DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

Master of Science
Mission Statement

The Master of Science (MS) program at LMU is dedicated to providing advanced academic learning in the life sciences. This academic program seeks to enhance the learning of these mission-related graduate populations of students:

  • Those seeking doctoral-level education in the health-related professions.
  • Those seeking to utilize their skills in other health related fields.

Program Overview

This LMU degree program is a collaborative effort among the School of Mathematics and Sciences, the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (DCOM), and the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Faculty from these areas work together to provide students with graduate courses and research opportunities.

LMU’s Hamilton Mathematics and Sciences Building houses the Neal Cross Memorial Anatomy Laboratory and model room. This is a state-of-the art human gross anatomy teaching suite. Donor programs allow MS students to have access to study anatomy and take part in graduate research projects such as detailed dissections.

The Master of Science (MS) program is a 30-35 graduate credit hour minimum full-time program of study for college graduates who want to pursue further studies in the realm of life science. With the normal academic credit load and no deficiency courses, this program may be completed in two or three semesters depending on the Degree. For students lacking pre-requisite courses (deficiencies) or for whom the MS Graduate Council determines their need to repeat specific courses (deficiencies), this program may require more than two semesters to complete. Students who gain acceptance into DCOM may complete required or additional graduate courses during their first year of medical school. Three majors are offered in LMU’s MS program:

  • Anatomical Sciences 
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Life Science Research

Each of these majors within the degree program is focused to help you as a student make the most of your graduate education. The programs have experienced oversight which is maintained by the MS Program Director and the MS Graduate Council, consisting of faculty in the related departments. Courses for your program of study in the MS program are assigned by these entities on an individual student basis considering your academic record and performance in the MS program; to be most beneficial to the student regarding his or her future academic/career goals. In some cases, very specific deficiency courses are required and in other cases the student may have a choice. 

Anatomical Sciences (AS)

  • The Anatomical Sciences (AS) major is designed to assist students who foresee a future that involves working in the anatomy discipline. This can include working alongside an anatomist, teaching anatomy related courses at a community college, or pursuing a medical degree. Students will also be prepared to pursue advanced graduate study in anatomy. Additional research and teaching opportunities are also available to students in this major.

Biomedical Sciences (BMS)

  • The Biomedical Sciences (BMS) major is designed to offer students a structured route to future entry into professional school. Among the three MS majors, BMS offers the most tailored route for students whose aspirations include medical school.

Life Science Research

  • The Life Science Research (LSR) major is designed for students who wish to earn a PhD or enter the workforce as researchers. Throughout the program students will work on a research project to complete their MS thesis. Core coursework includes Colloquial Principles of Life Science, Research Design & Analysis, and Scholarly Writing in the Life Sciences. Elective courses provide a selection of theory and technique courses to support student thesis research. A Supervisory Committee is appointed to guide the student through this thesis research and to advise on the course selections for the student who selects this major.

Admission Requirements & Procedures

Generally, policies will follow existing LMU policies for master’s degree programs with any differences for this degree program noted in this catalog. Any specific differences among the three major tracks of this master’s degree are included below.

Former DCOM students who seek admission must submit an additional letter of recommendation from a faculty member or administrator from that specific LMU professional program. These must be submitted through the Master of Science admissions process. Students who have been dismissed from another professional program are ineligible for Provisional Acceptance to the DCOM-DO program. 

All application materials must be submitted through Postbac CAS, and a secondary application through LMU must be completed. Each applicant is evaluated holistically by considering each required element of the application package including video conference interview, science course GPA, cumulative GPA, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores.

Admission Requirements and Standards

A. A completed bachelor’s degree from an institution with regional accreditation or equivalent verification in the case of international degrees. Degrees from foreign countries must follow LMU’s policies for certifying international degrees and/or credit. Any transcripts from institutions located outside of the United States must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) prior to submission to Postbac CAS. Official transcripts from all Colleges or Universities where credits were attempted must be sent and verified by Postbac CAS and the secondary application must be completed before an interview is granted. International degrees may not accepted by LMU - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine - Doctor of Osteopathy program. 

Minimum undergraduate course work in the natural sciences and mathematics:

  • Mathematics six (6) credit hours at the College Algebra level or higher
  • Biological Sciences eight (8) credit hours with labs
  • Chemistry sixteen (16) credit hours including eight (8) credits of Organic Chemistry or four (4) credits of Organic Chemistry with labs and three (3) credits of Biochemistry
  • Physics eight (8) credit hours of algebra- or calculus-based with labs

Recommended undergraduate course work (these are pre-requisite courses for certain graduate courses):

  • Probability & Statistics 
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Physiology 

B. Standard Test Scores and Grades

Grade point averages are computed by including courses from all transcripts. All applicants must submit standardized test scores for their application file to be considered by the admissions committee for their selected program.

Scores from the following standardized tests will be considered for admission to the LMU Master of Science Program but it is the applicant’s responsibility to take the appropriate entrance exam and to achieve a competitive score for their target professional or graduate program.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Dental Admission Test (DAT),
Optometry Admission Test (OAT), Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

A typical applicant who is accepted to the LMU Master of Science program meets or exceeds the following:

MCAT  492 and above
GRE 292 and above with a writing score of 3.5 and above
DAT 17 and above

Scores from the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) will also be considered.
*Standardized test scores within the last 3 years will be considered.

Science course GPA > 3.0

OR

Cumulative GPA > 3.0

OR

Evidence of a trajectory of improved academic performance, especially in science course work

If English is not the applicant’s native language, the international student must submit her/his official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This score will also be considered holistically along with the other elements of the application package. The applicant must also display proficiency in spoken English during the telephone/video conference interview.

C. Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from the applicant’s instructors. At least one letter must be from a science instructor. One committee letter from a health professions advisory committee can also be submitted.

D. Video Conference Interview

The video conference will allow admissions committee members to assess your fit for your selected program.

E. Personal Statement

The personal statement should professionally articulate how the Master of Science program will benefit your educational and career goals.

F. Transfer credit

A maximum of six (6) relevant graduate credit hours from an external institution or a maximum of twelve (12) relevant graduate credit hours only by approval of the Master of Science Admissions Committee may be granted. The request for transfer of courses MUST be submitted before the first day of classes of the student’s first semester.

G. Secondary Application 

Both verified Postbac CAS application and secondary application must be completed before the application moves on to be reviewed. Secondary application link will be emailed after receipt of verified Postbac CAS application.

Program Acceptance
Admissions Committees are established for the Master of Science majors. When reviewing application files, the committee looks at numerous applicant criteria including standardized test score(s), undergraduate coursework, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and any other pertinent materials that may be included with the file. Upon acceptance into the Master of Science program, applicants will receive an official packet of materials including an acceptance letter, and any other items that may be deemed necessary. Deadlines regarding program deposits, residential life, immunization records, etc. will be included in the acceptance packet.

Acceptance Deposits
In order to secure your seat in the program, you must submit a deposit. For students living off campus a deposit of $250 is required. For students who opt to live in university housing a deposit of $500 is required.

  • If you choose to live in LMU housing, you are responsible for the submission of an LMU Housing Application and for timely communication with LMU Residence Life Staff.

All deposits may be submitted by telephone by calling the Cashier’s Office at 423.869.6315 or 423.869.6336.
Students may also submit their deposit via mail at the following address:

Lincoln Memorial University - Master of Science Program
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway
Harrogate, TN 37752

Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the Master of Science (MS) program is $1,200 per credit hour. The rate for Life Science Research is $536 per credit hour. The per credit hour tuition rate for deficiency courses is $1,102. Students previously enrolled in the Master of Science degree program who become new OMS-1 DCOM students may complete MS courses toward the MS degree at no additional tuition charge above tuition paid for their OMS-1year as long as the total credits in courses for both programs do not exceed the maximum number in the typical OMS-1 schedule. Masters of Science students who return to complete the degree will be charged the tuition rate in force when they return to complete the required courses for the degree. Students desiring to complete the MS degree in OMS 2 or later will be charged the tuition rate in force when taking the courses.

Course Load
Full-time status of a Master of Science graduate student is a minimum of nine (9) graduate credits in a Fall or Spring semester or six (6) during a Summer semester. Many Masters of Science program students enroll in a total course credit load of 12-19 credits which may include deficiency courses. In order to complete the program in 2 semesters, a course load of 15-19 credit hours each semester is required.

Orientation
As an MS student you will be required to attend orientation. The MS Orientation will include program familiarization, establishing your schedule, finalizing your financial aid, and completing the registration process. 

Academic Standards
Students who do not maintain a 2.85 GPA in their first semester, Fall or Spring, will be placed on Academic Probation. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to fulfill MS graduation requirements.

Deficiency Courses
Required undergraduate deficiency coursework is determined by the Director of Admissions and MS Graduate Council at the time of admission. This coursework will include courses in order to complete any deficiencies or pre-requisites. Key science courses in which the student previously earned grades of D are required to be repeated in order to improve the academic portfolio of the student and to provide a foundation for the subsequent courses in the MS curriculum. Again, completing required deficiency courses will extend the time required to complete the MS degree. The student may complete deficiency courses prior to beginning the MS program as long as transcripts are submitted which demonstrate the deficiency has been filled.

Potential Deficiency Coursework that can be taken at LMU
BIOL 315 Molecular Genetics three (3) credit hours

BIOL 441 Biochemistry four (4) credit hours

MATH 270 Probability & Statistics three (3) credit hours

PHYS 211 General Physics I and lab four (4) credit hours

PHYS 212 General Physics II and lab four (4) credit hours

CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry 1 and lab four (4) credit hours

CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II and lab four (4) credit hours   

Employment while a Graduate Student
The curriculum of the MS at LMU is designed to enhance a student’s academic qualifications. All classes are preparatory coursework for professional school and other post-graduate goals. It is strongly recommended that students are not employed during the duration of the program. This ensures that they will be able to focus 100% upon their studies.

Grading Scale for Master of Science Courses
A = 89.5 - 100%; expected student learning outcomes were demonstrated by superior quality student work in all aspects of the course
B = 79.5 – 89.4%; expected student learning outcomes were demonstrated by better than average quality of student work in the course
C = 69.5 – 79.4%; expected student learning outcomes were demonstrated in student work
F = Below 69.5 %, expected student learning outcomes were not demonstrated in student work

Standing Oversight Committees

Master of Science Graduate Council
The MS Graduate Council is the policy making and recommending body for the Master of Science degree program. It is composed of the MS Program Director, Assistant MS Program Director, and three graduate program faculty. The Director of Admissions and Student Services for the MS program is an ex officio member. It meets regularly to review program function, admissions status, student academic progress, proposed academic changes, and policy effectiveness. It also serves as the primary appeals committee. Programmatic recommendations flow from this council to the collaborating school or college councils before being considered by the University Academic Council, University Cabinet, University President, or Board of Trustees.

Appeals Committee
This committee exists to resolve any academic matter that arises in the Master of Science program. Members of this committee will be the Master of Science Graduate Council and a representative from each MS major. The Program Director holds their position as confirmed by the VPAA, and respective deans. One faculty member from each entity will serve with an alternate member appointed in cases of conflict of interests. Academic appeal decisions are based upon overall academic performance while in the MS program.

Note: The need to repeat a course is not looked upon favorably by professional schools. Granted remediation of a course does NOT guarantee consideration or admission to either school even if significantly improved grades are earned upon a second attempt.
 

Fall  

Last day to appeal to repeat a Fall Master of Science graduate course

December 16, 2024

Last day to appeal a Fall Master of Science graduate course grade

December 18, 2024

Spring

  

Last day to appeal to repeat a Spring Master of Science graduate course

May 26, 2025

Last day to appeal a Spring Master of Science graduate course grade

May 28, 2025

Admissions Committees
Admissions Committees – These committees consist of faculty and administration members from the collaborating programs.

  • For admission to the Biomedical Sciences major: two faculty members from DCOM Basic Biomedical Sciences, the Program Director, and two faculty members from the Department of Biology.
  • For admission to the Anatomical Science major, two faculty members from DCOM Department of Anatomy and the Program Director.
  • For admission to the Life Science Research major: a research faculty from DCOM, a research faculty member from CVM, the Program Director, and a research faculty member from the Department of Biology.

Thesis Supervisory Committees
The appointment of all Supervisory Committee members is made by the MS Program Director upon recommendation of the graduate faculty members and agreement by the graduate student.

Life Science Research Major
The student focused committees’ function to provide course work and thesis project direction and approval for each individual graduate student in the Life Sciences Research major. Each committee conducts a comprehensive review of the student’s academic performance after their first semester, reviews and approves the thesis project proposal, reviews and approves the completed thesis document, and conducts the final oral defense of the thesis project. Students enrolled in the Life Science Research Major are ineligible for a "Guaranteed Interview" or "Provisional Acceptance" to LMU-DCOM.

The supervisory committee membership will be:

  • Chair – LMU graduate faculty member with direct research supervision responsibility and expertise related to the student’s research topic
  • Member Two – graduate faculty with relevant expertise to support the student research topic
  • Member Three – graduate faculty selected to complement the knowledge of the other members
  • Additional members may be appropriate
   

MS General Policies and Standards 

Students must earn and maintain a cumulative grade point average (cumGPA) of 2.85 or more. Failing to reach this standard will result in academic probation. Successful completion of the degree program requires a 3.0 GPA. For students in the Life Science Research major, the supervisory committee will review the academic record on a semester-by-semester basis. The supervisory committee also will review thesis project progress each semester. The supervisory committee has the authority to recommend removal of the student from the program. The MS Program Director will provide official notification in such cases.

If the student is completing deficiency courses, the 2.85 GPA performance level includes graduate and undergraduate courses. However, calculation of cumGPA for graduation from the MS degree program does not include undergraduate courses. Participation in elective courses is competitive and students will be selected based on professional and academic performance.

Master of Science Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
At the end of the first semester in the Master of Science program and each subsequent semester if applicable, the student’s grades from graduate course work will be evaluated to determine whether attaining the required 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (cumulative GPA) needed for graduation is possible. If it is determined to be numerically impossible to reach this required cumulative GPA level, even with earning the highest grades possible in subsequent course work, the student will be dismissed from the program. This will be calculated based on the typical situation of at least 35 total graduate credit hours to complete the degree. This policy shall not supersede University- wide policies except in defining the manner in which sufficient academic progress is determined in this academic program. 

Appeals – In the event that a student wishes to submit an appeal regarding an academic matter, a formal written appeal must be submitted within the specified timeframe. Deadlines for these appeals are published for each academic year. Appeals must be submitted to the MS Program Director or via the Director of Admissions and Student Services for the MS program. Appeals for inclusion of graduate transfer credit must be submitted to MS Graduate Council for review.

In cases other than for repetition of a course, a disputed course grade, or consideration of graduate transfer credit, the appeals committee is expected to collect information from all parties to the matter in question, hold a hearing in which parties to the appeal will be invited and notified with at least 48 hours advanced notice, and reach a decision on the matter within 24 hours of the hearing. In the eventuality that more investigation is needed after the hearing, all parties to the matter will be notified of the timeline for reaching a conclusion for the matter. A decision must be reached by no more than one (1) week after the initial hearing. Decisions of this committee will be communicated to the party making the appeal as well as any individuals named in the appeal along with the relevant Deans and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Final decisions will be communicated no more than one (1) week after a hearing. A log of matters and copies of all communication related to an appeal will be maintained by the MS Program Director’s Office. 

Attendance - Graduate students in the Master of Science degree program are required to follow the attendance policies of each of the courses in which they are registered.


Medical Leave of Absence – A student may petition to their Program Director for a medical leave of absence from a Master of Science major program of study in event of a medical condition which prevents normal participation in the required activities of the degree program for more than one week. For a student in the Life Science Research major, the petition should be supported by the supervisory committee affirming that the student is at a stage in their program where they may return and continue the approved thesis research or will be allowed to propose another research topic on return to active status in the program. If the supervisory committee is not supportive of continuation after the medical leave of absence, the student will need to request a different supervisory committee on return to active student status. If a supervisory committee cannot be assembled for the student, the student will be advised to complete a different major in the program or discontinue the Master of Science.

Change of Major
At the end of the first semester after admission to the Master of Science degree program, a student may apply to change their major within the degree program. The student needs to recognize and understand that such a change may require additional course work and thus time to complete the degree. Changes at other points in the program must first be discussed with the Program Director.

Process:

  • Submit a Master of Science Change of Major form to the Director of Admissions and Student Services for the MS program.
  • Review and action by the Master of Science Graduate Council.
  • The Admissions Committee for the proposed major will review the academic record and stated reasoning of the student applying to change their major. This committee will make a decision to either accept the student into the major or not. Capacity is limited in certain majors so this may be competitive.
  • The Admissions Committee will notify the Director of Admissions and Student Services for the MS program, who will assist the student in any changes to their planned course of student and/or registration for the Spring semester.
  • If the change of major is not approved, the student will receive notification and explanation and should continue their course of study or seek other educational programs that will better meet their needs.
  • Appeals of the decisions will be handled through the Master of Science Graduate Council acting as the Appeals Committee.

Dual Major
Although atypical, a student may desire to earn more than one major in the Master of Science program. To earn the second major, the MS student must complete an additional15 graduate credit hours not duplicating any required courses for the first major. These additional credit hours must include all additional required courses for the second major plus any non-duplicative elective courses. Application must be made before the first day of classes of the second semester in the MS program. Students already in medical school may not select the dual major option as insufficient time is available to complete the additional courses.

Course Repetition
A course in which the student earns a failing grade may be repeated only one time. A request to repeat form must be submitted by the deadline published in the MS Catalog.
The MS Graduate Council will review the request, make a decision, and may forward the request to the department offering the course. The department offering the course will determine capacity in making its final decision. The purpose of repeating a course is to replace the previously earned grade in calculation of the cumulative GPA in order to remove the probationary status and/or determine graduation eligibility. Students who become ineligible to retake a required course (earned a failing grade) will be dismissed from the program. The original grade continues to be reported on the transcript and should also be reported by the student to avoid the consequences of false reporting to any other educational institution.

Participation in Research Courses
Capacity for students to participate in research projects is limited by the number and workload of supervisory faculty members in the several departments. Although past scholarly work is a desirable characteristic of a medical school or residency applicant, it is not a requirement. Master of Science students must take advantage of the opportunities to become familiar with faculty expertise and current research activities. The student should request a short meeting to discuss becoming part of these ongoing efforts and then reach a mutual decision to contribute to that faculty member’s research team. Depending on the amount of research effort, variable academic credit is available. Students may need to conduct research activities during the Summer in order to complete the requirements. Students must realize that scholarly activity is time intensive and that it demands an investment beyond the typical time devoted to lecture or lab courses. When taking the Graduate Research Project (LSCI 693) for the Biomedical or Anatomical Sciences major, as an elective, students can take up to, but no more than, 6 credit hours for degree completion.

Research Awards
Students may submit their own application, or they may nominate another MS student for an LMU MS Research Award. These awards will be given based on the merit of the scholarship completed and may be used to defray expenses of traveling to a regional, national, or international meeting to present the completed scholarly work of the student or team of students. Deadlines and award dates are published in the Academic Calendar of this Catalog. A single award will be made for a team project.

The team may decide to send a representative or split the award among the members allowing more than one member to participate in the target professional meeting. The students should record the award on their CV.

To be considered for an LMU MS Research Award, the student must submit an abstract of the work that has been completed, a letter of evaluation from a graduate faculty member familiar with the work, and information on the meeting for which the student(s) plan to present the work. The Master of Science Graduate Council, or its assignees, will review all applicants and make the awards. Awards may be granted multiple times each budget year depending on available funds.

General Graduation Requirements
A minimum of 35 credit hours of graduate course work for the AS and BMS degrees or a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate course work for the LSR degree and satisfactory completion of all core courses is required for graduation with the Master of Science degree. The student must complete the degree program with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA to be awarded the degree unless otherwise required to be higher. 

Students in the Life Science Research major must present their work at a regional professional meeting at a minimum. Publication or presentation in a national or international context is encouraged.

The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or be placed on academic probation. Failure to meet or exceed this standard of academic progress in the subsequent semester will result in dismissal from the program. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be obtained to meet the MS graduation requirements. 

Students are also required to complete all program and University assessments and surveys.

Maximum Timeframe for Program Completion: 
Students who enter the Master of Science program in the Anatomical Sciences and Biomedical Sciences majors must complete their studies for the graduate degree within two (2) years after initial registration. Students in the Life Science Research major must complete all requirements within three (3) years of full-time enrollment or five (5) years part-time enrollment after initial registration. A request for an extension requires the approval of the Master of Science Graduate Council and the Program Director.