Every applications cycle, thousands of students seek out alternative entry into competitive graduate schools. Examples of such routes include programs that result in the earning of Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Art degrees in combination with an M.D., D.O., J.D., M.S., etc. You may wonder why it would be worth it to go through the trouble of applying to these programs when the majority of students choose the traditional admissions path into medical school, law school, or any other graduate school. Well, these dual-degree programs have two obvious benefits: they reduce student stress (through early admission) and the time spent in school (often, but not always).
As a result of these benefits, these programs are incredibly popular, especially the medical school ones. By far the most numerous type of dual-degree program, combined medical programs receive many applications every cycle and yield extremely low acceptance rates (lower than those of most Ivies!) To help you decide which of the dozens of different programs you should apply to, we at Admissions Hero have compiled the first publicly available set of combined medical program rankings.
Our rankings, which include the top 25 B.A. or B.S./M.D. programs, were created based on the following five factors: the prestige and rank of the undergraduate school, the prestige and rank of the medical school, program selectivity, the caliber of accepted students, and the length of the program. With many of these programs, you’ll be spending six, seven, or eight years at a single institution, which is why we consider the quality of both the undergraduate and medical school to be incredibly important. In addition, since one of the main benefits of a dual degree program is saved time, we considered six year programs to be better than seven year programs and seven year programs to be better than eight year programs (all other factors held equal) in the making of these rankings.
25. Combined-Degree Program in Medicine
Undergraduate school: Lehigh University
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Website link: https://careercenter.lehigh.edu/node/155
Length: 7 years
24. Guaranteed Admission Program
Undergraduate school: Virginia Commonwealth University
Medical school: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Website link: https://www.pubapps.vcu.edu/honors/guaranteed/medicine/index.aspx
Length: 8 years
23. Baylor Medical Track
Undergraduate school: Baylor University
Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine
Website link: http://www.baylor.edu/prehealth/index.php?id=36430
Length: 8 years
22. BA/BS/MD Accelerated Degree Program
Undergraduate school: Drexel University
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Website link: http://www.drexel.edu/undergrad/apply/freshmen-instructions/accelerated/
Length: 7 years
21. Medical Affiliate Program
Undergraduate school: Villanova University
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Website link: https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/artsci/undergrad/resources/health/affiliates/medicine.html
Length: 7 years
20. Pre-Med Health Scholar Program
Undergraduate school: Temple University
Medical school: Temple University School of Medicine
Website link: http://www.temple.edu/healthadvising/healthscholars.html
Length: 8 years, possibly 7 years (see website for more info)
19. Muhlenberg College/Drexel University College of Medicine 4-4 Early Assurance Program
Undergraduate school: Muhlenberg College
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Website link: http://www.muhlenberg.edu/main/admissions/cooperativeprogramdrexel4-4/
Length: 8 years
18. Connections Dual Admissions (BS/MD) Program
Undergraduate school: University of Cincinnati
Medical school: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Website link: http://med.uc.edu/connections
Length: 8 years
17. Accelerated Pre-Medicine Program
Undergraduate school: Stevens Institute of Technology
Medical school: New Jersey Medical School
Website link: http://www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/academics/preprofessional.cfm
Length: 7 years
16. UMKC School of Medicine B.A./M.D. Program
Undergraduate school: University of Missouri-Kansas City
Medical school: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Website link: http://med.umkc.edu/bamd/
Length: 6 years
15. UT-PACT BA/MD Program
Undergraduate school: The University of Texas at Dallas
Medical school: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Website link: http://www.utdallas.edu/pre-health/ut-pact
Length: 7 years
14. Medical Scholars Program
Undergraduate school: Saint Louis University
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Website link: http://www.slu.edu/undergraduate-admission/honors-and-scholars-programs/medical-scholars-program
Length: 6 years (medical school admission not guaranteed)
13. NEOMED B.S./M.D. Program
Undergraduate school: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Website link: http://www.neomed.edu/admissions/medicine
Length: 7 years, possibly 6 years
12. BA/MD Program (NJMS-NWK)
Undergraduate school: Rutgers University-Newark
Medical school: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Website link: http://www.ncas.rutgers.edu/oas/bamd-program-nwk-applying
Length: 7 years
11. Guaranteed Admissions Program
Undergraduate school: University of Pittsburgh
Medical school: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Website link: http://www.medadmissions.pitt.edu/admissions-requirements/guaranteed-admissions.php
Length: 8 years
10. Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program
Undergraduate school: Boston University
Medical school: School of Medicine of Boston University
Website link: http://www.bu.edu/academics/cas/programs/seven-year-liberal-arts-medical-education-program/
Length: 7 years
Program Overview: Boston University’s 7-year combined medical program stands out from those offered by other institutions in that it stresses a comprehensive, liberal education, awarding a bachelor of arts rather than a bachelor of science. Due to its accelerated pace, the program requires students to attend a 12-week summer session at the end of sophomore year. During their undergraduate years, students are expected to maintain at least a 3.20 GPA (overall and in the sciences). In addition, the MCAT is required; students are expected to score at or above the 80th percentile. Boston University undergraduates are offered the option of either fulfilling a Core Curriculum or Divisional Studies. BU’s Core Curriculum covers more educational breadth, while Divisional Studies places focus on a specific field in each of the humanities, mathematics and computer science, natural sciences, and social sciences divisions of the liberal arts.
9. Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS)
Undergraduate school: University of Rochester
Medical school: University of Rochester School of Medicine
Website link: http://enrollment.rochester.edu/professional/rems/
Length: 8 years
Program Overview: The University of Rochester’s most competitive combined-admission program, REMS allows students to obtain a BA or BS and an MD in eight years. As REMS is not an accelerated program, students are not expected to spend summers studying and focus is instead placed on research, experience in the clinic, seminars, and social events. In addition, students enrolled in this program are not required to take the MCAT. As a result, students are given the opportunity to pursue a diverse undergraduate experience. On a similar note, Rochester does not implement a Core Curriculum, meaning that students are free to take classes only in what they’re interested in. Since there are no required subjects, REMS students are able to study an enormous range of subjects and even double- or triple-major.
8. Accelerated Physician-Scientist Program (B.S./M.D.)
Undergraduate school: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Medical school: Albany Medical College
Website link: https://www.rpi.edu/dept/bio/undergraduate/physician.html
Length: 7 years
Program Overview: While there are dozens of accelerated medical programs across the country, only a handful place as strong an emphasis on research as does RPI and AMC’s joint-program. As suggested by its title, the Accelerated Physician-Scientist Program is a 7 year program that is dedicated towards training physician-scientists. Therefore, the program requires students to be heavily involved in both bench and clinical research starting from the undergraduate years. While translational medicine is a huge focus of the program, students will also be taking their share of liberal arts classes (the curriculum consists of 70 percent premedical courses and 30 percent liberal arts courses). Apart from its unique focus on medical research, the accelerated program also has an interesting educational timeline; students spend semesters one through five at RPI and split their sixth semester between RPI and AMC. The MCAT is not required for medical school matriculation.
7. Dual-Degree Program in Medicine
Undergraduate school: University of Miami
Medical school: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Website link: http://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/academics/programs-of-distinction/dual-degree-program/dual-degree-program-in-medicine/index.html
Length: 8 years, possibly 7 years
Program Overview: The Dual-Degree Program in Medicine is an excellent option for anyone interested in pursuing medicine. The University of Miami, a private institution located in suburban Florida, is a great school for students interested in both the outdoors and the opportunities a large metropolis have to offer. The college is consistently ranked in the top 50 nationally, while its medical school is similarly ranked. Miller School of Medicine is at the forefront of medical research in several fields, including ophthalmology, cancer, organ transplantation, physical therapy, and aging.
6. Penn State-Jefferson Premedical-Medical (PMM) Program
Undergraduate school: Penn State University
Medical school: Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Website link: http://science.psu.edu/premed/premedmed/accelerated-premed-medical
Length: 7 years
Program Overview: The PMM program is a 7 year joint-program between Penn State University and Thomas Jefferson University’s Kimmel Medical College. Even though the program is accelerated, summer coursework is not mandatory. PMM students, required to score at least a 504 composite on the MCAT (no less than 126 on each section) and maintain a 3.5 GPA, are held to a high academic standard. While students will take essentially the same classes as traditional pre-medical students, the combined medical program will relieve some stress, allowing these students to pursue personal interests. Unlike other undergraduate schools, Penn State offers a Premedicine major, which is meant to provide a broad, interdisciplinary foundation for medical school entry. As one of the nation’s most popular medical schools (one out of four to one out of five medical school applicants apply), TJU’s Kimmel Medical College offers a variety of educational and community programs, which range from an MD/PhD program to a physician shortage area program.
5. University Scholars Program in Medicine (USPM)
Undergraduate school: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical school: Washington University School of Medicine
Website link: http://admissions.wustl.edu/academics-majors/University-Scholars-Program-in-Medicine/Pages/default.aspx
Length: 8 years
Program Overview: The Washington University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 medical schools, making USPM one of the most competitive medical programs. Although it is not accelerated, the program provides its students resources that traditional premeds don’t have access to, including mentors from the School of Medicine, personal pre-professional advising, and the opportunity to shadow physicians. The WashU School of Medicine has the lowest acceptance rate out of all the medical schools in the country, which is why it’s no surprise that USPM students are expected to perform well academically. In order to guarantee medical school admission, students must score at least a 516 on the MCAT, maintain a minimum 3.8 overall GPA, and complete a medical school application and successful medical school interview.
4. Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) in Medicine
Undergraduate school: Case Western Reserve University
Medical school: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Website link: https://case.edu/ugstudies/pre-professional-advising/pre-professionals-program/
Length: 8 years
Program Overview: CWRU, a private institution located in Cleveland, OH, and CWRU’s School of Medicine, a top 30 medical school, offer fantastic opportunities for the endeavoring physician. Due to the school’s proximity to the Cleveland Clinic, a world renowned medical center, students are able to shadow highly accomplished physicians and perform research in cutting-edge facilities. During the undergraduate years, students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.63 overall and math and science GPA. The MCAT is not required, and since PPSP is not accelerated, no summer coursework is necessary. The CWRU School of Medicine lets students choose three different tracks to an M.D.: the University Program (traditional four year curriculum), the College Program (integrates research and clinical work), and the Medical Scientist Program (an M.D./Ph.D. program).
3. Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program
Undergraduate school: Rice University
Medical school: Baylor College of Medicine
Website link: http://futureowls.rice.edu/futureowls/Medical_Scholars.asp
Length: 8 years
Program Overview: The Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program is an 8 year joint-program between Rice University and the Baylor College of Medicine. Admitting only 6 students every year, the program is extremely selective, which is to be expected considering that both Rice University and BCM are excellent institutions. A top 20 college, Rice has been hailed several times as having the nation’s happiest students. Conveniently located right next door to the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest academic medical center, and downtown Houston, Rice offers numerous opportunities for pre-medical students and other students alike. Baylor College of Medicine, also a top 20 institution, provides four M.D. dual degree programs for its students. The Medical Scientist Training Program is an M.D./Ph.D. joint-program with Rice University among other institutions. Students can also obtain both an M.D. and an M.B.A. in five years in a program with Rice’s Jones School of Management. The other two dual-degree tracks end in the obtainment of either an M.D./M.P.H. or an M.D./J.D.
2. Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
Undergraduate school: Brown University
Medical school: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Website link: https://www.brown.edu/academics/medical/plme/
Length: 8 years
Program Overview: PLME, Brown University’s 8 year combined medical program, is the only one of its kind in the Ivy League. As an undergraduate institution, Brown is perhaps most noted for its implementation of the Open Curriculum, which essentially allows students to only enroll in the courses that interest them. In support of this academic freedom, PLME does not require its students to take the MCAT. The only academic requirement is that a minimum 3.0 GPA be maintained in biology courses. Alpert Medical School, one of the nation’s most selective, offers the Scholarly Concentrations Program, through which medical students can pursue a field of study beyond the scope of the traditional curriculum. Areas of study include aging, biomedical informatics, integrative medicine, and medical ethics. In addition, Alpert offers several M.D. dual-degree programs, including M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.P.H., M.D./M.P.P. and M.D./M.P.A. programs.
1. Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME)
Undergraduate school: Northwestern University
Medical school: Feinberg School of Medicine
Website link: http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/education/degree-programs/hpme/
Length: 7 years
Program Overview: HPME is a 7 year combined medical program that admits students simultaneously into both Northwestern University in Evanston and the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. As undergraduates, HPME students enroll in either the Weinberg College of Arts, the School of Communication, or the McCormick School of Engineering. Students are required to maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA in the sciences and a minimum 3.6 overall GPA; however, the MCAT is not required for matriculation into Feinberg. Once in medical school, students are encouraged to continue any undergraduate research experience and build upon pre-professional education by potentially pursuing Feinberg’s dual-degree programs, which include an M.D./M.P.H., M.D./M.S., and M.D./Ph.D. program. The medical school’s curriculum, newly redesigned since 2012, focuses on four main elements: Science in Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Health & Society, and Professional Development.