Doctor of Medicine/Master of Science in Clinical Research (M.D., MSCR)

MD and Master of Science in Clinical Research

MUSC offers a combined MD degree and Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree program. The MD-MSCR combined degree provides currently enrolled medical students with the opportunity to acquire core competencies in clinical research, preparing future physicians to advance new knowledge. Most students will complete the combined degree in 5 years.

Description of the Program

Program Timing

The earliest entry into the MD-MSCR degree program is the second semester of the MD degree program. Students submit their application as early as fall of year 1 and no later than January 31st of year 4.Students in the accelerated MD degree curriculum track are not eligible to apply. Students in the Primary Care Parallel track at MUSC AnMed Health clinical campus are eligible to apply.

Application

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

Acceptance and Approval of Transfer

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

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

2. Approval of the curriculum sequencing by both the Director of the MSCR and the appropriate Associate Deans for Education for the relevant phases of the MD degree. This approval is shared with the SPC.

3. Review and approval from the Student Progress Committee (SPC) confirming their confidence that the student will be able to succeed professionally and academically.

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

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

Policies and Procedures

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

Stop-Out Option: Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MS.MS)

MD-MSCR degree students are eligible for the MS.MS stop-out option if they have completed the requisite preclerkship curriculum designated. MSCR coursework does not count toward the MS.MS degree.

Curriculum

Students must complete all of the MD degree graduation requirements in addition to the MSCR requirements in order to receive the combined degree. The courses required for the MSCR degree are described in the next section. For more information, please visit the Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) program page.

The 38 credit hours of the MSCR curriculum are typically completed over three continuous semesters between year 3 and year 4 of the MD curriculum (shown below), or may be completed concurrently with MD coursework beginning as early as the spring of year 1.