I'm surprised that I haven't found a single post on this topic on this forum (perhaps I didn't look hard enough):
Might a PSM (Professional Science Master's) degree help for future medical school applications?
I realize that one shouldn't go through a graduate program simply because it may help medical school admission chances. Rest assured that this is only one among several factors pointing me to graduate study. I want to broaden my options should I ever decide medicine isn't for me; I also want to take my time, explore my interests, and pursue graduate study beyond the grueling nature of medical school.
I understand current trends show that education incorporating management, policy, and administration is particularly lucrative and becoming sought after throughout the scientific field, including medicine. To that end, it seems that a graduate degree in hard science only may be becoming outdated in some contexts. Thus, I am considering a number of graduate pathways. Ramifications of my degree choice upon medical school admission chances is a small but important part of this decision.
The Professional Science Master's degree is a relatively new type of degree that combines science/technology with business. It was developed to train individuals with a strong science background. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science: "PSM degree programs are designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics while developing workplace skills valued by employers. Schools offering PSM programs assert that they produce well-rounded science professionals who have a deep knowledge of their subject but also have the ability to communicate effectively and manage projects."
I would be interested in a PSM in fields such as Bioscience Management (Creighton), Biotechnology (UNI), or Integrative Pharmacology (MSU). Most of the programs I am looking at can be completed in less than two years and include either research and/or internships as a part of the curricula.
I know that the most concrete answers would come from the admissions staff of potential medical schools to which I may apply in the future, but based on your collective experience and expertise on these subjects, do you think medical schools might look at a degree like this, or would they pass it over entirely because it's not a hard enough science degree?
Might a PSM (Professional Science Master's) degree help for future medical school applications?
I realize that one shouldn't go through a graduate program simply because it may help medical school admission chances. Rest assured that this is only one among several factors pointing me to graduate study. I want to broaden my options should I ever decide medicine isn't for me; I also want to take my time, explore my interests, and pursue graduate study beyond the grueling nature of medical school.
I understand current trends show that education incorporating management, policy, and administration is particularly lucrative and becoming sought after throughout the scientific field, including medicine. To that end, it seems that a graduate degree in hard science only may be becoming outdated in some contexts. Thus, I am considering a number of graduate pathways. Ramifications of my degree choice upon medical school admission chances is a small but important part of this decision.
The Professional Science Master's degree is a relatively new type of degree that combines science/technology with business. It was developed to train individuals with a strong science background. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science: "PSM degree programs are designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics while developing workplace skills valued by employers. Schools offering PSM programs assert that they produce well-rounded science professionals who have a deep knowledge of their subject but also have the ability to communicate effectively and manage projects."
I would be interested in a PSM in fields such as Bioscience Management (Creighton), Biotechnology (UNI), or Integrative Pharmacology (MSU). Most of the programs I am looking at can be completed in less than two years and include either research and/or internships as a part of the curricula.
I know that the most concrete answers would come from the admissions staff of potential medical schools to which I may apply in the future, but based on your collective experience and expertise on these subjects, do you think medical schools might look at a degree like this, or would they pass it over entirely because it's not a hard enough science degree?