What’s up with BS/MD?
Combined medical programs, while challenging, allow incoming students to earn both Bachelor and Medical Doctor degrees in fewer years than standard curriculum. Thus, they have earned the shorthand moniker “BS/MD” (or sometimes, BA/MD) in education circles.
As with everything else for those interested in the medical field, knowledge and planning is key! This article provides insight into BS/MD programs, as well as a complete and updated list of open schools that offer this unique educational option.
All About BS/MD
As you might expect, the assurance of medical schooling is a major draw for those interested in these combined BS/MD or BA/MD programs. For students, knowing you have secured a spot in medical school even before finishing your undergraduate degree really lowers stress.
Additionally, these multi-year medical programs, now on the rise, tend to attract ambitious, high-achieving students due to the innate rigor and competitive rewards. In turn, the steep competition contributes to the aura of prestige.
Of course, conducting research at an early stage is key for students planning to apply to medical school at any point in their journey. This is even more true for BS/MD programs, which ask students to demonstrate a high level of commitment and maturity at a young age. Researching the range of programs available, and how they differ, will help you narrow down your final choices.
Factors to consider when deciding between combined medical programs include:
- Campus and Surrounding Location
- Financial Aid
- Academic Specializations
- Research Positions
- Mentorship Opportunities
- Career Support
- And more!
Ultimately, selecting the best-fit program for YOUR needs is the goal. This is a great opportunity to talk to a counselor about your plans for college, and beyond. Ready to dig in and start filtering through your potential schools?
Combined Medical Programs (BS/MD) by State, 2023-2024
These programs are grouped by state, and listed alphabetically from there, in order to make the information easier to read.
ALABAMA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine
- Description: The Heersink School of Medicine at UAB offers early assurance programs designed to attract and nurture students committed to serving underserved rural and urban communities, advancing research, and practicing primary care medicine.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Alabama, Auburn University, Birmingham-Southern College, Samford University, Tuskegee University
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective, competitive admissions process.
CALIFORNIA
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
- Description: UCSF School of Medicine offers multiple specialized tracks and programs aimed at diverse student populations, including joint degree programs and those focusing on underserved communities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: UC Berkeley (specifically for the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program), various institutions for the PRIME-US and SJV PRIME programs.
- Program Length: Varies by program; e.g., 5 years for the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, PRIME-US.
- Selectivity: Highly selective, competitive admissions process.
COLORADO
- University of Colorado School of Medicine
- Description: The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a variety of pathways including the BA/BS-MD program, which allows students to complete undergraduate education and medical school in seven years. They also have specialized tracks in rural health and primary care.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, University of Denver, Colorado College, Regis University, Metropolitan State University of Denver.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
CONNECTICUT
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine
- Description: The University of Connecticut School of Medicine offers an accelerated program known as the BS/MD program, designed for highly motivated students. It integrates undergraduate education with medical training, emphasizing community service and leadership.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Connecticut (Storrs campus).
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Description: GWU’s early assurance program is designed for outstanding undergraduate students who plan to attend medical school without taking the MCAT.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: George Washington University.
- Program Length: 7 years (option for 8 years).
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- Howard University College of Medicine
- Description: Howard’s BS/MD program allows students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree in a reduced time frame.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Howard University.
- Program Length: 6 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
FLORIDA
- Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
- Description: Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine focuses on community-based medical education, preparing students to serve diverse populations.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Florida Atlantic University.
- Program Length: 7-8 years, depending on the program.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
- Description: The Honors Program in Medicine (HPM) at UM is designed for high-achieving high school seniors committed to a medical career. It offers a comprehensive medical education with opportunities for research and community engagement.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Miami.
- Program Length: 6-7 years.
- Selectivity: Very selective.
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
- Description: The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine emphasizes innovative medical education and research.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of South Florida.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
GEORGIA
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
- Description: The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University offers an accelerated BS/MD program designed to train physicians for Georgia and beyond. It emphasizes clinical experience and research opportunities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Augusta University.
- Program Length: 7 or 8 years (depending on the pathway).
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- Mercer School of Medicine
- Description: Mercer School of Medicine provides an accelerated program for students interested in pursuing a medical career, focusing on community-oriented and patient-centered care.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Mercer University.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
ILLINOIS
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Description:The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine offers an accelerated BS/MD program that integrates rigorous medical education with research, patient care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Chicago.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Description: The University of Illinois College of Medicine offers several BS/MD pathways emphasizing clinical training, community engagement, and research, preparing students for diverse medical careers.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago, and other regional campuses.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
KENTUCKY
- University of Louisville School of Medicine
- Description: The University of Louisville School of Medicine offers an accelerated BS/MD program focused on patient-centered care and community health, providing a comprehensive medical education.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Louisville.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
LOUISIANA
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- Description: Tulane University School of Medicine offers an accelerated BS/MD program with an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing global health and community service.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Tulane University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
MICHIGAN
- Wayne State University School of Medicine
- Description: Wayne State University School of Medicine offers an accelerated BS/MD program with diverse clinical experiences and research opportunities in urban health settings.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Wayne State University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
MINNESOTA
- University of Minnesota Medical School
- Description: The University of Minnesota Medical School provides an accelerated BS/MD program emphasizing innovative medical education, research, and patient care in a collaborative environment.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of Minnesota Duluth.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
MISSOURI
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- Description: Saint Louis University School of Medicine offers an accelerated BS/MD program rooted in Jesuit values, focusing on service, research, and clinical excellence.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Saint Louis University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
- Description: The University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine offers an accelerated BS/MD program with a focus on primary care, urban health, and community engagement.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Missouri – Kansas City.
- Program Length: 6 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
NEVADA
- University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine (Note: This program is under reevaluation and may be discontinued. Please inquire with the university for more information if you plan to apply.)
NEW JERSEY
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
- Description: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University offers an accelerated BS/MD program emphasizing patient-centered care, urban health, and research.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Rowan University.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
- Description: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School offers an accelerated BS/MD program focusing on urban health, research, and community service.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Rutgers University – Newark, Rutgers University – New Brunswick.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Description: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offers an integrated BS/MD program emphasizing patient care, biomedical research, and public health.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Rutgers University – New Brunswick.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
NEW MEXICO
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine
- Description: The University of New Mexico School of Medicine provides an accelerated BS/MD program focusing on diverse and underserved populations, including rural and tribal communities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of New Mexico.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
NEW YORK
- Albany Medical College
- Description: Albany Medical College offers joint-degree programs that integrate medical education with other disciplines, allowing students to pursue specialized areas of interest alongside their medical training.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Various undergraduate institutions; specific partnerships vary by joint-degree program.
- Program Length: 7 years (options for 8 years).
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- CUNY School of Medicine
- Description: The Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program/CUNY School of Medicine offers a BS/MD program designed to recruit underrepresented minorities into medicine.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: City College of New York.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Very competitive.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
- Description: The Zucker School of Medicine offers an early assurance program for Hofstra University undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Hofstra University.
- Program Length: 6 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
- Description: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University offers a BS/MD-style medical program that integrates rigorous academic training with clinical experience and research opportunities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Stony Brook University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
- Description: SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine provides a combined medical education emphasizing urban health, community service, and research.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- State University of New York Upstate Medical University College of Medicine
- Description: SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine offers a combined pathway for highly motivated students seeking early entry into medical practice with a focus on patient care and research.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: SUNY Upstate Medical Center.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
- Description: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry provides a combined medical education that integrates basic sciences with clinical training, emphasizing research and patient care.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Rochester.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
OHIO
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Description: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine offers an accelerated program that combines a strong foundation in biomedical sciences with clinical training and research opportunities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Case Western Reserve University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
- Description: University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences provides an accelerated medical education focusing on clinical competency, research, and community health.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Toledo.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Description: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine offers a rigorous program that integrates medical education with research and community engagement, preparing students for diverse medical careers.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Cincinnati.
- Program Length: 9 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
PENNSYLVANIA
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Description: Drexel University College of Medicine offers an accelerated pathway emphasizing clinical skills, research, and community service, preparing students for leadership in healthcare.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Drexel University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
- Description: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University provides an accelerated medical education focusing on urban health, patient-centered care, and research.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Temple University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
- Description: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University offers an accelerated medical program with a strong emphasis on clinical practice, research, and patient-centered care.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Thomas Jefferson University.
- Program Length: 6-7 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
PUERTO RICO
- Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine
- Description: Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine partners with several US campuses to provide a medical education program designed to prepare culturally competent physicians serving diverse communities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Varies by program.
- Program Length: Varies by program.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
RHODE ISLAND
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Description: Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University provides an integrated medical education emphasizing patient care, research, and community health.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Brown University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
SOUTH CAROLINA
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia
- Description: University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Columbia offers an accelerated medical program focused on primary care, rural health, and community engagement.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of South Carolina.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
TENNESSEE
- Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
- Description: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine offers an accelerated medical program with a commitment to training physicians dedicated to underserved communities.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Meharry Medical College.
- Program Length: 7 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
TEXAS
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Description: Baylor College of Medicine offers an accelerated medical program that integrates cutting-edge research, clinical practice, and leadership training.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Baylor College of Medicine.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Highly selective.
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
- Description: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine provides an accelerated pathway emphasizing rural healthcare, community service, and interdisciplinary education.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Texas Tech University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
- University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine
- Description: University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine offers an advanced medical program focusing on innovation in healthcare delivery, diversity, and community engagement.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: University of Houston.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
VIRGINIA
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Description: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine offers an advanced medical program focused on rural health, community service, and clinical excellence.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
WEST VIRGINIA
- Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
- Description: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine offers an accelerated medical program focused on rural health, community service, and clinical excellence.
- Partnered Undergraduate Schools: Marshall University.
- Program Length: 8 years.
- Selectivity: Competitive.
Extra, Extra, Read All About It
If you’re feeling inspired, let’s go a little further. What kind of extracurricular accomplishments should a student have to be a realistic candidate for an extremely competitive BS/MD program? In this instance, “extremely competitive” programs are qualified as those that accept only 1-5% of the applicant pool.
As a result of the sheer numbers, only the most dedicated applicants rise to the top. Empowerly counselors weigh in:
“For extracurriculars, you need clinical experience (ideally 200+ hours, up to 400 is average) and many also, like community service, research experience, and leadership.”
Empowerly Counselor Raisa
Some feel the ceiling is even higher!
“In my experience, 500+ hours is more likely to get you accepted, especially if applying to your state program.”
Empowerly Counselor Anne-Laure
Looking for more advice on how to become a competitive candidate for a BS/MD degree program? This guide, developed by the Empowerly team, outlines the minimum requirements to be seriously considered for a BS/MD role.
BS/MD Competitive Applicant Checklist
- Academic Powerhouse
- High GPA: above 3.9 (closer to 4.0 is ideal)
- High difficulty ratio in overall class load
- Excellent grades in STEM courses (such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and/or AP Psychology)
- Top Test Scores
- SAT: above 1500 out of 1600 (1500+ preferable)
- ACT: above 34 out of 36 (35+ preferable)
- Medical-Focused Extracurriculars
- Hospital, hospice, or shadowing experience are mandatory (200-500+ clinical hours recommended)
- Independent research project (submitted for publication, competition, and/or conferences)
- Community service in a community that is meaningful to you; related to your story and why you want to enter the medical field
- Specialized Impact
- Leadership: demonstrate how you have the talent to uplift and support others
- Scale: work with communities on regional, state, national, and/or international levels
- Longevity: showcase your commitment and continuity in interests
- Recongition: collect awards and honors whenever possible
- Uniqueness: make yourself memorable with specificity and originality
- Stellar Recommendations
- 1 strong STEM teacher
- 1 humanities teacher
- 1 mentor/coach (optional)
- Powerful Interviews
- Familiarize yourself with the format and potential questions
- Check out this primer on BS/MD interviews
- Check out this guide to MMI interviews
Finally, you’ll need to showcase the foundational personal competencies for medical students in your application in order to be seriously considered as a candidate for a BS/MD program.
Keys to a Successful BS/MD Applicant Profile
These key qualities include (but are not limited to):
- Commitment to Learning and Growth
- Cultural Awareness
- Cultural Humility
- Empathy and Compassion
- Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
- Interpersonal Skills
- Oral Communication
- Reliability and Dependability
- Resilience and Adaptability
- Service Orientation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Human Behavior
- Living Systems
- Critical Thinking
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Scientific Inquiry
- Written Communication
Final Thoughts: BS/MD and Your Future
Considering how a BS/MD program might fit into your teenager’s future? Empowerly is here to help.