Academic Programs Catalog

College of Osteopathic Medicine

Graduate Study

The college’s graduate programs serve the need for trained medical educators and scientists. The college educates graduate students broadly in the basic subject matter pertaining to their chosen fields of study, trains them for teaching and research in specialized aspects of their field, and develops their independent and creative thinking abilities. The graduate study program for each student is arranged to suit individual needs within the general graduate regulations of the unit, college and university.

The college provides an opportunity for graduate study which emphasizes a single discipline or bridges multiple disciplines. The Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are attainable separately or together with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree with the exception of the Master of Science Degree in Basic Medical Science. A Master of Science degree and Graduate Certificate in Global Health are also available. The college also provides opportunities for postdoctoral research training. Financial aid is available competitively for all levels of graduate study.

Disciplinary graduate degree programs are offered by the departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, and Immunology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Physiology. An interdisciplinary program may be arranged by combining the disciplinary graduate degree programs of two departments.  Other units in the college may provide tutelage and facilities for graduate training and arrange for a disciplinary graduate degree in cooperation with one of the departments that offer degree programs.

The four departments, listed above, offering graduate study programs are responsible to the College of Osteopathic Medicine jointly with other colleges. Whether a student's program is administratively associated with the College of Osteopathic Medicine depends on the nature of the proposed program and the career aspirations. A student accepted for admission by a given unit may apply for association with the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine partners with the Eli Broad College of Business to offer a Master of Business Administration joint-degree program jointly administered by both colleges. For information about the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Business Administration dual-degree program, contact the Associate Dean in either college.

The College of Osteopathic Medicine cooperates with the Colleges of Human Medicine, Nursing, and Social Science in offering the Master of Public Health in Public Health degree (M.P.H.), which is administered by the College of Human Medicine. For information about the Master of Public Health degree in Public Health, refer to the statement in the College of Human Medicine section of this catalog.

Students who are enrolled in the professional program that leads to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree may elect specializations in Infancy and Early Childhood. For additional information, refer to the statement on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Infancy and Early Childhood in the College of Social Science section of this catalog.

Master of Science

The Master of Science degree is offered by the college and the departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Physiology.

Attainment of a master's degree requires excellence in scholarly motivation and achievement. The programs for the degree emphasize a broad education and an introduction to research in a chosen field of study.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to a master's degree program may be granted to a student who has a record of academic excellence and is acceptable to a unit and the college. Units may require applicants to take and submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination. An undergraduate major or its equivalent in an appropriate subject–matter field is required. Normally, a grade–point average of at least 3.00 in previous academic work is required for admission to regular status. Students with incomplete records, incomplete interpretation of available records, or minor deficiencies may be admitted to provisional status.

Requirements for the Degree

A major advisor is appointed, and a guidance committee may be appointed, with the consent of the student to help the student plan a program of study and research. A copy of the approved program is filed with the unit and the college.

The minimum number of credits required for the master's degree is 30, including 4 credits of master's thesis research for students enrolled under Plan A. A maximum of 10 credits may be authorized for thesis research. Upon the completion of the program and a report or thesis on the research, the student takes a final oral examination conducted by a faculty committee appointed by the unit chairperson. A committee report, including recommendations about further graduate study by the student, is filed with the unit chairperson and the dean.

Time Limit

The time limit for the completion of the master's degree is six calendar years from the beginning of the first semester in which credit was earned toward the degree.

Doctor of Philosophy

Attainment of the Doctor of Philosophy degree requires excellence in scholarship and comprehensive knowledge in a chosen field of study. Programs for the degree emphasize training for original research and teaching in a specialized aspect of the chosen field of study, the development of independent and creative thinking, and the completion of a dissertation that represents a new and significant contribution to knowledge. The departments of the college which offer programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree are Biochemistry, Microbiology,  Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Physiology. 

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University, students must meet the requirements specified below.

The College of Natural Science administers an interdepartmental doctoral degree program in cell and molecular biology and an interdepartmental doctoral degree program in genetics.

Admission

Admission to a doctoral program may be granted to a student who has a record of academic excellence and is acceptable to a unit and the college. Units may require applicants to take and submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination. Normally, a grade–point average of at least 3.00 in previous academic work is required for admission to regular status. Students with incomplete records, incomplete interpretation of available records, or minor deficiencies may be admitted to provisional status.

A master's degree in an appropriate subject–matter field may be required for admission to a doctoral program. If a student is admitted without a master's degree, course credits equivalent to those earned for a master's degree are required as part of the doctoral program.

Guidance Committee

The guidance committee files a report with the unit. For the purpose of evaluating the final oral examination and the dissertation, the guidance committee may be supplemented by two additional faculty members appointed by the dean. A committee report, bearing the vote and signature of each member and the comments by any dissenting member, is filed with the unit and the college.


Basic Medical Science - Master of Science

The Master of Science degree in Basic Medical Science is available to aid osteopathic medical students who have successfully completed the first two years of the D.O. program but may not, for personal or other reasons, continue to pursue the D.O. degree. Once a student enrolls in the Master of Science degree program, they may not return to pursuing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at MSUCOM. The Master of Science degree will not be conferred to those who have successfully completed the four-year curriculum to receive the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
 
Admission
 
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Basic Medical Science, students must:

  1. be or have been enrolled in the College of Osteopathic Medicine as a medical student.
  2. have successfully completed the first two years (preclerkship) of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program outline below.
  3. elect not to continue to completion of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Basic Medicine Science

Students must complete 98 credits for the degree. The Master of Science Degree in Basic Medical Science is available only under Plan A (with thesis).
1. Complete all of the following courses in years one and two of the D.O. preclerkship curriculum:
Semester 1
ANTR 510 Clinical Human Gross Anatomy and Palpatory Skills 8
BMB 516 Metabolic Biochemistry: Nutrients and Products 1
OST 598 Evidence-Based Health Science 1
Semester 2
BMB 528 Molecular Biology and Medical Genetics 2
OST 551 Osteopathic Patient Care I 2
OMM 511 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine I 1
MMG 531 Medical Immunology 2
MMG 532 Medical Microbiology 2
PHM 564 Basic Principles of Medical Pharmacology 2
PSL 539 Principles of Cell Biology and Pathophysiology 4
Semester 3
OMM 512 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine II 1
OST 552 Osteopathic Patient Care II 2
OST 556 Pediatrics I 1
OST 571 Neuromusculoskeletal System 10
OST 572 Genitourinary System 3
OST 573 Endocrine System 3
Semester 4
OMM 513 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine III 1
OST 553 Osteopathic Patient Care III 3
OST 557 Pediatrics II 1
OST 574 Female Reproductive System 3
OST 575 Gastrointestinal System 6
OST 576 Integumentary System 2
Semester 5
OMM 514 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine IV 1
OST 554 Osteopathic Patient Care IV 3
OST 558 Pediatrics III 1
OST 577 Psychopathology 2
OST 578 Hematopoietic System 2
OST 579 Cardiovascular System 9
Semester 6
OMM 515 Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine V 1
OST 555 Osteopathic Patient Care V 3
OST 559 Pediatrics IV 1
OST 583 Geriatrics 1
OST 580 Respiratory System 7
Semester 4, 5, or 6
FCM 640 Principles of Family Medicine I 1
FCM 650 Principles of Family Medicine II 1
2. Complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) requirements in years one and two.
3. Complete the following course:
OST 899 Master’s Thesis Research 4
This requirement must be completed within one full semester of entry into the program.
4. Pass an oral defense of the thesis.

Time Limit

The time limit for completion of the master’s degree is six years from the beginning of the first semester in which credit was earned toward the degree.

Global Health - Master of Science

The Master of Science degree in Global Health is an interdisciplinary degree administered by the College of Osteopathic Medicine in partnership with faculty from the Colleges of Arts and Letters, Communication Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Social Science, and Veterinary Medicine. The program stresses the interconnectedness of the animal, environment and human health and is applicable to a broad range of health professionals such as medical, nursing, or veterinary medicine as well as individuals interested in a holistic view of global health. The program prepares individuals to both manage and lead as global health professionals. Individualized programs of study can be tailored to accommodate individuals with a broad range of academic and professional experience and interests.  The program is available online only.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, students must meet the requirements below.

Admission
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science degree in Global Health, an applicant must submit the following:

  1. A transcript showing a completed undergraduate degree.
  2. A personal statement describing interest and experience in global health, including career goals.
  3. A resume or curriculum vitae.
  4. A test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.
Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Global Health

The Master of Science degree in Global Health is available online only and only under Plan B (non-thesis). Students must complete 30 credits as specified below:
1. All of the following courses (27 credits):
OST 821 One Health – Transdisciplinary Collaborations to Global Health 3
OST 822 Introduction to Global Health Practice 3
OST 823 Global Burden of Disease 3
OST 824 Emerging Topics in Global Health 3
OST 825 Ethical Issues in Global Health 3
OST 827 Global Health Management 3
OST 828 Global Health Capstone 3
OST 829 Global Health Community Assessment 3
OST 831 Evidence-Based Practice in Global Health 3
2. Complete 3 credits from the following courses:
CAS 826 Health Communication for Diverse Populations 3
OST 686 Global Health: Mexico – Community Medicine and Mayan Culture in the Yucatan 3
OST 687 Global Health: Peru Medical Service 3
OST 688 Global Health: Cuban Healthcare Delivery System 3
OST 689 Global Health: Haiti – Introduction to Global Health and Culture 3
OST 690 Global Health: Dominican Republic – Healthcare Delivery System and Culture 3
OST 691 Global Health: Guatemala – Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 1
OST 692 Global Health: Turkish Healthcare Delivery System and Culture 3
OST 693 Global Health: Korean Healthcare Delivery System 3
OST 694 Global Health: One Health in Nepal 3
OST 830 Independent Study in Global Health 1 to 3
PSY 880 Foundations of Evaluation Practice 3
PSY 881 Evaluation Design 3
3. Successfully complete a capstone professional paper.

Global Health - Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Global Health is an interdisciplinary certificate administered by the College of Osteopathic Medicine in partnership with faculty from the Colleges of Arts and Letters, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine. The certificate stresses the interconnectedness of the animal, environment and human health and is applicable to a broad range of health professionals such as medical, nursing, or veterinary medicine as well as individuals interested in a holistic view of global health. The certificate prepares individuals to both manage and lead as global health professionals. Individualized programs of study can be tailored to accommodate individuals with a broad range of academic and professional experience and interests.  The certificate is available online only.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Global Health, an applicant must submit the following:

  1. A transcript showing a completed undergraduate degree.
  2. A personal statement describing interest and experience in global health, including career goals.
  3. A resume or curriculum vitae.
  4. A test of English language proficiency for students for whom English is not a first language.
Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Global Health

The certificate program is available online only. Students must complete 9 credits from the following:
1. Complete the following course:
OST 822 Introduction to Global Health Practice 3
2. Complete 6 credits from the following:
OST 821 One Health – Transdisciplinary Collaborations to Global Health 3
OST 823 Global Burden of Disease 3
OST 824 Emerging Topics in Global Health 3
OST 830 Independent Study in Global Health 3

 

Dual Degree Medical Scientist Training Program

The Dual Degree Medical Scientist Training Program is a special program for students who want to earn both a professional medical doctoral degree (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and a graduate research doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy). The program seeks to meet a national need for physicians who are proficient in research as well as in medicine, and who will pursue careers as faculty members in medical schools and institutes.

The program is designed to select, educate, and train highly motivated students having outstanding research and academic qualifications. Trainees pursue medical and graduate studies in parallel, meet regularly with peers in seminars, and engage in medical and graduate level courses and clerkships, as well as in research with highly qualified mentors.

A student who is interested in this program should contact the office of the associate dean for research and advanced study in the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

For additional information, refer to the statement on Special Programs in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.


Postdoctoral Research Training

Postdoctoral training increasingly is necessary for students who want to pursue careers in biomedical research. The college offers individualized programs for such advanced graduate study in most of its units. Postdoctoral training is normally obtained with a faculty member who is established and productive in a particular area of research. Application, acceptance, and program are arranged by the student and the faculty member with the concurrence of the unit chairperson. Students who hold either the Ph.D or the D.O. degree are encouraged to consider further training in research, which may provide an alternative to a second doctoral degree as preparation for a career as a medical educator and scientist. Substantive financial aid is available competitively through fellowships and traineeships awarded to the student directly and associateships provided by the faculty member from a grant or contract. Usually, postdoctoral research training requires two years or more, and accomplishment is evidenced in the publication of articles in refereed scientific journals.

 


Facilities for Research and Service

In addition to its disciplinary departments and interdisciplinary programs, the College provides certain specialized facilities such as the Carcinogenesis Laboratory, and the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Students who are pursuing Doctor of Philosophy degrees may make arrangements through their major departments to study in these facilities. Postdoctoral study in these facilities may be arranged with an appropriate faculty member.

 


Administration of Research and Graduate Study

A graduate study advisory committee represents the College faculty and provides advice and recommendations to the Dean on graduate study  in the college.

The Institute for Research and Advanced Study serves to promote and foster research and graduate and postdoctoral study in the college. This Institute provides general information about predoctoral and postdoctoral study and refers interested persons to appropriate units or facilities for more specific information. This Institute also offers assistance in applying for extramural grants, contracts, and fellowships.

The Office for Graduate Medical Education and the Office of Continuing Medical Education, respectively, provide for medical postdoctoral clinical training and for continuing medical education customarily associated with professional certification and licensing requirements.