Dual Degree Program with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
University of the Sciences has a cooperative agreement with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) that could help you make a direct entry to medical school.
Our special arrangement with PCOM guarantees ten seats each year for qualified USciences students. As a student in this program, you may choose from two options: You will complete three years (option 1) or four years (option 2) at USciences and four years at PCOM. With either option, you will earn both BS and doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degrees.
Eligibility Requirements
Current USciences Students
If you are currently enrolled at USciences, you should notify your pre-med advisor and apply for consideration before the end of your freshman year (U1) for the accelerated option or no later than the end of the spring semester of your second undergraduate year (U2) for the 8-year program. You qualify for application to this program if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
-
Minimum 1200 SAT score (combined critical reading and mathematics) or 25 ACT (composite)
- Overall USciences GPA of 3.3 upon completion of the first undergraduate year (U1)
- Other evidence of scholarly and professional potential
High School Applicants
If you are a highly motivated student in your final year of high school, you are eligible to apply to this program provided you meet the following entrance criteria:
- Minimum 1200 SAT score (combined critical reading and mathematics) or 25 ACT (composite)
- Minimum high school grade point average of 3.40 (4.0 scale)
- Class rank in the top 20% of your graduating class
- Other evidence of scholarly and professional potential
Program Requirements
Prior to acceptance
- Choose the program option
- Meet all eligibility requirements as stated above
- Be interviewed by the pre-medical professions team
While matriculated at USciences
While enrolled in the program at USciences, you are required to maintain specific GPA and other performance standards.
Program Options
Program Option 1: USciences and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Accelerated 7-Year BS in Biology/DO Degree Program
Open only to biology majors, this accelerated program provides an opportunity for selected students to complete both the bachelor of science (BS) in biology and doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) in seven years.
In addition to the eligibility and program requirements listed above, as an accepted student, you must successfully complete a minimum of 105 credits of the 130 credits required for the BS in biology with no grade less than a B- by the end of the third undergraduate year. Specific coursework is included in the 105 credits.
As a successful candidate, you will enter PCOM following your third year at USciences.
Program Option 2: USciences and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine 8-Year BS/DO Degree Program
Open to students in any major at USciences, this program provides an opportunity for selected students to complete both the bachelor of science (BS) and doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) in eight years.
As a successful candidate, you will enter PCOM following your fourth year at USciences.
For more information about the program, please contact
Lisa Thayer, MEd
Assistant Director of Pre-Health
Professions Programs
Misher College of Arts and Sciences
215.596.8827
l.thayer@usciences.edu