PLNU’s Master of Science in Medical Sciences gives rising professionals holistic training in the fundamentals of medicine, health care and understanding the human body. This hybrid program will give students an ethical, multi-disciplinary approach to the medical sciences and practical training in a collaborative learning environment.

PLNU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to helping students to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities by providing critical evidence-based training and experience in every realm of study. The M.S. in Medical Sciences will prepare you exceptionally for medical and professional degrees such as M.D., D.O., DMD, DDS, DPT, DOT, and P.A. With this degree, you’ll have the skills and experience to give you an edge in these increasingly competitive programs.

This program is also perfect for providing rising educators with a strong, well-rounded foundation to teach in the medical sciences at the collegiate level.

Learning that fits your goals

The Medical Sciences M.S. can be completed in 12 months with a full-time commitment, or 20 months part time so you can continue to work as you learn. This hybrid program features a mix of online courses and in-person classes and labs at PLNU's Balboa Regional Center in San Diego.

This 30-unit program includes 22 units of required coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, research, neuroanatomy, embryology, a research project or seminar, and student’s choice of a capstone thesis or final exam. Students may also choose 8 units of elective courses in areas such as physiology, anatomy education, health and social justice, genetics and molecular biology, opportunity for internship or practicum, and more.

Concentration in anatomy: Within their elective course units, students can complete an optional 3-unit anatomy concentration, which includes a clinical practice component.

Become an Anatomy Scholar

To promote diversity in healthcare, some students in the Medical Sciences M.S. two-year track will have the opportunity to become Anatomy Scholars — student employees who will help teach and set up labs for the Anatomy Learning Institute. Anatomy Scholars will be paid hourly and will have up to 10 units of their tuition covered during their second academic year.

Academic merit is prioritized when offering Anatomy Scholar positions. Limited spots available.

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2025 — September 2, 2025

Application Deadline(s):

• Priority App Deadline — January 20, 2025
• Fall 2025 — August 15, 2025

All applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program.

Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum undergraduate upper division GPA requirement of a 2.75, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package, as well as an exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's Master of Science in Medical Sciences program, you must:

• Submit a completed application for admission to the medical sciences program.
• Have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from the institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree. This degree should be related to of the following areas:
  • Biology
  • Bio-Chem
  • Chemistry
  • Kinesiology
  • Applied Health Science
  • Psychology
• Or relevant work experience in the following areas can substitute if a bachelor’s degree is in a different area of study, (on a case-by-case basis):
  • Anatomy or any lab technician
  • EMT
  • Health Sciences
  • Health Care professional
• OR a baccalaureate degree and prerequisites in:
  • Anatomy and Physiology (separate or combined)
  • Must be completed in the past 3 years
• Obtain an undergraduate upper-division grade-point average of at least 2.75.
• Interview with the appropriate graduate director or coordinator.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have a GPA below 3.0 in your baccalaureate degree, you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit  two personal essays (200-300 words each) on the following topics:
   1. Describe what you hope to achieve by completing your graduate degree in medical sciences.
   2. What are your future career goals?
4. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. Your recommenders can be professional, academic, or clinical background. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.

After all application materials are submitted, you will be contacted by PLNU's College of Health Sciences about scheduling an interview.

Start Application

Upon completion of the program, you’ll be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of different medical sciences.
• Dissect a human body donor as a tool to understand anatomy and pathology.
• Work effectively as an individual, collaboratively in teams, and in multi-disciplinary settings to undertake lifelong learning.
• Design, conduct, analyze, interpret, and present a research project in biomedical sciences.
• Demonstrate the appropriate written and oral communication skills required of the professional practitioner.

For information about the courses required for the Medical Sciences, M.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog.

Course Information