About the programs
Since launching its first pre-medical program over 40 years ago, Drexel University’s College of Medicine has helped numerous talented students develop competitive, well-rounded academic portfolios and realize their aspirations of becoming accomplished health care professionals. With five unique pre-medical/pre-health MS degree programs, we offer an opportunity to align your professional goals with one- or two-year options to ensure a successful outcome. Our portfolio also includes an evening certificate program for career changers that caters to the needs of working professionals.
Program Features
- Dedicated curricula designed to build a robust academic foundation, including medical school-equivalent coursework
- Affiliation agreements with Drexel’s MD and other health professions programs
- Community service and research opportunities
- Standardized test preparation included when needed
- Comprehensive personalized advising by experienced staff and faculty
The Programs
DREXEL PATHWAY TO MEDICAL SCHOOL (DPMS)
An Early Assurance program for individuals personally impacted by health care disparities, socioeconomic, or educational barriers. The 11-month full-time curriculum includes medical school-equivalent courses. DPMS students receive conditional acceptance to Drexel’s MD program upon meeting specific metrics and program benchmarks.
INTENSIVE MEDICAL SCIENCES (IMS)
A rigorous, structured accelerated Special Master’s program for competitive individuals that offers coursework equivalent to the first year of medical school. Change Starting in the fall 2024 to Since Fall 2024, the full- time 9-month IMS program offers conditional acceptance to Drexel’s MD program upon meeting specific metrics and program benchmarks.
BIOMEDICAL STUDIES (MBS)
A two-year full-time Special Master’s program for individuals looking to strengthen their academic skills. The dedicated coursework includes undergraduate science courses for boosting the undergraduate math-science GPA. Dedicated MCAT preparation is included. Guaranteed interview upon meeting specific GPA and MCAT metrics (DUCOM and other affiliates).
MEDICAL RESEARCH (MEDR)
A two-year MS program that integrates first-year medical school equivalent courses with an intensive, year-long research experience. Guaranteed interview upon meeting specific GPA and MCAT metrics (DUCOM and other affiliates).
INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTH SCIENCES (IHS)
A two-year enhancer MS program with a customizable curriculum and capstone project for individuals interested in medical school or other allied health professions. Standardized test preparation is included. Guaranteed interview upon meeting specific GPA and MCAT metrics (DUCOM and other affiliates).
EVENING POST-BACCALAUREATE PREMEDICAL (PMED)
A 17-month certificate program, offered in the evenings on campus or in a hybrid format, to prepare working professionals with non-science bachelor’s degrees for careers in medicine or other health professions; standardized test prep is included.
“IHS really stood out to me because I had the ability to choose what classes I wanted to take. I knew I wanted to focus on areas I struggled with in my undergraduate, and I also wanted to take classes I was interested in like Healthcare for Spanish. I also really liked the community focus in IHS and how students had the opportunity to get involved in volunteer projects and get to know our Philadelphia community.”
— Ryan Murphy, IHS ’23, PCOM ’27, Vice President of PCOM Student Ambassadors, President of PCOM’s chapter of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
“I strongly believe in the power of a supportive and collaborative educational environment as a key to unlocking one’s full potential. It was important to me that I attended a program that improved my abilities but also taught me that I have the resilience necessary to make it through challenges. I knew that the MS in Biomedical Studies program had a unique blend that incorporated undergraduate, graduate and medical coursework all while helping you to improve your overall application.”
— Janel Sewell, MBS ’24