 842L	Musculoskeletal III Lab	1
Semester Total		10

Year 2, Fall

OTD 835	Scholarship I	1
OTD 835S	Scholarship I Seminar	1
OTD 812	Visionary Leadership	1-3
OTD 821	Neurorehabilitation III	3
OTD 821L	Neurorehabilitation III Lab	1
OTD 822	Level I Fieldwork B	1
OTD 830	Leadership and Management I	3
OTD 840	Psychosocial Practice	2
OTD 840L	Psychosocial Practice Lab	1
Semester Total		14-16

Year 2, Spring

OTD 805	Population Health	2-3
OTD 831	Leadership and Management II	3
OTD 838	Synthesis of Clinical Skills	1
OTD 832L	Synthesis Lab	1
OTD 834	Topics in Aging	1
OTD 834L	Topics in Aging Lab	1
OTD 836	Scholarship II	1
OTD 836S	Scholarship II Seminar	1
OTD 846	Level I Fieldwork C	1
IP ###	IP Concentration Course of Choice	1
Semester Total		13-14

Year 3, Summer

OTD 854	Level II Fieldwork A	12
Semester Total		12

Year 3, Fall

OTD 880	Professional Seminar *	1
OTD 839	Level II Fieldwork B	12
Semester Total		13

Year 3, Spring

OTD 887	Capstone	1-14
Semester Total		1-14

Curriculum Total

99-115

* OTD 880 can also be taken in Year 3 - Spring

 

The post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate is an online academic program designed for working occupational therapists with a master's degree. Through meaningful, engaging coursework students will advance their leadership skills, expand their understanding of population health, increase their ability to rigorously implement evidence-based practice, and grow their instructional skills for teaching in educational, professional and community settings. The program is 30-credits over 5 semesters, part time with 2 online classes per semester and embraces a cohort model to foster community and shared learning.

Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

OTD 804	Advanced Clinical Outcomes	3
OTD 812	Visionary Leadership	1-3
Semester Total		4-6

Year 1, Spring

OTD 805	Population-Based Health	2-3
OTD 801	Academic Teaching Skills	3
Semester Total		5-6

Year 1, Summer

OTD 885	Capstone Planning	3
ELEC	From Approved Electives List	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Fall

OTD 886	Capstone Proposal	3
ELEC	From Approved Electives List	3
Semester Total		6

Year 2, Spring

OTD 888	Post Prof Capstone Project	6
Semester Total		6

Curriculum Total

27-30

Approved Electives

• OTD 808. Advanced Instructional Design, 3 credit hours
• OTD 827. Intuitive Leadership, 3 credit hours
• OTD 845. Teaching Experience, 3 credit hours
• OTD 850. Community-Based Elective, 1-3 credit hours
• OTD 851. Independent Study, 1 credit hour
• OTD 852. Special Topics: Occupational Therapy I, 1-3 credit hours
• OTD 853. Special Topics: Occupational Therapy II, 1-3 credit hours
• IP 715. Impact of Poverty on Health Care, 3 credit hours
• IP 717. Telehealth Teams of the Future, 3 credit hours
• IP 774. Introduction to Health Literacy, 2 credit hours
• IP 779. Culturally Sensitive Care, 1 credit hour

Jesse Dean, Ph.D., Co-Director
Sara Knox, Ph.D., Co-Director

The Doctoral Program in Health and Rehabilitation Science uniquely positions graduates for independent and team investigation of complex health issues and rehabilitation disorders that translate from the laboratory to the clinic and the community. Graduates will be researchers, clinician scholars, educators, and administrators who lead interdisciplinary teams to optimize the health and rehabilitation outcomes of patients through investigations using innovative methods and cutting-edge technology.

The three tracks of our program, Pathology and Impairment, Functional Limitations, and Health Service, allow our graduates to address health and rehabilitation questions across all levels of the translational continuum and domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The core courses allow students to develop their specialized research interests and mentored science from a strong foundation in health and rehabilitation theory, pedagogy, research design, statistics, grant writing, ethics, and diversity. The concentration courses, laboratory rotations, independent studies, electives, and dissertation provide a comprehensive education experience through a combination of classroom and individualized learning and laboratory research experiences.

Qualified students may enter the program with a background in a variety of health-related areas such as physical therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, medicine, occupational therapy, exercise science, health administration, public health, biology, or engineering.

Curriculum

The Professional Development and Research Cores are required to ensure that all students receive a solid foundation in Health and Rehabilitation Science, a teaching practicum, and a comprehensive overview of essential issues in the profession. Students will gain the necessary research skills, including design, methodology, and analysis, to position themselves as leading research scholars in the field.

The concentration area will be designed and supervised by the primary mentor and doctoral committee. This will be based on the student's prior education and experience, specialization area, and research interests.

International students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Science Program must enroll in accordance with federal regulations.

Post Baccalaureate Curriculum

Requires a minimum of 90 credit hours organized as follows:

• Professional Development Core (PC): 14 credit hours
• Research Core (RC): 19 credit hours minimum
• Concentration Core (CC): 30 credit hours in Pathology & Impairment, Functional Limitations, or Health Services
• Dissertation: 12 credit hours minimum

Year 1, Fall

HRS 810	Health and Rehabilitation Mode	3
HRS 801	Applied Research	3
BMTRY 700	Intro to Clin Biostatistics	4
Semester Total		10

Year 1, Spring

HRS 805	Evidence-Based Practice for Re	3
HRS 814	Basic Academic Teaching Skills	3
HRS 820	Statistical Methods for Rehab	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	1-4
Semester Total		10-13

Year 1, Summer

BMTRY 724	Design Conduct of Clin Trial	3
HRS 819	Teaching Practicum in HRS	1-4
DHA 814	Study Execution	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	1-2
Semester Total		8-12

Year 2, Fall

ETH 738	Seminars in Research Ethics	1
HRS 811	Fundamentals of Grant Writing	3
HRS 800	Introduction to Translational Research	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	3-4
Semester Total		10-11

Year 2, Spring

ELEC	Elective Courses	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	6
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Summer

ELEC	Elective Courses	4
CC	Concentration Core Courses	5
Semester Total		9

Year 3, Fall

ELEC	Elective Courses	4
CC	Concentration Core Courses	5
Semester Total		9

Year 3, Spring

ELEC	Elective Courses	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	4
Semester Total		7

Year 3, Summer

ELEC	Elective Courses	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	4
Semester Total		7

Year 4, Fall

HRS 990	Dissertation	4
Semester Total		4

Year 4, Spring

HRS 990	Dissertation	4
Semester Total		4

Year 4, Summer

HRS 990	Dissertation	4
Semester Total		4

Curriculum Total

91-99

Post Master's Curriculum

Requires a minimum of 53 semester hours organized as follows:

• Professional Development Core (PC): 14 credit hours
• Research Core (RC): 19 credit hours
• Concentration Core (CC): 8 credit hours in Pathology & Impairment, Functional Limitations, or Health Services
• Dissertation: 12 credit hours minimum

Year 1, Fall

HRS 810	Health and Rehabilitation Mode	3
HRS 801	Applied Research	3
BMTRY 700	Intro to Clin Biostatistics	4
CC	Concentration Core Courses	1-4
Semester Total		11-14

Year 1, Spring

HRS 805	Evidence-Based Practice for Re	3
HRS 814	Basic Academic Teaching Skills	3
HRS 820	Statistical Methods for Rehab	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	1-4
Semester Total		10-13

Year 1, Summer

BMTRY 724	Design & Conduct of Clin Trial	3
HRS 819	Teaching Practicum in HRS	1-4
DHA 814	Study Execution	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	1-2
Semester Total		8-12

Year 2, Fall

ETH 738	Seminars in Research Ethics	1
HRS 811	Fundamentals of Grant Writing	3
HRS 800	Intro. to Translational Resear	3
CC	Concentration Core Courses	2
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Spring

HRS 990	Dissertation	3-12
Semester Total		3-12

Year 2, Summer

HRS 990	Dissertation	3-12
Semester Total		3-12

Year 3, Fall

HRS 990	Dissertation	3-12
Semester Total		3-12

Year 3, Spring

HRS 990	Dissertation	3-12
Semester Total		3-12

Year 3, Summer

HRS 990	Dissertation	2-12
Semester Total		2-12

Curriculum Total

52-108

 

Curriculum

Year 1, Summer

PT 700	Foundations of Physical Therapy	2
PT 705	Movement Science	3
PT 705L	Surface Anatomy Lab	1
PT 718	Human Anatomy	4
PT 764	Evidence-based Practice I	1
Semester Total		11

Year 1, Fall

PT 701	Neuroscience	4
PT 712	Applied Physiology & Nutrition	3
PT 712L	Applied Physiology & Nutrition Lab	1
PT 730	Musculoskeletal I	3
PT 730L	Musculoskeletal I Lab	3
PT 752	Motor Development	2
Semester Total		16

Year 1, Spring

PT 711	Clinical Pathophysiology	3
PT 716	Biomechanical Analysis	1.5
PT 724	Therapeutic Exercise	2
PT 724L	Therapeutic Exercise & Massage	1.5
PT 731	Musculoskeletal II	3
PT 731L	Musculoskeletal II Lab	2
PT 748	Pharmacology	1
IP 711	IP Foundations & TeamSTEPPS	1
IP ###	IP Concentration Course of Choice	1
Semester Total		16

Year 2, Summer A, Header (5/1/25-8/14/25)

PT 725L	Biophysical Agents Lab	1.5
PT 727A	Cardiovascular & Pulmonary A	2
PT 727LA	Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Lab A	0.5
PT 732	Musculoskeletal III	3
PT 732L	Musculoskeletal III Lab	2
PT 749	Healthcare Delivery	2
PT 765	Evidence-based Practice II	1
ELEC	Elective from Approved Listing	var.
Semester Total		12+

Year 2, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)

PT 727B	Cardiovascular & Pulmonary B	1
PT 727LB	Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Lab B	1
PT 726L	Functional Mobility	1
PT 728	Imaging and Electrodiagnosis	2
PT 733	Prosthetics and Orthotics	1.5
PT 740	Clinical Practicum I	8
PT 751	Integumentary Physical Therapy	2
PT 766	Evidence-based Practice III	1
ELEC	Elective from Approved Listing	var.
Semester Total		17.5+

Year 2, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)

PT 746	Health Promotion	2
PT 755	Neuromuscular I	3
PT 755L	Neuromuscular I Lab	3
PT 710	Adult Development & Aging	3
PT 760	Pediatrics	3
PT 760L	Pediatrics Lab	1
ELEC	Elective from Approved Listing	var.
Semester Total		15+

Year 3, Summer A, Header (5/1/25-8/14/25)

PT 717	Differential Diagnosis	2
PT 756	Neuromuscular II	3
PT 756L	Neuromuscular II Lab	2
PT 761	Practice Management	2
PT 762L	Clinical Reasoning and Practice Lab	1
ELEC	Elective from Approved Listing	var.
Semester Total		10+

Year 3, Fall B (8/25/25-12/12/25)

PT 741	Clinical Practicum II	10
PT 742	Clinical Practicum III	10
PT 767	Evidence-based Practice IV	1
Semester Total		21

Year 3, Spring (1/5/26-5/1/26)

PT 743	Clinical Practicum IV	12
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

130.5+

Approved Electives

• PT 695, Community-based Practice, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 720, Owning a Private Practice, 1 credit hour
• PT 729, Special Topics: Pediatrics, 1 credit hour
• PT 734, Manual Therapy: Upper Body, 1 credit hour
• PT 735, CSCS Exam Preparation, 0.5 credit hours
• PT 736, Sports Rehabilitation Outreach II, 1 credit hour
• PT 737, Trigger Point Dry Needling, 1 credit hour
• PT 758, Manual Therapy: Lower Body, 1 credit hour
• PT 768, Special Topics: Physical Therapy, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 790, Sports Rehabilitation Outreach I, 1 credit hour
• PT 800, Physical Therapy Education I, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 801, Physical Therapy Education II, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 802, Physical Therapy Education III, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 810, Physical Therapy Research I, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 811, Physical Therapy Research II, 1-3 credit hours
• PT 812, Physical Therapy Research III, 1-3 credit hours

As the nation shifts towards a new healthcare delivery model, professionals skilled in prevention and community-based research become pivotal in guaranteeing comprehensive healthcare and enhancing the nation's health. The MPH degrees in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Behavior and Health Promotion aim to train the upcoming generation of public health professionals.

Graduates from the MPH Generalist program will possess expertise in assessing the health status of diverse populations and crafting comprehensive strategies for implementation. The core objective of DPHS is to enhance population health locally, statewide, and globally. This program endeavors to educate a diverse public health workforce, including working adults and students who might face challenges attending traditional in-person graduate programs. The intent is to mold them into experts in groundbreaking research, leadership, and advocacy for better and equitable population and community health across South Carolina and beyond. This aligns with MUSC's mission concerning disease prevention, community wellness, and population health. Graduates will gain valuable skills suitable for careers in public health agencies, health departments, healthcare organizations, regulatory government agencies, non-profits, academic institutions, and the private sector.

The program's vision resonates with the Department of Public Health Sciences' aspiration to foster a healthier future through leadership in Public Health Sciences. It also aligns with the Medical University of South Carolina's Imagine MUSC 2020 Strategic Plan, emphasizing Commitment to Patients and Families, Building Healthy Communities, Embracing Diversity and Inclusion, Advancing Knowledge and Scientific Discoveries, and Fostering Innovative Education and Learning.

Our mission is to propel knowledge, skills, and scholarship in public health, population health, and data science. This is achieved through research, education, and service via synergetic and innovative programs.

The overarching goal is to educate health professionals who can drive positive health outcomes and bolster health equity not only in South Carolina but also in the Southeast region, nationally, and internationally.

Through the program, students will cultivate the expertise to evaluate the health status of various populations and to formulate robust plans and strategies. This positions them to champion health initiatives that elevate population health.

Curriculum

Each MPH degree requires the completion of a total of 45-47 credit hours including coursework in the core concentration, along with an internship and a capstone project. The degree can be completed in 4 semesters.

For those students admitted with Advanced Standing from Clemson University, the MPH degree requires the completion of a total of 33-35 credit hours, including coursework in the core concentration, along with an internship and a capstone project.

Internship

Complete 180 hours of field placement in a comprehensive public health setting in the chosen concentration with a local or regional sites. Internship sites include hospitals, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.

Capstone Project

A professional paper or report which is the culmination of the internship experience.

Biostatistics Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

PHBIO 700	Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics	4
PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	2
PHEPI 736	Foundations of Epidemiology I	3
PHHBP 700	Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
PHGEN 750	MPH Seminar	1
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Spring

PHBIO 701	Biostatistical Methods II	4
PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHEPI 747	Foundations of Epidemiology II	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
Semester Total		11

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
PHBIO 784	Biostatistical Methods III	3
PHGEN 770	ILE Planning	1
PHBIO 785	Probability & Stat Inference	3
ELEC	Elective	2
Semester Total		12

Year 2, Fall

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

45

Biostatistics - Advanced Standing Curriculum

Year 1, Spring

PHBIO 701	Biostatistical Methods II	4
PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHEPI 747	Foundations of Epidemiology II	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
Semester Total		11

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
PHBIO 784	Biostatistical Methods III	3
PHGEN 770	ILE Planning	1
PHBIO 785	Probability & Stat Inference	3
ELEC	Elective	2
Semester Total		12

Year 1, Fall

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 750	MPH Seminar	1
PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	2
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

35

Epidemiology Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

PHBIO 700	Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics	4
PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	2
PHEPI 736	Foundations of Epidemiology I	3
PHHBP 700	Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
PHGEN 750	MPH Seminar	1
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Spring

PHBIO 701	Biostatistical Methods II	4
PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHEPI 747	Foundations of Epidemiology II	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
ELEC	Elective	2
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
PHEPI 738	Field Epidemiology	3
PHEPI 759	Health Disparities Epidemiolo	3
PHGEN 770	ILE Planning	1
Semester Total		10

Year 2, Fall

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

45

Epidemiology - Advanced Standing Curriculum

Year 1, Spring

PHBIO 701	Biostatistical Methods II	4
PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHEPI 747	Foundations of Epidemiology II	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
ELEC	Elective	2
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
PHEPI 738	Field Epidemiology	3
PHGEN 770	ILE Planning	1
PHEPI 759	Health Disparities Epidemiolo	3
Semester Total		10

Year 1, Fall

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 750	MPH Seminar	1
PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	2
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

35

Generalist Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	3
PHEPI 736	Foundations of Epidemiology I	3
PHBIO 700	Introduction to Biostatistics	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Spring

PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHHBP 700	Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
Semester Total		9

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 715	Prog Planning, Dev, Eval	3
PHGEN 716	Public Health Ethics & Leader	3
PHGEN 717	Applied Research Methods	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Fall

PHGEN 790	Topics in Public Health	3
PHEPI 759	Health Disparities Epidemiolo	3
ELEC	Elective	3
Semester Total		9

Year 2, Spring

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

45

Health Behavior & Health Promotion Curriculum

Year 1, Fall

PHBIO 700	Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics	4
PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	2
PHEPI 736	Foundations of Epidemiology I	3
PHHBP 700	Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
PHGEN 750	MPH Seminar	1
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Spring

PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHHBP 704	Appl. of Health Behavior Theory	3
PHHBP 714	Health Promotion Res Methods	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
ELEC	Elective	3
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
PHHBP 712	Health Promo Intervention Plan	3
PHGEN 770	ILE Planning	1
ELEC	Elective	3
Semester Total		10

Year 2, Fall

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		9

Curriculum Total

45

Health Behavior & Health Promotion - Advanced Standing Curriculum

Year 1, Spring

PHGEN 708	Prin Environmental Health Sci	3
PHHBP 704	Appl. of Health Behavior Theory	3
PHHBP 714	Health Promotion Res Methods	3
IP 711	IP Foundations & Teamstepps	1
ELEC	Elective	3
Semester Total		13

Year 1, Summer

PHGEN 710	Introduction to U.S. Health Policy	3
PHHBP 712	Health Promo Intervention Plan	3
PHGEN 770	ILE Planning	1
ELEC	Elective	3
Semester Total		10

Year 1, Fall

PHGEN 780	App Practice Experience-Intern	6
PHGEN 706	Introduction to Public Health	2
PHGEN 750	MPH Seminar	1
PHGEN 970	MPH Capstone	3
Semester Total		12

Curriculum Total

35