What if we could improve health and decrease the burdens of illness in the communities that need it the most? What if we could offer students from these diverse communities an education at a lower cost than traditional models? What if we could create new opportunities for students to become the healthcare providers our society needs?

What if we already are… at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, we are transforming the future of healthcare.

Our Master of Science in Community Medicine (MSCM) program is revolutionizing how we educate future physicians, healthcare providers, and health professionals in the sciences and technologies that matter today—and are already changing how healthcare will be provided tomorrow.

Graduates of KGI’s two-year online program become qualified leaders in community medicine who go on to careers in healthcare and clinical settings. Graduates gain the skills to engage their communities, foster strong positive relationships, and understand their health priorities.

KGI is changing the future of healthcare today for a better tomorrow. 

Apply Now

Interested in the MSCM Program?

Complete this form to receive more information!

Program Quick Facts

Fact
Details
Program length
It takes four semesters (two years) to complete the MSCM program.
Full or part-time program
The MSCM program is a full-time program with a capstone experience.
Online or in-person classes
All courses are taught online, asynchronously.
Capstone requirements
Students participate in a capstone project in their first year, and then the second year concludes with a longer capstone project.
Curriculum paths
Electives are offered based on whether the student wants to pursue employment following graduation or continue onto medical school/health provider programs.

MSCM Program Details

  • The two-year online Master of Science in Community Medicine program prepares 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.

    Students are skilled as Advanced Community Medicine Practitioners to work in community clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), public health departments, healthcare systems, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and industries that serve those communities. Students will obtain specific mastery in healthcare problem identification, healthcare problem response, and healthcare systems management.

    The MSCM degree is geared toward those interested in social work or a master’s degree is social work (MSW), as well as a public health degree or master’s in public health (MPH).

  • All courses are taught online, asynchronously, to increase access to the program from anywhere in the world. Because it is online, students are able to work in their communities during their capstone community experience and gain flexibility due to personal or professional obligations.

    Learn more about the curriculum.

  • Students identify an appropriate community setting or select from one provided by the MSCM program to serve as the student’s hands-on learning “laboratory” during their second year of matriculation.

  • Graduates will be qualified to work in community medicine immediately, or be prepared to pursue medical school or other advanced healthcare professions.

    Top potential occupations (entering the workforce directly):

    • Public Health Advisor
    • Medical Administrator
    • Health and Wellness Director
    • Healthcare Educator
    • Community Health Researcher
    • Community Health/Services Director
    • Health Equity Director
    • Managed Care Director
    • Director of Primary Care Practice Management
    • Entrepreneur 

    Top potential occupations (after additional professional training):

    • Physician
    • Pharmacist
    • Physician Assistant/Physician Associate
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Dentist
    • Athletic Trainer
    • Social Worker

Fresno Native Allyssa Gomez Pursues Her Passion for Community Outreach in KGI’s Inaugural Community Medicine Program

Often when one door closes, another opens. This was the case for Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) student Allyssa Gomez, MSCM '23, whose plan to take the MCAT and apply for medical school coincided with the...
Read more

Dr. David Lawrence Announces Retirement After Playing Pivotal Role in Developing KGI’s Community Medicine Program

Dr. David Lawrence, dean of Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)'s School of Medicine, announced his decision to step down from his role as dean to spend more time with his family, including four children and nine...
Read more

Changing the Future of Healthcare Delivery: The Evolution of Community Medicine at KGI

There is a significant weakness in our country’s public health infrastructure: Across the United States, we do not prepare healthcare professionals with the personal backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and tools required to address the disproportionate burden...
Read more

Biotech Billionaire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Invests in KGI’s Community Medicine Program

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) has received a million-dollar gift from Indian billionaire entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and her husband, John Shaw, to establish a scholarship fund for the Master of Science in Community Medicine (MSCM) program...
Read more
01 / 04
"It’s great to be surrounded by so many inspirational, highly motivated, like-minded individuals. That’s my favorite part of the program—being amongst stellar scholars."
Karina Quiroz
KGI Student
Master of Science in Community Medicine, '23

Ready for what’s next?

Download the Program Info Sheet

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.