MS in Medical Sciences, Pre-Professional Program (MSP3)

The University of South Florida's one-year Masters of Science in Medical Sciences program provides a high-quality “pre-professional” program that will significantly enhance and extend the academic development of future healthcare professionals and contribute to a diverse student body. This innovative, interdisciplinary program — the first in Florida to provide an integrated approach to the subject areas that comprise the “basic” biomedical sciences — is designed to provide students with a solid academic foundation prior to continuing in a variety of healthcare-related professional programs. The pre-professional program was founded on the premise that future clinicians, researchers, educators and healthcare professionals in the biomedical sciences will require extensive interdisciplinary training in order to develop novel solutions to current health care problems.

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Open houses are offered on-ground and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

For dates and more information, please see the Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs News & Events page.

Prospective Applicant Profile

The ideal applicant to the MSMS pre-professional program:

Is interested in improving their academic credentials before applying to a health professional school (e.g., MD, DO, DDS, Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, etc).
Wants to academically prepare themselves before entering a health professional school.
May have missed the deadline to apply to a health professional school.
Wishes to experience an interdisciplinary biomedical sciences curriculum.

Curriculum

The interdisciplinary curriculum has been designed to provide the background training that will equip students with the essential tools for a successful career in the biomedical sciences.

This program is designed to be completed with full time enrollment in one year (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Courses are held on-ground. The full curriculum can be found in the MSP³ degree worksheet. Please note that degree worksheets are subject to change.

The Masters of Science in Medical Sciences, pre-professional program aims to:
- Provide advanced scientific training in the basic medical sciences which require greater knowledge than delivered in most undergraduate or non-degree post-baccalaureate professional programs.
- Further develop the training of future physicians and other health-care practitioners.
- Support the academic progress and development of students who wish to pursue future healthcare or biomedical science careers.
Discover features that make this program unique

Program

Our accelerated pre-professional program is designed to be completed in one-year. The curriculum offers an interdisciplinary approach to the medical sciences, encompassing a wide range of topics. Students will complete a minimum of 32 credit hours and earn their master’s degree within this time frame.

The full curriculum for the MSMS pre-professional program can be found in the Graduate Catalog:

Graduate Catalog

Location

The MSMS pre-professional program is located on the University of South Florida’s highly recognized USF Health north campus in Tampa. The USF Health campus is comprised of numerous professional schools, allowing master’s students to interact and learn alongside other health professional students and faculty.

Tuition

USF offers affordable graduate level tuition rates, one of the lower rates in the state of Florida, and one of the lowest in the country.

Faculty

Our master’s students are taught by highly trained faculty from USF Health's Morsani College of Medicine.

Workshops

The Graduate Affairs office supports our students by hosting various workshops throughout the year. These workshops can range from learning how to enhance study skills or write a personal statement, to information sessions hosted by admission representatives from various professional schools.

Advising

Our students receive one-on-one advising regarding their application to professional schools, as well as academic advising throughout the program.

Teaching Assistants

We hire outstanding alumni as teaching assistants (TAs) for our current students. TAs will host review sessions for each course to reinforce course materials. TAs also serve as a point of contact for additional individual review supplementing primary course instruction.

Partnerships

The Graduate Affairs office has partnered with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), the Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), the Ross University School of Medicine, and the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM) to provide interviews for our students who meet specific academic metrics. WAUSM additionally offers conditional acceptance to students who meet academic benchmarks set by the program.

MCAT preparation

The Graduate Affairs office has partnered with the Princeton Review to offer an MCAT preparation course, GMS 6000 Medical Sciences Success Skills. Students will pay graduate tuition rates for this 2-credit course.

Gross Anatomy Lab

Our students have the option of taking the Gross Anatomy Lab elective. Students will have access to the state-of-the-art facility to enhance their education through cadaver dissection under the supervision of Anatomy faculty.
Hear from former students who matriculated to professional school

Quinn Frier

Where you're from: Mayo, Florida

Year you graduated from the MSP³ Program: 2015

Current School/Program: The Florida State University College of Medicine

Advice for future USF MCOM MS applicants/students: For many of you, this program is an opportunity to prove yourselves academically to professional programs, while others are using this program as a "gap year" activity. Whatever the case, I advise you to use this opportunity wisely. Merely completing this program will not guarantee you admittance to professional schools; you have to do well. Reinvent yourself as a student, develop new study methods, and take advantage of all the advantages the program/faculty has to offer. Get involved and give back to the community, Tampa is rich with volunteer opportunities that will allow you to make a difference and grow as a member of society. The program is challenging, but if you buckle down and do well it will get you where you want to go and prepare you very well for the next level. All of the MSP³ graduates in my class at FSUCOM, including myself, have all done well in medical school thanks in part due to the experiences and exposure gained from this program. In closing, remember that stats (MCAT/GPA) aren't everything admissions committees consider and you should strive every day to make yourself more than "just a number."

Ekaterina Halivelakis

Where you're from: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Year you graduated from the MSP³ program: 2015

Current School/Program: Creighton University School of Medicine (M.D.) Class of 2020

Advice for future USF MCOM MS applicants and/or students: MSP³ is an excellent program to be a part of, whether you're pre-Medical, pre-PA, pre-PhD or pre-Dental. I went into the program initially because I was unsure of which route I wanted to take between academic medicine and clinical medicine. Not only was I able to explore what I am truly passionate about, but the program does a fantastic job preparing you for medical school course loads and boosting your MCAT score. I am proud to say that I am excelling through my medical school education now, and I attribute it to how well this program prepared me for medical school. I am adamant about recommending this program to my friends who also are either undecided or want the extra edge on their medical school applications. If you're thinking about it now, I promise you will thank yourself later once you apply and progress through the program. It is quite challenging and on par with medical school course work, but you will be surprised at how well you can handle the course loads and how accessible your professors will be for help if you need it.

Randy Ceballos

Where you're from: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Year you graduated from the MSP³ program: 2015

Current School/Program: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

Advice for future USF MCOM MS applicants and/or students: My best advice would be to not give up on your dreams. The road to medical school is not supposed to be easy, but there is a lot to learn during the journey. The best decision I made was to attend the MSP³ program at USF. I felt ready for medical school and my academic success demonstrated that. In addition to preparing me with the knowledge I needed, it was the reason I created lifelong friendships and was forced to go out of my comfort zone and become a well-rounded student.

Meet Our Student Ambassadors

Bio: Hello! My name is Sarah Carroll, and I am one of your 2025-2026 MSP3 Ambassadors! I graduated from the University of South Florida in May 2025, earning my Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences (Go Bulls!).

Following graduation, I felt like I did not have what it takes to succeed in Medical School. I didn’t feel my GPA was high enough to make me a strong contender, and I had no idea whether I could handle the class load. It was then that I decided to look for a Master’s program to improve my GPA and strengthen my medical school application. I found the MSP3 program after reviewing all the Master’s programs USF offered, and I knew it was for me!

During my time in this program, I have gained confidence in my abilities as a student, developed study habits that work for me, strengthened my standing as an applicant, and learned so much about various medical schools across the country. Additionally, they provide so many resources to help prepare students for the MCAT and the application cycle, which has made all the difference.

This program is one of the most challenging academic endeavors I’ve undertaken, but it is absolutely worth it. I feel better prepared for Medical School, more confident in my abilities as a student, have developed new hobbies and habits, and have met friends for life. Because of the MSP3 program, I feel confident enough to take the next step toward Medical School!

You can reach out to request to contact me at biomed@usf.edu if you have questions.
Bio: Hi! My name is Manar Hassan, and I’m elated to serve as a Student Ambassador for USF’s MSP³ program. I graduated last spring from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences through the Honors College after exploring several academic paths before finding my true fit in biomedical sciences.

I have a deep appreciation for interdisciplinary perspectives and meaningful human connection, which has shaped both my academic and service experiences. I’ve volunteered extensively in hospice care and youth literacy programs, where I learned the importance of listening, empathy, and clear communication in supporting others. I also conducted research focusing on fetal stem cells, gene therapy, and mechanisms of fetal anemia, all experiences that strengthened my interest in medicine as both a scientific and human-centered career. Through these experiences, I became certain that medicine was the right path for me, and MSP³ has served as a critical foundation in ensuring I am academically prepared to pursue it. As an MSP³ student I am able to solidify my scientific foundation, strengthen my academic confidence, and prepare myself for the rigor of medical training.

I chose the MSP³ program to serve as a strong academic bridge to medical school, especially after my explorative undergraduate background, reinforcing foundational sciences while establishing the skills necessary for success in advanced-level coursework. The program has provided invaluable academic exposure, and a challenging learning environment that has strengthened my readiness for the next stage of my education.

You can reach out to request to contact me at biomed@usf.edu if you have questions.
Bio: Hi, my name is David Jacobsen, and I am from Tampa, Florida. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Sciences from the University of Florida.

After graduating I felt that I needed something to improve my application for medical school. I found the MSP3 program and it was the perfect fit for everything I was looking for. The program provides rigorous courses to prepare for the difficulty of medical school and gives us direct contact with many medical schools and programs.

Since joining the program I have gained a much clearer vision of my future in the field of medicine and have this amazing program to thank. It has provided clarity and confidence in my self that I am able to succeed in my future endeavors. I truly enjoy this program and recommend it to anyone who is interested.
You can reach out to request to contact me at biomed@usf.edu if you have questions.
Bio: Hello, friends! My name is Katarina Kronrad, and I’m thrilled to serve as an ambassador for the Master’s in Medical Sciences Pre-Professional Program (MSP3) in 2026. I am truly excited to step into this role and assist in any way I can! I know that applying to any educational program is a huge step, but I am confident that the MSP3 program will prepare you for success in professional school and beyond. It is a challenging curriculum, but with the support of professors, advisors, and peers, as well as workshops and TA sessions, you’ll find the tools you need to succeed. I’ve personally benefited from these resources, such as attending TA sessions, and plan to use what I've learned in future studies.
A bit more about me: I am originally from New York, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Stony Brook University. Before joining the MSP3 program, I worked as a medical scribe. In my free time, I work out, spend time with family and friends, watch shows/movies, and listen to music. With good time management-a skill that the program helps you develop-balancing academics and hobbies is possible. I look forward to welcoming you to the MSP3 community and supporting you as you take this exciting next step. Apply to the MSP3 program at USF and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
You can reach out to request to contact me at biomed@usf.edu if you have questions.
Bio: Hello! My name is Julia Zager, and I am so excited to serve as one of the MSP3 Ambassadors this year. I am from Tampa, Florida, and I graduated from the University of Florida in 2025 with a B.S. in Biology. Go Gators!

I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, but during my junior year of college, I decided that I wanted to take a gap year and do something to boost my resume during that time before applying to medical school. I learned about the MSP3 program from a former student and decided to apply, along with a few other programs. After attending a prospective student day, I knew immediately that MSP3 was the perfect fit for me.

I chose the MSP3 program because I wanted an experience that would not only challenge me academically but would also truly prepare me for medical school. So far, the program has done exactly that. It has pushed me in ways I had never experienced before, while also helping me grow as a student. One of the aspects I enjoy most is that all of the coursework is directly applied to medical concepts, which makes the material both engaging and relevant. The program has also helped me refine and adapt my study habits to ensure long-term success, which is a skill I am really glad I was able to develop now instead of having to relearn or fix it once in medical school. In addition to the rigorous coursework, MSP3 offers incredible opportunities such as the Gross Anatomy lab and a MCAT preparation course. The program also hosts workshops focused on academic strategies and application timelines, as well as presentations from a variety of MD, DO, and PA programs, where schools share insights about their curriculum, application process, and overall experience.

While the program can initially feel like being thrown into the wild, I can say with 100% confidence that by the end of MSP3, I will be more prepared for medical school than I ever thought possible. The professors and advisors are incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in their students’ success. If I had to make this decision again, I would choose MSP3 in a heartbeat!

You can reach out to request to contact me at biomed@usf.edu if you have questions.