Program Overview

3+4 Medical Degree Programs

Rowan University offers several accelerated 7-Year Medical School Programs (also called 3+4 year programs) to incoming first-year students. These rigorous, accelerated degree programs provide an opportunity for exceptional students to apply to medical school or veterinary school during their junior year at Rowan and enter medical school or veterinary school in their fourth year. Students who successfully complete the program receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree (earned after successfully completing their first year of medical school or veterinary school) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at a partnering school in seven years, rather than the traditional eight.

Programs with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

• Biology (BS) and Medicine (MD)
• Biochemistry (BS) and Medicine (MD)
• Biomedical Engineering (BS) and Medicine (MD)
• Biophysics (BS) and Medicine (MD)
• Molecular & Cellular Biosciences (BS) and Medicine (MD)

Programs with Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine

• Biology (BS) and Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Biochemistry (BS) and Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Biomedical Engineering (BS) and Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Biophysics (BS) and Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Molecular & Cellular Biosciences (BS) and Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Programs with Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine

• Biological Science (BS) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Application Questions, Directions, and other FAQs

Who can apply to one of these programs?

These programs are only open to incoming first-year students. International students may apply to the BS/DO program but are not eligible to apply to the BS/MD program. Academic eligibility and the application process are discussed below. The programs are not open to currently enrolled students, transfer students, or any student who is not making the direct transition from high school to first year of college.

What does the general application process look like?

• Step 1: Submit your completed general application to Rowan University as early as possible, but no later than November 1st, 2024.
• Step 2: If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be sent a supplemental application after your general application is reviewed and you have been accepted into your selected major.
• Step 3: Complete the supplemental application and submit no later than December 1st, 2024.
• Step 4: If selected for an interview, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview day in January or February.
• Step 5: Decisions will go out in late-February 2025 to March 2025.
• Step 6: If accepted into the accelerated program, confirm your enrollment to secure your spot!

What are the deadlines to apply?

• Rowan University application must be completed and submitted by November 1st, 2024
• Supplemental application must be submitted by December 1st, 2024

How do I apply to one of these programs?

• Primary Application (Step 1):
  • Select one of the eligible majors:
    • Biochemistry
    • Biological Sciences
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Biophysics
    • Molecular & Cellular Biology
  • Select an interest in Health Professions, with a Health Study Area of “Medicine”
  • Select “Yes” for 3+4 Medical Program Interest when prompted.
• Supplemental Application (Step 2):
  • Select which program you are applying to:
    • Cooper Medical School of Rowan University - MD
    • Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine - DO
  • Upload an updated resume with relevant experiences
  • Complete the following two prompts:
    • Please explain how your experiences have contributed to your motivation and preparation to become a physician (Maximum of 400 words)
    • Please explain how your interests, values, and experiences align with the medical school you selected (Maximum of 300 words)

Beyond academic requirements, what other criteria is considered?

Experiences that align to the mission of the medical school chosen (Cooper Medical School or Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine) help demonstrate a candidate’s strong fit for the program. Some important areas to consider are how you demonstrate exposure and commitment to healthcare as well as providing service to your community, especially those served by our medical schools.

Do I need to take the SAT or ACT to be eligible?

Yes. Students applying for the 3+4 BS/MD or BS/DO are required to submit SAT/ACT scores to be considered for the accelerated program. Scores must be verified by November 1, 2024.

Do students in the program need to maintain specific academic guidelines such as a minimum GPA?

Yes, accepted students to the BS/DO or BS/MD program must maintain a 3.6 or higher semester and cumulative GPA, with one exception – Biomedical Engineering majors in the BS/MD program must maintain a 3.4 or higher. The MCAT is required for matriculation to the medical school program and must be taken no later than January of the third (junior) year at Rowan. Minimum MCAT scores are determined by the Medical School Admissions Committees and communicated to accelerated program students no later than spring of their second (sophomore) year.

Are these programs the only pathway to medical school from Rowan University?

No. Although we offer these accelerated programs and other medical school programs, you can prepare for medical school by working with the Office of Pre-Health Programs to apply through a traditional route as a highly competitive applicant! You can apply to a medical or other health professional program as long as you complete the necessary prerequisite coursework. Students are encouraged to explore majors that they will enjoy and that will provide them with the best chance for academic success. In addition to the majors eligible for the accelerated programs, students in majors such as Philosophy, English, and Psychology have been accepted to medical, dental and other health professional schools. Our university offers minors to assist in developing all of the necessary prerequisites no matter your major! Rowan University’s Office of Pre-Health Programs is available to provide individualized advising to all undergraduate students interested in medical programs.

Does Rowan partner with other institutions and in other health fields?

In addition to CMSRU and SOM, Rowan also partners with other institutions that lead to degrees in podiatric medicine, dental medicine, and optometry.

If I want updates on my application to the accelerated medical program, what should I do?

All updates on the status are communicated both through email and the Applicant Status Portal (Slate). When you apply to Rowan University, you will receive a username, PIN, and URL to log into that system.