Skip to main content

Medical Humanities (non-credit)

The Medical Humanities encompass the human dimensions of medicine and serve to remind healthcare providers that medicine is an art as well as a science. The medical humanities are the ideal mechanism to promote the Oslerian ideals of the art and science of medicine. The Center seeks to enrich the life of the entire HSC campuses through engagement with humanistic values and educational opportunities.

Upcoming Admission Dates for Fall 2026

  • May 1 Applications
Open
  • Aug 1 Early Decision
  • Oct 1 Applications Close

Required Education: 42 hours of prerequisite coursework

Program Overview

This program offers students the opportunity to enrich their medical education through participation in elective courses, lecture series, volunteer opportunities, writing workshops, and directed research programs. This program encompasses all four years of medical school and confers a special honor and dean's recognition upon graduation.

The Certificate Program is designed to foster a deep scholarly understanding of and personal appreciation for the role of humanistic medicine over a four year course of medical education. Our goal is to create a space to reflect on the character, compassion, and values which define medicine as a calling and each individual as a member of the profession of medicine, and allow students to participate in elective courses, seminar series, cultural events, and community activities that promote a humanistic professional identity formation.

Students may participate in Summer Research and have the opportunity to present their work at national conferences such where they gain experience and feedback from scholars from around the country.

Collaboration with Texas Tech Law School

Dr. Erwin is a speaker at the TTU Law School where she brings her expertise in Health Law and Ethics to an interdisciplinary audience. Medical students in the Medical Humanities Certificate Program are invited to interact with lawyers interested in healthcare, biosecurity, and public health law.

Image
Five professionals in formal attire posing together indoors at an academic or legal event.

Curriculum & Coursework

  • Seminar Courses Distinguished Speaker    Evening Program  Literature in Medicine  Other

    Complete at least 1 

    By end of 2nd year must complete 4

    Attend 1

    During 1st year

    Attend 1

    Each year

    Complete 1

    Before 2nd year

    • 1 Reflection paper on topic covered in seminars and/or evening programs
    • Start requirements portfolio
  • Seminar Courses Distinguished Speaker    Evening Program  By end of MS2 year Other

    Complete 4

    By end of 2nd year  

    • Must complete Intro to Medical Humanities in year 2 

    Attend 1

    During 2nd year

    Attend 1

    Each year

    Complete 1 volunteer activity by end of 2nd year
    • 1 Reflection paper on topic covered in seminars and/or evening programs
    • Continue requirements portfolio
  • Seminar Courses Journal Writing    Journal Writing Workshop Evening Programs Other
    No requirement

    Complete 3 journal entries

    For 5 clerkships

    Attend

    Attend 1

    Each year

    • Portfolio 
  • No requirement                    No requirement                    4th Year Requirement  Evening Programs Other
        Attend Medical Humanities Capstone Course –  in February/March

    Attend 1

    Each year

    Senior Research Project  

    Must obtain approval of the topic for the independent study project. 

How to Apply

Online Application

Application Fee

Transcripts

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Students must turn in an application to the Certificate Program during their first year of medical school. The deadline for application to the program is December 31st of your MS1 year. Exceptions will be allowed only with the Director's approval. Students will need to meet and complete certain requirements, each year of their medical education. 

Cost & Aid

Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.

Tuition & Fees 

The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.

Estimate Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.

Apply for Scholarships  Apply for Financial Aid

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Office of Admissions and Student Affairs

School of Health Professions - Office of Admissions and Student Affairs

  • Address

    3601 4th Street
Lubbock
    Lubbock, TX 79430
    United States