Academics Overview
With a strong focus on primary care, interdisciplinary research, and community service, Ponce Health Sciences University’s academic offerings include programs ranging from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and PhD in Biomedical Science to the PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS), and various professional certificates. PHSU offers a diverse array of programs across its multiple locations, each designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare, behavioral sciences, and public health.
The university’s emphasis on a scientifically rigorous, culturally sensitive, and tech-driven curriculum ensures that graduates are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare and public health sectors. Each of PHSU’s locations—Ponce, San Juan, St. Louis, and Tortola—provides specialized training and opportunities for hands-on learning, allowing students to thrive in an ethnically diverse and intellectually stimulating environment.
School Of Medicine
MD
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is a rigorous, four-year program accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and designed to prepare students for excellence in medical practice. With a duration of 166 weeks, the program places a strong emphasis on primary care while integrating advanced medical knowledge, clinical skills, and evidence-based practices. This program is available in our Ponce, PR and St. Louis, MO locations.
PhD in Biomedical Science
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Biomedical Sciences program at Ponce Health Sciences University is an integrated, interdepartmental program in the basic biomedical sciences that seeks to provide trainees with a broad-based two-year core curriculum followed by advanced courses and dissertation research
MS in Medical Science
The Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is an integrated, multidisciplinary interdepartmental program in the basic medical sciences that is designed to provide trainees with a broad-based curriculum that mirrors the first year of medical school. This program is available at our Ponce, PR, San Juan, PR, and St. Louis, MO locations. It is also available in Online (20-months asynchronous) and Remote (attend daily class virtually) modalities.
School Of Medicine, BVI
MD
The International Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is a rigorous, four-year program accredited by Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and designed to prepare students for excellence in medical practice. With a duration of 166 weeks, the program places a strong emphasis on primary care while integrating advanced medical knowledge, clinical skills, and evidence-based practices with options to apply for rotations in Puerto Rico and the continental United States. The program is available at our international location in Tortola, BVI.
School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program at Ponce Health Sciences University has its theoretical foundations in the biopsychosocial model and aims at preparing health services psychologists. This program is available in our Ponce, PR, San Juan, PR and St. Louis, MO locations.
PhD in Clinical Psychology
The Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (PhD) program at Ponce Health Sciences University aims at training clinicians to approach the profession from a scientific perspective and to become competent in the production of new knowledge using scientific methods.
MS in School Psychology
The Master of Science in School Psychology (MSSP) program of Ponce Health Sciences University is a terminal master degree program that concomitantly provides students the foundations of the school psychology profession.
Professional Certificate in Family and Couples Therapy
The Professional Certificate in Family and Couples Therapy at Ponce Health Sciences University provides training in family and couples therapy. It is designed to enhance the assessment, intervention and consultation skills of professionals from the behavioral sciences, medicine and other health sciences holding at least a Master’s degree and professional license.
Postgraduate Certificate in Neuroscience of Learning
The Postgraduate Certificate in Neuroscience of Learning at Ponce Health Sciences University trains teachers and professors to comprehend and use principles of neuroscience and neuropsychology in their work with students and for implementing learning environments based upon these principles.
Public Health Program
DrPH in Epidemiology
The Doctor of Public Health in Epidemiology (DrPH) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is designed to educate professionals with knowledge, skills and abilities in the development of epidemiological methodology applied to health needs including the identification of risk factors, clinical research, programs assessment, prevention, protection and treatment of diseases.
Master in Public Health
The Master in Public Health (MPH) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is established in response to the needs of our society. It provides a multidisciplinary program through education, research and community service to develop the skills of a public health professional necessary for the protection of health and prevention of disease of the individuals and communities.
School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is comprehensive and, designed to prepare students for dynamic roles in the healthcare field. The BSN program offers two distinct pathways—Direct Entry and Upper Division Entry—catering to students at various stages of their nursing education.
School of Dental Medicine
Dental Medicine Doctor
The Dental Medicine Doctor (DMD) program at Ponce Health Sciences University is an innovative, competency-based program designed to train the next generation of dental professionals. The four-year curriculum emphasizes clinical excellence, scientific inquiry, and patient-centered care, preparing students to address diverse oral health needs and deliver high-quality dental services.