Program Overview
Introduction to the CUNY School of Medicine
The CUNY School of Medicine is a medical school located in New York City, with a strong commitment to providing high-quality healthcare and improving access to healthcare in communities with provider shortages.
About the School
The school has a rich history, with a mission and vision that focus on academic excellence, compassionate service, and community impact. The school is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and has a strong faculty and staff directory.
Admissions
The school offers several admission pathways, including:
- BS/MD Admissions: a 7-year program that combines a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a Doctor of Medicine degree
- Postbaccalaureate & Special Pathway Admissions: for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and are seeking a career change or additional education
- Physician Assistant Admissions: for students who wish to pursue a career as a physician assistant
BS/MD Program
The BS/MD program is an integrated curriculum that leads to both a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctor of Medicine degree. The program has the following requirements:
- Students must complete all undergraduate requirements in the first three years
- Students must progress to the MD portion of the program after successful completion of the undergraduate requirements
- Both degrees are conferred by The City College of New York
Curriculum & Registration
The curriculum for the BS/MD program includes:
- A prescribed sequence of courses that must be taken in a specific order
- Registration policies that require students to register on time for all required courses each semester
- Enrollment in courses outside the prescribed curriculum requires prior written approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Registration Policies
- Students must register on time for all required courses each semester
- Enrollment in courses outside the prescribed curriculum requires prior written approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs
- Failure to register correctly may be treated as withdrawal from the program
Schedule Changes & Course Drops
- Students must follow the curriculum sequence precisely, especially for MED courses, which must be taken in the prescribed order and semester
- Postponing or dropping a course requires written approval from the Associate Dean
- Dropping a repeated course is only allowed under exceptional circumstances
- Failing to take a course on schedule may jeopardize future progression due to prerequisite conflicts
City College Drop Policies
- Courses dropped within the first 3 weeks: Eligible for a refund under CCNY's refund policy
- Drops between weeks 4–10 with proper approvals result in a "W" grade (does not affect GPA)
- Courses dropped without official procedure result in a "WU" grade, equivalent to an F
Electives Requirement
- 21 total credits of free electives are required
- At least 2 credits must be Regular Liberal Arts and Sciences courses as defined by NYSED
- Electives should ideally be completed by Fall of Year 3 to avoid schedule conflicts
- Up to 8 credits may come from approved Independent Study courses
Elective credit may be fulfilled through:
- CCNY courses
- e-Permit courses at other CUNY schools
- Approved Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) work
- Transfer credits
Independent Study
- Students may pursue Independent Study under CUNY School of Medicine faculty supervision
- Setup & Approval:
- Student and faculty agree on topic, scope, hours, credits (1–4), and grading method
- Submit an Independent Study Form to the Associate Dean for approval
- Once approved, submit paperwork to the Registrar to enroll
Advanced Placement (AP) Credit
- CCNY awards AP credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
- Accepted AP subjects include:
- Physics 1/B/C, Psychology, English Lit & Comp, U.S. or World History, Government & Politics
- Additional AP subjects may count toward electives
Transfer Credit
- Students who have taken college-level courses before entering may receive credit, subject to:
- Letter grade "C" or better required
- Credit may fulfill electives or general education, but not MED requirements
- Official transcripts must be submitted to the Office of Transfer Evaluations Services
e-Permit Courses
- Students planning to take courses at other CUNY colleges must apply for an e-Permit
- Approval from the Associate Dean is required
- e-Permit grades are factored into the City College GPA
- e-Permit courses may count toward electives or gen ed, but cannot replace required MED courses
- Courses must be taken for a letter grade ("C" or better) — Pass/Fail is not allowed
Financial Aid
The school offers various financial aid options, including:
- Scholarships
- Student Loans
- BS/MD Tuition
- PA Tuition & Fees
- MPS-HS Tuition
- Financial Literacy, Resources & Forms
Students
The school has a vibrant and engaged student community, with various resources and support services available, including:
- Office of Student Affairs
- Counseling & Wellness Center
- Learning Resource Center
- Office of the Registrar
- Student Organizations and Opportunities
- Student Handbooks
- Medical Library
Education
The school offers various educational programs, including:
- BS/MD Program
- Physician Assistant Program
- Academic Departments
- Enrichment Programs
- Clinical Affiliates
Research
The school has a strong research focus, with various research centers and initiatives, including:
- Research Centers
- Molecular Cellular and Biomedical Sciences
- Community Health and Social Medicine
- Advancing Health Professions Education Lab
- Student Research
- Research Administration
Conclusion
The CUNY School of Medicine is a reputable institution that offers a range of programs and resources to support students in their academic and professional pursuits. With a strong focus on academic excellence, compassionate service, and community impact, the school is committed to providing high-quality healthcare and improving access to healthcare in communities with provider shortages.