HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine will launch a new Certificate in Medical Science in January 2026. This one-year program helps students strengthen their academic foundation to become more competitive applicants for professional careers in the health sciences, including medicine and other advanced health professions. 

Taught by the same faculty who instruct medical students, the new certificate program offers an authentic preview of medical education and a supportive step for students. Over two semesters, students complete 16 credit hours in core biomedical sciences, including biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and biostatistics/epidemiology. The program’s intentionally small class sizes and team-based learning approach provide personalized support to help students succeed in rigorous coursework. 

Graduates who maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher and achieve an MCAT score of at least 505 will be eligible for an early interview with Marshall University’s Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program. Credits earned through the certificate may also be applied toward the school’s non-thesis Master of Science in Biomedical Research, providing a seamless transition for students wishing to continue their graduate studies.

“Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance to medical school, but it provides a strong, supportive pathway for students to demonstrate their academic ability in medical-level coursework,” said Todd Green, Ph.D., assistant dean for pre-clerkship curriculum at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “This program gives students the tools they need to strengthen their applications and take the next step toward a career in medicine or other health sciences.” 

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have completed prerequisite coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry and a year of social or behavioral sciences. Applications for fall admission are due June 30, and spring admission applications are due December 1. 

Applications are currently being accepted for the program’s first cohort, which begins Jan. 12, 2026. For more information or to apply, visit jcesom.marshall.edu/MScertificate. 

Date Posted: Monday, October 6, 2025