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Trauma Sciences, Master’s

See Program Details, Dates & Deadlines

Become a Leader in Saving Lives

Earn the first-of-its-kind online MS in Trauma Sciences from the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and gain the skills needed to strengthen trauma systems, improve outcomes, and advance prevention efforts around the world.

Details, Dates & Deadlines

Program Details

Class Format

Online, Asynchronous

Asynchronous learning means that learning takes place at all different times for students enrolled in a course.

Program Location

Online with Optional In-Person Rotation 

Program Length

2 years

Credits to Complete

30

Online application 
$75 application fee 
Official transcripts 
300–500 word essay 
Proof of English language proficiency 
CV or resume

Dates & Deadlines

Applications open fall 2025 for the fall 2026 cohort.

 

Fall Deadline: March 1
(Students will be notified in April) 

 

Information Sessions

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 @ 2 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 @ 2 p.m.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 3 p.m.

Learn From the Global Leader in Trauma Care

Developed and led by the world-renowned R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Master of Science (MS) in Trauma Sciences is the first and only graduate program based in the United States dedicated to the academic study of trauma systems and trauma care. 

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As the demand for faster, stronger, and more coordinated trauma response grows, the need for highly skilled professionals has never been greater. 

The MS in Trauma Sciences program prepares students to lead at every stage of trauma care, from prevention and emergency response through acute treatment, recovery, and reintegration.  

During their coursework students will: 

  • Gain an understanding of trauma as a preventable disease  
  • Learn how to drive real-world improvements that save lives, strengthen health systems, and build more resilient communities 

The MS in Trauma Sciences equips students to:

  • Improve patient outcomes and survival rates 
  • Strengthen and lead multidisciplinary care teams 
  • Innovate and build stronger trauma systems at local, national, and global levels 
  • Shape the future of trauma care through leadership, research, and advocacy 

  • The degree is designed for completion within 2 academic years, but students are allowed up to 5 years to complete the program.  
  • The program enrolls in the fall semester.  

The MS in Trauma Sciences program is built for professionals with a bachelor’s, master’s, or terminal degree who are ready to advance trauma care, strengthen prevention strategies, and improve public health outcomes.  

Applicants with experience in areas like the following are especially well-prepared to benefit from this program:  

  • Nursing  
  • Advanced practice (nurse practitioners, physician assistants/associates)  
  • Emergency medical services (EMS)  
  • Military medicine or tactical response  
  • Hospital administration  
  • Physicians 
  • Surgeons 
  • Law enforcement or public safety  
  • Public health  
  • Social work  
  • Legal and policy roles supporting trauma systems  
  • Allied health and rehabilitation services   

If you are passionate about improving trauma care and systems this program can help you expand your impact. 

Required Courses

  • TRMA 601: A Global View of Trauma: The Disease and Epidemiology (3 credits) 
  • TRMA 602: The Art of Resuscitation (3 credits)  
  • TRMA 603: Clinical Trauma from Head to Toe (3 credits) 
  • TRMA 604: Advanced Trauma Systems (3 credits) 
  • TRMA 605: Research Seminar (3 credits) 
  • Intro to Thesis (3 credits) and Thesis (3 credits) 

Electives by Specialization

Clinical Courses 

  • TRMA 701: Advanced Surgical Management in Trauma (3 credits) 
  • TRMA 702: Critical Care in Trauma (3 credits) 
  • TRMA 703: Clinical Clerkship (3 credits) 

Research Courses 

  • MHS 603: Science Communication Principles (3 credits) 
  • ETHC 637: Introduction to Research Ethics (3 credits) 
  • MHS 615: Biostatistics for the Health Professional (3 credits)  

Global Health Courses 

  • MHS 605: Perspectives on Global Health (3 credits) 
  • TRMA 704: Global Surgery and Humanitarian Emergencies (3 credits)  

See Course Descriptions

Miriam Adelstein was a critical care nurse and her husband, Dr. Robert Adelstein, devoted his career as a physician-scientist to research at the National Institutes of Health.  Both Miriam and Robert were patients at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.  Throughout their care at Shock Trauma Center led by Dr. Thomas Scalea, the Adelstein family valued their love, kindness, humility, compassion and ability to bring comfort and reassurance to all.  This scholarship embodies the immense gratitude the Adelstein family has towards Dr. Scalea and the Shock Trauma Center and is dedicated to support the education of the next generation of trauma providers.   

From the generosity of the Adelstein Family, one first year Masters in Trauma Sciences student will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.  This student will show leadership, compassion, and innovation in trauma care and undoubtedly change the world for the better. 

Admission Requirements

Upload your transcripts as a supplemental item to the online application. 

You must submit transcripts from each college/university attended, including coursework in progress at time of application.  Unofficial copies may be provided for the application review process.  
If you are offered admission, you must then provide official transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned.  The transcript must be provided to the Graduate School directly from the prior, degree-granting institution in a sealed envelope in order for that document to be considered official.  Alternatively, it may be provided to the Graduate School electronically by way of a secure, encrypted platform.  Each transcript should bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution. 

Transcripts (US only) may be obtained from/provided by one of the following secure, encrypted transcript services:
https://www.parchment.com/ 
https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/solutions/ed-transcripts/
Send encrypted, electronic transcripts from your issuing institution to: gradapply@umaryland.edu 

If provided by mail, send official transcripts in sealed envelopes to:
ATTN: Admissions
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Graduate School
620 West Lexington Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1508

Essay
Your essay must be uploaded as a supplemental item to the online application.  The statement should be between 300- to 500-words and should address your academic and/or professional career goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study.   

CV or Resume
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume is required by most graduate programs.  Your CV or resume must be uploaded as part of the online application.

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants Only)
The Graduate School accepts the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the Duolingo English Test as a measure of English proficiency.  Minimum required scores are 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS, and 115 on the DET. Scores must be sent directly from ETS (for TOEFL, use institution code #5848), the IELTS agency, or Duolingo to the Graduate School.

Application for in-state status classification
Maryland residents only.  If you wish to be considered for in-state residency status for admission and tuition purposes, you must complete an Application for In-State Classification and submit it to the campus classification officer within the Office of the Registrar.

If you have problems with or questions about the application process, please contact us at 410.706.7131 or gradapply@umaryland.edu 

Contact Us

Admissions

Nina Jackson
Admissions Counselor 
nina.jackson@umaryland.edu 
410-706-6489

Academics

Shailvi Gupta, MD, MPH, FACS 
Program Director | Biography
shailvi.gupta@som.umaryland.edu 

  • Meet Your Faculty

    Our expert faculty includes experienced trauma clinicians, healthcare leaders, and respected scholars who will guide you through a transformative Trauma Science education. With real-world insight and deep expertise, they support your success through a rigorous curriculum that prepares you for impactful careers in trauma care, clinical research, systems response, and data-driven roles in healthcare.

    View Faculty Bios
The Shock Trauma Center is a phenomenal location to house this program as it is one of the most internationally recognized trauma facilities. 97% of the patients who arrive Shock Trauma survive because of the intricate, complex care that we are able to provide. Shock Trauma is at the cornerstone of Maryland’s EMS Trauma System which was the first integrated EMS systems in the country. With this program, we hope to impact trauma care internationally and ultimately help save lives.
Thomas M. Scalea, MD, Physician-in-Chief, Shock Trauma Center; System Chief for Critical Care Services, UMMS; Francis X. Kelly, Professor of Trauma Surgery; Director, Program in Trauma, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Take the Next Step

Stay informed about admissions, upcoming events, and how the MS in Trauma Sciences can help you advance your career.

620 W. Lexington St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-3100

University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies. All Rights Reserved.