Keck Graduate Institute (KGI)/CSU - MS in Community Medicine (MSCM) Program

Visit the program website here

Program Purpose: 

Seeking to provide access to high-quality medical education, the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), which is a member of the Claremont Colleges, and the California State University (CSU) system have created a pipeline for qualified CSU graduates—who come from and want to give back to communities with the greatest needs—to enter the two-year online Master of Science in Community Medicine (MSCM) program. The program is designed to prepare participants to successfully apply to medical school, or to work as a community medicine leader in underserved and underrepresented communities.

Program Description and Benefits: 

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. In the second year the program includes an internship with a community health organization.

Based on whether the student wants to pursue employment following graduation or continue onto medical school, relevant electives are 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. The MSCM is a path to medical school through its partner schools and eventually the KGI School of Medicine. When the KGI School of Medicine begins to enroll students, the pathway will include acceptance options from the MSCM program into KGI’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. On the cutting edge of community medicine; the first MCSM cohort will receive full tuition waivers—and, in turn—will help to shape the program and curriculum for future cohorts. After graduating with an MSCM degree, students are qualified to enter the workforce directly or seek further training as physicians or other health professionals. For those pursuing medical school, the MSCM program has established – through its Council of Medical School Deans – close links to the following medical schools: College of Medicine at Charles R. Drew University Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; Meharry Medical College; NYU Long Island School of Medicine; Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine; Roseman University College of Medicine; Texas Christian University and UNT Health Science Center School of Medicine; University of Kansas School of Medicine. The MSCM program is in the process of receiving accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. 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.

Application Process: 

An online application form is required that contains questions about your personal and educational background. Additional requirements can be submitted along with your online application or separately: • Personal Statement • Resume • Letter of Recommendation • Transcripts • $75 non-refundable application fee. Students who apply are eligible for a fee waiver, which they can receive by contacting admissions@kgi.edu. Admission Interviews: A phone, Skype, or on campus interview is a requirement for admission. The Office of Admissions schedules individual interviews after an application is complete. Admitted Students are required to submit a $250 non-refundable enrollment fee to hold their spot in the program. Contact the program to learn if the fee waiver pertains to this requirement.

Applicant Profile: 

The program gives preference to: First-generation college students from the CSU system; CSU graduates who are dedicated to working in underserved or underrepresented communities. There are no prerequisite majors or courses for this program.

Eligibility: 

A GPA of 2.80 or higher is required. There are no prerequisite majors or courses for this program. The program is looking to recruit a diverse group of students, regardless of their previous background or coursework. It is focused on admitting students who are dedicated to working in underserved or underrepresented communities.

Obligations: 

MSCM students are responsible for finding their own clinical site, which must be approved by KGI faculty. Students in the program reside in cities across the country, and the program assumes they may have existing connections or interest with sites in their geographic area. However, if participants are unable to find a site, the program will help them find a clinical site.

Program Deadline: 

Priority deadline is generally in March, final deadline later in the Spring semester. Contact the program for specifics.

More information: 

If there’s anything the CGI MSCM can do, be sure to connect with the admissions team. You can also check out more information on cost and aid and how to apply. Students who apply are eligible for a fee waiver, which you can get by contacting the admissions team.

Student Affairs 909.607.0896 

Financial Aid 909.607.9928

How To Apply: 

Information on this program is offered for the benefit of our students. The Fellowships Office does not at this time, however, work with applicants to this program.