DEMSA: Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy

This academy encourages area high school students into the health care professions by providing college coursework and health related opportunities that will motivate, educate, and prepare students for higher education in the field of medicine. With the support of the local health providers, the Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) promotes and participates in efforts that will reinforce the schools' and communities' commitment to prepare students for careers in health care.

What is the Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy?

DEMSA is a two-year, year-round dual enrollment program developed for high school juniors and seniors of the Starr County, Pecan and Mid-Valley Campus areas who are seriously interested in pursuing a career in health care. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of rural area students committed to careers and service in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, allied health and others.

Who can participate in DEMSA?

  • High school students in grades 11-12 (students may apply during their 10th grade year and complete all application requirements by designated deadline).
    • Students should be enrolled in the DAP curriculum.
    • Students must have serious interest in pursuing a career in health care.
    • Students must complete a DEMSA application which includes writing a brief essay.

DEMSA participants will be offered:

Opportunities to participate in community service activities in their community, in addition to the following:

  • A year-round Seminars Series program to expose and increase the students' knowledge of applicable health treatments and other professional skills.
  • Ongoing guidance, tutoring and counseling relating to academic and career choices.
  • Test taking skills development workshops.
  • Presentations by health care professionals which provide students with information on educational and personal preparation required for pursuit of health care careers.
  • Field trips to Health Science Higher Ed. Schools and other educational institutions in and out of the Rio Grande Valley.
  • Continued student support throughout the program's college coursework.

Degree Plans

  • 2023-2025

    Associate of Science in Biology - DEMSA 2023-2025

    Summer Session II (July – August) Credit Hours
    MATH 1414 College Algebra 4
    Credit Hours 4
    (Fall 1st Year) Semester I
    BIOL 1406 Biology for Science Majors I 4
    CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I 4
    ENGL 1301 Composition 3
    HIST 1301 United States History I 3
    Credit Hours 14
    (Spring 1st Year) Semester II
    BIOL 1407 Biology for Science Majors II 4
    CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II 4
    HIST 1302 United States History II 3
    ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric 3
    Credit Hours 14
    Summer I (June-July) Credit Hours
    BIOL 1322 Nutrition and Diet Therapy I 3
    ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3
    Credit Hours 6
    (Fall 2nd Year) Semester III
    CHEM 2423 Organic Chemistry 4
    GOVT 2305 Federal Government 3
    BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology 3
    Credit Hours 11
    (Spring 2nd Year) Semester IV
    PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
    BIOL 2421 Microbiology for Science Majors 4
    GOVT 2306 Texas Government 3
    PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics 3
    Credit Hours 13
    Total STC Credits 62

    Updated 05/2023

  • 2024-2026

    Associate of Science in Biology - DEMSA 2024-2026

    Summer Session II (July – August) Credit Hours
    MATH 1414 College Algebra 4
    Credit Hours 4
    (Fall 1st Year) Semester I
    BIOL 1406 Biology for Science Majors I 4
    CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I 4
    ENGL 1301 Composition 3
    HIST 1301 United States History I 3
    Credit Hours 14
    (Spring 1st Year) Semester II
    BIOL 1407 Biology for Science Majors II 4
    CHEM 1412 General Chemistry II 4
    HIST 1302 United States History II 3
    ENGL 1302 Composition II - Rhetoric 3
    Credit Hours 14
    Summer I (June-July) Credit Hours
    BIOL 1322 Nutrition and Diet Therapy I 3
    ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3
    Credit Hours 6
    (Fall 2nd Year) Semester III
    CHEM 2423 Organic Chemistry 4
    GOVT 2305 Federal Government 3
    BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology 3
    Credit Hours 11
    (Spring 2nd Year) Semester IV
    PSYC 2301 General Psychology 3
    BIOL 2421 Microbiology for Science Majors 4
    GOVT 2306 Texas Government 3
    PHIL 2306 Introduction to Ethics 3
    Credit Hours 13
    Total STC Credits 62

    Updated 02/2024

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