Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Core Science Studies

Strengthen your academic profile and prepare for professional school admissions with Temple University’s Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Core Science Studies in the College of Science and Technology. This 37–38-credit program is designed for college graduates who wish to expand their scientific studies to pursue a career as a healthcare professional.

Improve your academic credentials through a rigorous and structured suite of advanced science courses and customized standardized test preparation for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). The interdisciplinary Advanced Core Science Studies Certificate program draws scholars from across the university and its health system to provide advanced science coursework in the following subjects.

• General, organic and biological chemistry
• Introductory and advanced biology (anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, pathology and physiology)
• Physics

Develop critical analysis, communication and problem-solving skills through a variety of educational activities including a seminar series covering science and non-science topics, and an introduction to the review of scientific literature. 

Choosing the right postbaccalaureate certificate program.

Students in the Basic Core Science Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program complete coursework in the basic core sciences, which is required before applying to professional school. Students in the Advanced Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program have already completed coursework in the basic core sciences and are seeking more challenging coursework.

Classes & Curriculum

This is a rigorous full-time program that will take 10 months to complete. All classes are held on Temple’s Main Campus. 

Students learn in small cohorts composed exclusively of postbaccalaureate students. Classes, labs and recitations are customized to include topics covered in standardized tests.

Students choose one of three possible tracks of study. The following requirements apply to all students regardless of which track they choose unless they receive a waiver from the program director.

• Attend mandatory advising sessions throughout the 10-month program.
• Attend the appropriate standardized test preparatory courses.
• Complete all course work in the 10-month timeline of the program.
• Participate in clinical enhancement and/or volunteer opportunities.  

All certificate program students are required to take the following core courses in addition to the required coursework for their individual tracks.

• Fundamentals of Medical Biochemistry 
• Fundamentals of Physiology 
• Human Anatomy for Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureates 
• Introduction to Problem Solving and Logical Thinking for Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureates
• The Practice of Health Care: Competencies and Current Topics 
• Principles of Medical Genetics for Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureates

Track 1

Students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) or Doctor of Optometry (OD) complete the following courses. 

• Cellular and Molecular Basis of Immunology and Microbiology 
• Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology for Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureates

Track 2

Students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) complete the following courses.

• Cellular and Molecular Basis of Immunology and Microbiology 
• Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology for Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureates
• Practice and Development of Spatial Visualization Skills

Track 3

Students who wish to pursue a career as physician assistant (PA) complete the following courses.

• Clinical Microbiology 
• Elements of Statistics
• Fundamentals of Physiology Lab 
• Human Anatomy Lab for Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureates
• Medical Terminology for Pre-Medical Postbaccalaureates

Learn more about Advanced Core Science Studies Certificate (Professional) courses.

Careers

Program graduates are prepared for admission to the following types of professional schools.

• Allopathic and/or osteopathic medical
• Dental 
• Optometry 
• Pharmacy
• Physician assistant 
• Podiatry

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for the Advanced Core Science Studies Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program is $28,850 for Pennsylvania residents and $35,590 for nonresidents.

Learn more about our tuition and fees.