Master of Science in Community Medicine

The two-year online Master of Science in Community Medicine program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA will prepare community medicine practitioners and leaders who work in underserved and underrepresented communities for careers devoted to improving health, preventing illness and injury, and detecting treatable medical conditions early enough to avoid premature death and unnecessary poor health.

The MSCM program is the first master’s program offered within KGI’s School of Medicine, and is scheduled to begin in fall 2021. The brand-new program is on the cutting edge of community medicine; the first cohort will receive full tuition waivers—and, in turn—will help to shape the program and curriculum for future cohorts.

The application for fall 2021 is closed

Thank you for your interest in our MSCM program. We regret to inform you that our application for the fall 2021 term is now closed. Due to the incredible response to the MSCM program, as of April 28, KGI has received all required applications to fill the MSCM inaugural cohort and waitlist. Applications for fall 2021 will no longer be accepted. Applications for the fall 2022 incoming class will be live September 1, 2021.

We encourage you to consider joining us this summer for Dr. Lawrence’s SURE Precision Health summer track. The program takes place June 14-25. This program is online and free of charge. If interested, please email our summer admissions counselor, Shelby Mota at smota@kgi.edu, for an application and more details.

KGI offers a variety of additional summer programs for our prospective students. Please check back soon for information on future start terms and dates, and click here to view KGI’s other degree and certificate programs. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Partnering with L.A. Care Health Plan

L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country, has long recognized the critical need for more health care professionals in Los Angeles County. In 2018, a shortage of primary care physicians working in the safety net led the health plan to launch Elevating the Safety Net.

The five-year, $155 million initiative is designed to help address the physician shortage through provider recruitment grants, a physician loan repayment program, and medical school scholarships. Since the launch, the initiative has grown to include support for new residency positions and various training programs. Through Elevating the Safety Net, L.A. Care is proud to offer financial support for Keck Graduate Institute’s new medical school and is excited about the new Master of Science in Community Medicine program.

KGI’s plan to recruit students from underserved communities will ultimately lead to more physicians and other health care professionals practicing in similar underserved communities all across L.A. County. These scholars will become culturally competent physicians who will one day provide high-quality health care to the communities where L.A. Care members live.

The 54-credit MSCM program prepares students as skilled community medicine practitioners to work in the safety net community clinics, federally qualified health centers, public health departments, healthcare systems, non-governmental organizations, and industries that serve those communities.

All courses are taught entirely online, with real-world, community-based experiences occurring in the student’s geographical location.

In the first year, students take courses to build their knowledge foundation and complete a capstone learning experience. Based on whether the student wants to pursue employment following graduation or continue onto medical school, relevant electives will be offered. Students complete an additional two foundational courses in the second year and apply their mastered knowledge to real-life experiences with a second capstone project. Learn more about the curriculum.

Why KGI’s MSCM program and not an MPH?

The Master of Science in Community Medicine is somewhat similar to a Master of Public Health, but with distinct differences:

• A Master of Public Health is a broad, general public health graduate degree that prepares public health professionals to work in a wide range of public health and community settings, and whose general purpose is to improve health.
• KGI’s Master of Science in Community Medicine is a focused, skills, and knowledge-based graduate degree that prepares leaders and practitioners who work in underserved and underrepresented communities to decrease demand for medical care services by improving health and preventing disease and illness.

Read more about the differences between a MPH and MSCM.

What can I do with this degree?

After graduating with an MSCM degree, students are qualified to enter the workforce directly or seek further training as physicians or other health professionals.

Top potential occupations (entering the workforce directly):

• Public health advisor
• Epidemiologist
• Medical administrator
• Health director
• Biostatistician
• Healthcare educator
• Environmental Scientist

Top potential occupations (after additional professional training):

• Physician
• Dentist
• Physician assistant
• Pharmacist
• Other health professional

Download the Program Info Sheet

FAQ

Will I be responsible for finding my own clinical site?

• Yes, you are responsible for finding your own clinical site and it must be approved by KGI faculty. Considering our students will reside in cities across the country, we know that you may have existing connections or interest with sites in your area. If you are unable to find a site, we will help you find a clinical site.

What is the GPA requirement for the program?

• 2.80 or higher

What are the prerequisites for the program?

• There are no prerequisite majors or courses for this program. We are looking to recruit a diverse group of students, regardless of their previous background or coursework. We are focused on admitting students who are dedicated to working in underserved or underrepresented communities.

Ready for what’s next?

If there’s anything we can do, be sure to connect with our admissions team. You can also check out more information on cost and aid and how to apply.