Policy on Special Track to a Master of Science Degree

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to award a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences to students who enter the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBMS) from the New York Medical College School of Medicine (NYMC SOM).

II. POLICY

With the endorsement of the SOM administration, students enrolled in the NYMC SOM program who have successfully passed preclinical courses and are unable to complete the medical school curriculum may apply for admission into the Special Track to a Master of Science degree. Medical students who obtain an MD, or who are on target to obtain an MD, are not eligible to enter this path.

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to students who are enrolled in the NYMC SOM program, successfully completed the preclinical (Phase 1) portion of the MD curriculum, have demonstrated ethical behavior, and are unable to complete the NYMC SOM due to a variety of reasons. This policy does not apply to students who are continuing in the NYMC SOM program or who have received an MD degree. Individuals with an MD degree who wish to receive a Master of Science degree from the GSBMS must apply to the GSBMS and, upon admission, complete all didactic requirements of the Master of Science degree program in the GSBMS and a literature review (Track A).

IV. DEFINITIONS

MD: Medical Doctor
M.S.: Master of Science Degree

V. PROCEDURES 

A. The student must have completed and received a minimal grade of “pass” in all preclinical (Phase 1) courses in the NYMC SOM – viz., UMDM 1001 (Fundamental Processes of Life), UMDM 1002 (Introduction to System), UMDM 1003 (Systems 1: Brain and Behavior, UMDM 2000 (Systems 2. Cardiorespiratory), UMDM 2001 (Systems 3: Renal/Reproduction/Endocrine), UMDM 2002 (Systems 4: GI/Derm/MS/Rheum), and UMDM 1103 (History of Medicine). Receiving a passing grade indicates that the transferring student has met most of the general competencies of the core component of the Master of Science program, track A pathway. Passing these courses satisfies the general core requirements that include General Biochemistry I (BCHM 1010) and Mammalian Physiology I (PHYM 1010), and discipline core requirements/electives including General Microbiology I (MCRM 1010), General Microbiology II (MCRM 1020), Introduction to Pathology (PATM 1080), Pharmacology I (PHRM 1010), Pharmacology II (PHRM 1020), Lectures in Histology (CBAM 1320), Laboratory in Histology (CBAM 1330), General Biochemistry II (BCHM 1020), Systemic Pathology (PATM 1090), Mammalian Physiology II (PHYM 1020).

B. Students must have demonstrated professionalism, with no disciplinary actions or integrity violations, throughout their tenure in the NYMC SOM; attestation must be provided by the SOM administration prior to review of the application. 

C. Students entering the graduate school through this track cannot maintain matriculation in the NYMC SOM. Therefore, a student must withdraw from the NYMC SOM prior to being matriculated in the GSBMS’s Special Track to a Master of Science degree.

D. Once accepted into the program, students must fulfill the following requirements to earn a Master of Science degree from the GSBMS.

1. complete at least seven (7) credits hours of graduate level courses (approved by the program director) within the next complete academic year, including:

a. Cell Biology (CBAM 1360) or an appropriate substitute course based on the discipline program;

b. Selected Topics course (7100-level course); and at least one upper level (2000- or 3000- series) elective course. Course choices should be discussed with and must be approved by the program director.

2. Write and submit a Master’s Literature Review that meets the academic standards set by the GSBMS and is approved by the normal GSBMS procedures.

E. Students must pass all graduate courses attempted and achieve a final GPA of at least 3.00 in GSBMS courses.

F. Students in this program will be charged the current comprehensive (block) tuition rate as outlined in the GSBMS Two-Year M.S. Block Program Policy.

G. While enrolled in the GSBMS, the student will be considered part-time or full-time based upon GSBMS definitions of these terms.

H. If a student in a Special Track to a Master of Science degree program enrolls in fewer than four (4) credits per semester, they will not be eligible for financial aid.

I. Students with a GPA below 3.0 in program requirements following the 1 year timeframe indicated in section D1 will be allowed to remediate as indicated in the GSBMS M.S. Program Timeframe to Completion Policy, If a student extends their coursework beyond the initial 1-year timeframe, they will be charged the current per-credit tuition rate as well as the required fees. Students are responsible for contacting Student Financial Planning regarding their financial aid eligibility.

J. Students who have completed coursework within the one-year program timeframe (as indicated in section D.1) but need to complete their literature review in a subsequent semester will be required to register for Maintenance of Matriculation as stated in the GSBMS M.S. Program Timeframe to Completion Policy.

K. Once the student has been awarded the Master of Science degree, the Registrar’s Office will add a transcript notation that says, "23 credits accepted from the NYMC School of Medicine".

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy is effective immediately.

VII. POLICY MANAGEMENT

Executive Stakeholder:  Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Oversight Office: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean’s Office