SMP vs Post-baccalaureate Programs - Which one is right for me?

Written by: Alexis Smith, Pre-Health Peer Advisor

For those of you who are thinking of completing additional coursework or degree programs before applying to pre-health professional schools, a Special Master’s Program (SMP) or a Post-Baccalaureate program may be right for you! Students who typically enroll in a Special Master’s Program or Post-Baccalaureate program are looking for academic enhancement, additional coursework, or to become competitive applicants for pre-health programs.

Special Master's Program (SMP)

A special master’s program is a graduate program or master’s program that is intended to increase students' chances of being accepted into pre-health programs or professional schools and to prepare students for what professional school may be like. With a special master’s program, you are awarded a master’s degree in a science discipline. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and average around 34 credit hours. There are many different Special Master’s Programs that are categorized into different designations for applicants who are looking for academic enhancement or applicants who are career changers. Some special master’s programs have linkages or affiliations with professional schools, meaning a student may receive a conditional acceptance into the affiliated professional school based on their performance in the program.

Academic Enhancement SMP

An academic enhancement SMP is designed for students who need additional science coursework to raise their GPA. With an academic enhancement program, most of the coursework will be in a science discipline. This type of program allows students to participate in research, MCAT preparation, clinical experiences, and networking opportunities. Academic enhancement programs are for all pre-health science pathways. However, they are typically affiliated with a medical school and focus on biomedical sciences.

Cons

High Risk, High Reward: An academic enhancement program is very difficult and science-heavy, meaning if you were not very successful in your science courses in college, you may also struggle with taking master’s level science courses. Doing poorly in a special master’s program will give pre-health programs the impression you are not ready for the rigors of a professional school education.

Costs: A special master’s program can be very costly, depending on your financial aid status. An SMP can cost anywhere between $36,000- $64,000. The cost of the SMP is dependent on the financial aid offered and residential status. There are not many SMP’s in Michigan meaning, most of the Special Master’s Programs are going to be out-of-state and the tuition rate increases for out-of-state students in most programs. Some schools that offer a Special Master’s Program may be able to provide financial assistance and there are also scholarships available at your discretion.

Pros

Extracurricular Opportunities: The majority of Special Master’s programs offer students various extracurricular opportunities such as clinical experience, research, and shadowing. Since Special Master’s Programs are affiliated with a medical school, there are many opportunities for students to become involved in their community and add activities to their AMCAS application. With the close proximity to a hospital that is affiliated with the grad program, students are able to find clinical opportunities such as becoming a medical assistant, patient care technician, phlebotomist, and more. Additionally, research is offered by the majority of Special Master’s Programs and students have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty or healthcare professionals at the affiliated medical school.

Academic profile: Students who do well in a Special Master’s Program can increase their chances of being accepted into medical school. Excelling in an SMP will show professional schools that you are prepared for the rigors of a professional school education. GPA is factored into professional admissions to ensure students will succeed in their program. Doing well will enhance your competitiveness for admission.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

A post-baccalaureate program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree program and are looking to complete additional science coursework. Unlike a special master’s program, someone enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program does not receive a degree, but rather a certification of completion. A post-baccalaureate program can be used for academic enhancement, career change, or MCAT exam preparation. A post-baccalaureate program can last from one to three years depending on full-time or part-time enrollment. Some post-baccalaureate programs have linkages or affiliations with professional schools, meaning a student may receive a conditional acceptance into the affiliated professional school, based on their performance in the program.

If you are still confused on which program is right for you, make an appointment with an academic advisor or pre-health peer advisor for additional assistance and information on post-baccalaureate and special master’s programs. We are happy to help!

Resources

• How to apply for a post-baccalaureate program
• Special Master's Programs: Are they worth it?
• Post-Baccalaureate & SMP list of programs

Post-Baccalaureate Programs:

• The Association of American Medical Colleges Post-Baccalaureate Database: Enables you to search according to program type and other program characteristics.
• Post-Bacc Programs at the National Institute of Health: The NIH provides a plethora of training/research programs for recent graduates that are interested in health care.
• Albion College: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies.
• Lawrence Technological University: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies.
• Oakland University: Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences.
• University of Michigan: Master of Science in Physiology Program.
• University of Michigan Medical School: Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.
• Wayne State University: Master's of Science in Basic Medical Sciences Program.