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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 
1,000-word essay 
Proof of English language proficiency 
CV or resume
3 letters of recommendation

Dates & Deadlines

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

 

Information Sessions

 

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

Adelstein Scholarship - 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. 

Henriatta Selle Tiri Scholarship - A competitive full-tuition scholarship designed to provide members of the university community who live and work outside the United States with access to online degree programs offered by the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies. Scholarship applications will reopen in February 2026.

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

Next Steps

Learn more about the Trauma Science master's program or start your application today.

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

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