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The Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences (M.S. F.I.M.S.) at Nova Southeastern University is a 36-credit pathway master's degree designed to prepare students for entry into NSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program. Offered on the Tampa Bay Regional Campus, the program provides medical school-level coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, genetics, and immunology, taught by College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty. Students who meet GPA and MCAT benchmarks receive guaranteed direct entry into the D.O. program upon completing the first or second year of the M.S. F.I.M.S. curriculum.
This unique program not only prepares you academically for entry into medical school, it reserves your seat in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program and better prepares you for your eventual transition into residency.
Earn Your Medical Degree with a Unique Skill Set
Master the unique combination of scientific knowledge and study skills foundational for success in preclinical coursework in medical school during the first year of the curriculum. Showcase your unique interests in medicine by choosing a concentration from six electives, within the disciplines of:
Couple and Family Therapy Develop skills in relational and systemic therapeutic approaches. Physicians trained in family therapy are better equipped for family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry, where patient outcomes depend on understanding family dynamics.
Disaster and Emergency Management Study all-hazards preparedness, emergency response systems, and crisis leadership. Physicians with this background are prepared for emergency medicine, public health emergencies, and disaster response roles.
Health Informatics Learn to leverage health data systems, electronic health records, and clinical decision-support tools. Physicians with informatics training are increasingly sought after as healthcare systems adopt AI and data-driven care models.
Nutrition Gain foundational knowledge in clinical nutrition, dietary interventions, and metabolic health. This concentration strengthens residency applications in family medicine, internal medicine, and preventive medicine.
Public Health Explore epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and population health. Physicians with public health training are prepared for leadership roles in community health, policy, and academic medicine.
Medical Education Build expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and instructional methods. Physicians who pursue academic medicine or teaching hospital careers benefit directly from this concentration.
Students who matriculate into the D.O. program at the conclusion of year one have the ability to finish their master's coursework simultaneously with their D.O. classes. This affords you the opportunity to earn your medical degree and emerge from the program with a unique skillset that will set you apart as you apply for residency.
Join us and develop a strong, patient-focused mindset that will distinguish you as a future clinician with expert medical skills and a human touch.
Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences was a truly transformative experience that equipped me with the tools to excel academically and grow personally. I developed effective study techniques and mastered time management—balancing school with life’s milestones. The professors were incredibly supportive and genuinely cared about our success, always encouraging us to reach our full potential.
Romon Thach | President | Class of 2027 Treasurer | Neurology & Psychiatry Club Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Candidate | NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic
I am so grateful for Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences because I was able to learn the whole first semester of medical school over the year-long program which allowed for deeper understanding, closer connections with professors, and more confidence in my study skills. The first semester of medical school sets the tone for the next four years, and my time in FIMS set me up for a hugely successful preclinical experience.
Sydney Elness | OMS-2, Class of 2027 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Candidate | NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic
As a non-traditional applicant, this program made all the difference for me. In Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences, I mastered the art of studying, time management, and most importantly, gained academic confidence. I truly owe my successes in medical school to this program. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Sierra Scott, OMS-II | Class of 2027 Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) Candidate | NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic
I get to work with future medical students – students who want to go out into the world and make it a better place, heal people, and improve the quality of people’s lives. To be a small piece of that puzzle is really gratifying.
Christina Brown-Wujick, Ph.D., M.Ed., M.A. Director | Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences Program (M.S. FIMS)
Quick Facts
AACOMAS application due: January 15
PostBacCAS application due: June 15
*One, not both, of these applications is required for all M.S. F.I.M.S. applicants.
Reserve Your Seat in NSU's D.O. Program
Designed by the College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty members, NSU's M.S. F.I.M.S. program offers direct entry into the D.O. program at two distinct points — upon completion of Year 1 or Year 2 of the curriculum.
Tier 1: Guaranteed Direct Entry into the D.O. Program
- Complete Year 1 or Year 2 of the M.S. F.I.M.S. curriculum
- Achieve a cumulative program GPA of 3.6 or higher
- Earn a cumulative MCAT score of 500 or higher by May 1
- Result: Guaranteed admission to NSU's D.O. program for the following fall class
Tier 2: Guaranteed D.O. Admissions Interview
- Complete Year 1 or Year 2 of the M.S. F.I.M.S. curriculum
- Achieve a cumulative program GPA of 3.3 to 3.59
- Earn a cumulative MCAT score of 500 or higher by March 15
- Result: Guaranteed interview with the D.O. admissions committee
Seat Reservation
Every student who enters the M.S. F.I.M.S. program has a seat reserved in the following fall's D.O. class until they complete their current program year.
Why Prepare for Medical School in the M.S. F.I.M.S. Program?
By the Numbers
36 total credits to earn your master's degree
2 entry points into the D.O. program - after Year 1 or Year 2
500 minimum MCAT score required for guaranteed D.O. entry
3.6 minimum GPA for guaranteed direct admission
6 elective concentrations to customize your degree
1 seat reserved for every M.S. F.I.M.S. student in the following fall's D.O. class
Learn More at a Virtual Open House
Our virtual open houses are your chance to ask specific questions and learn more about the M.S. F.I.M.S. program. Hosted on the Zoom platform, all open houses are free and require no reservations.
Upcoming Virtual Open House Sessions
- Thursday, March 12, 12:00 p.m.
- Monday, March 23, 11:00 a.m.
- Monday, April 13, 11:00 a.m.
- Friday, April 24, 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 27, 11:00 a.m.
Can't make a session? No problem! Check out a recorded session.
M.S. F.I.M.S. Curriculum
Master the fundamentals of medicine including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, genetics, and immunology. Two courses focused on academic success will give you strategies for excelling during your future in medical school.
View Curriculum
Which Path is Right for Me?
Four Year Track (D.O.) or Five/Six Year Track (M.S. F.I.M.S.)
Five/Six Year Track — M.S. F.I.M.S. + D.O.
A full-time graduate program with 36 total credits completed over one to two years, with direct entry into the D.O. program upon meeting GPA and MCAT benchmarks. Students who enter the D.O. program after Year 1 may complete remaining M.S. F.I.M.S. coursework concurrently, earning both degrees.
Graduate-level
- Reserved seat in the following fall's D.O. class from the moment you enroll
- Guaranteed direct D.O. admission with a 3.6 GPA and MCAT of 500+ by May 1
- Guaranteed D.O. admissions interview with a 3.3–3.59 GPA and MCAT of 500+ by March 15
- Enhanced preparation for the biomedical sciences covered in D.O. Year 1 and Year 2
Four Year Track — Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
The D.O. track is a professional degree that requires four years of study.
Doctoral program
- Professional internships
- Residencies
- All medical, surgical, and obstetric specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the M.S. F.I.M.S. program at NSU?
The Master of Science in Foundational and Integrated Medical Sciences (M.S. F.I.M.S.) is a 36-credit pathway master's degree at Nova Southeastern University's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. It prepares students for entry into NSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program through medical school-level coursework in anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, genetics, and immunology.
Does the M.S. F.I.M.S. program guarantee admission to medical school?
Yes. Students who complete Year 1 or Year 2 of the M.S. F.I.M.S. curriculum with a cumulative program GPA of 3.6 or higher and a cumulative MCAT score of 500 or higher by May 1 receive guaranteed direct entry into NSU's D.O. program. Students with a GPA of 3.3 to 3.59 and an MCAT of 500 or higher by March 15 are guaranteed a D.O. admissions interview.
Where is the M.S. F.I.M.S. program located?
Year 1 of the M.S. F.I.M.S. program is offered on NSU's Tampa Bay Regional Campus using a flipped classroom model. Year 2 can be completed online from Tampa or the Davie campus.
How long does it take to complete the M.S. F.I.M.S.?
The program can be completed in as little as two years (four semesters). Students who earn direct entry into the D.O. program after Year 1 can complete their remaining master's coursework concurrently with their D.O. classes.
What MCAT score do I need for the M.S. F.I.M.S. program?
Admission to the M.S. F.I.M.S. program does not require a specific MCAT score. However, a cumulative MCAT score of 500 or higher is required for guaranteed direct entry or a guaranteed interview into the D.O. program.
Can I earn my master's degree and D.O. concurrently?
Yes. Students who matriculate into the D.O. program at the conclusion of Year 1 can finish their remaining M.S. F.I.M.S. coursework alongside their D.O. classes, earning both degrees.
What elective concentrations are available?
The M.S. F.I.M.S. offers six elective concentrations: Couple and Family Therapy, Disaster and Emergency Management, Health Informatics, Nutrition, Public Health, and Medical Education. Students must take courses from at least four concentrations.
How do I apply to the M.S. F.I.M.S. program?
Applicants can apply through either AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) or PostBacCAS. The AACOMAS deadline is January 15 and the PostBacCAS deadline is June 15. Only one application is required. After the initial application, NSU will send a secondary application.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher, 8 hours of lab sciences (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics), 6 hours of English, 3 hours of biochemistry, and 2 to 4 letters of recommendation including one from a physician.
Is the M.S. F.I.M.S. the same as the NSU Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.)?
No. The M.S. F.I.M.S. is a pathway to NSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The M.B.S. program is housed at NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine and provides linkage to the M.D. program. They are separate programs at separate colleges within NSU.
M.S. F.I.M.S. Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
The first step is to complete your application through one of two application services. Only one application is required.
Option One: The AACOMAS Application
NSU participates in the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application
Service (AACOMAS), which provides an interactive, web-based application accessible
through aacom.org. AACOMAS takes no part in the selection of students. Application
deadline: January 15.
Go to the AACOMAS Application
Option Two:
The PostBacCAS Application
PostBacCAS is accepted for admission into the M.S. F.I.M.S. program. Note that an
AACOMAS application will be required before matriculating into the D.O. program. PostBacCAS
takes no part in the selection of students. Application deadline: June 15.
Go to the PostBacCAS Application
Which application should I use?
- If you plan to enter the D.O. program directly, apply through AACOMAS — this is the recommended path.
- If you are exploring multiple post-baccalaureate options, PostBacCAS is accepted, but an AACOMAS application will be required before D.O. matriculation.
Complete your application
Request your transcripts
Preprofessional letters of recommendation
If a preprofessional committee does not exist, three letters of evaluation are necessary (two from science professors and one from a nonscience professor).
All letters should be signed on official letterhead and submitted directly through the application portal you chose.
Letter of recommendation from a physician (D.O. or M.D.)
Part Two: NSU Online Secondary Application
Upon receipt of your completed application, NSU will forward to you an online secondary M.S. F.I.M.S. application. If you have questions about this or experience a delay in receiving the M.S. F.I.M.S. application please email Claudia Gubiotti cgubiott@nova.edu
Submitting Your Materials
Please mail all documents to:
Mailing Address (Domestic)
Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
College of Osteopathic Medicine
3301 College Avenue
P.O. Box 299000
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33314-9905
Mailing Address (International)
For International Students:
Nova Southeastern University
Attn: Enrollment Processing Services
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905
After Applying to M.S. F.I.M.S, What Happens Next?
If selected, you’ll receive an invitation by the Health Professions Division Admissions
Office to schedule an interview. This personal interview is the next step and does
not guarantee admission. Acceptance is on a rolling or periodic schedule, and you
will receive decision notices via email and mail.
Interview Process
If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email invitation from the Health Professions Division Admissions Office. A confirmation email will provide an agenda and other important information. Applicants may view their status at any time on the NSU Self-Service Banner (WebSTAR).
Interview Day
The candidate experience is a virtual half day and includes:
- Meeting the College of Osteopathic Medicine admissions counselor
- Information regarding the admissions committee decision process
- An overview presentation of the curriculum, facilities, and student support
- A private interview with a small team of faculty members
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Assistant Professor
cbrownwu@nova.edu