Best BS/MD Programs in the US

Top 32 BS/MD Programs

1. Brown University/Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine

If you’re looking for a unique BS/MD program with a liberal arts focus, this is the program for you. At Brown’s campus in Providence, RI, students can complete a Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) in 8 years. Of all the Ivy League universities, this is the only program of its kind. However, as one of the Ivy League universities, it’s no surprise Brown’s PLME program is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 3%.

2. University of Rochester/University of Rochester School of Medicine

Next on our list of the best BS/MD programs is Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS). This 8-year program in Rochester, NY, accepts just 10 students a year. After successfully completing their pre-med courses and bachelor’s degree, students will continue their studies following Rochester’s Double Helix Curriculum.

3. Case Western Reserve University/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Now, let’s turn our attention towards Cleveland, OH. Case Western admissions offers conditionally guaranteed admission to their professional schools through their Pre-Professional Scholars Programs. Like other direct medical programs, Case Western admissions accepts just 15-20 exceptional students each year. According to Case Western admissions, this program takes 8 years to complete, even if you finish your undergraduate degree in less than 4 years.

4. Stony Brook University/Stony Brook University’s School of Medicine

At #4 we have another New York BS/MD program. Similarly to other BS/MD programs, the Scholars for Medicine Program at Stony Brook takes 8 years to complete. Interested students should note that admission to Stony Brook’s School of Medicine is conditional. Undergraduates will need to meet a designated MCAT score requirement by the spring of their junior year.

5. University of Connecticut/University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Our list of the best BS/MD programs continues with the University of Connecticut, located in Storrs. UCONN’s Special Program in Medicine offers students the choice to pursue a BA or BS in one of their 115+ undergraduate majors. Students who are accepted to the Special Program in Medicine are also required to enroll in UConn’s Honor Program for their undergraduate studies.

6. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Albany Medical College

In just seven years, students can earn their BS/MD degrees through Rennselaer’s Accelerated Physician-Scientist Program. The curriculum during your undergrad at Rensselaer’s campus in Troy, NY, will be about 70% premedical and 30% liberal arts. Many BS/MD students explore undergraduate research opportunities, preparing them to undertake high-level research and eventually graduate from medical school with special honors.

7. Penn State University/Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

The Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program is a 7-year program where students will spend their first three years of the Penn State accelerated medical program in northeastern Philadelphia. They’ll then spend the following four at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Compared to some of the other best BS/MD programs, the Penn State accelerated medical program has a lot of flexibility. Students can do research, explore a minor, and even study abroad.

8. George Washington University/George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Up next is another one of America’s top 7-year accelerated MD programs. Similar to other BA/MD programs, GW’s BA/MD program looks for students to demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. Additionally, students should already have examples of healthcare experience and a strong case for their future in medicine. Of course, if you want to apply to GW, you’ll also need competitive SAT/ACT scores.

9. University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

At #9 on our list of the best BS/MD programs is the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) at the University of Pittsburgh. Accepted students must maintain a high GPA while seeking relevant experiences, like research and community service. Note that while the University of Pittsburgh is still test-optional, not submitting scores makes a difference. As such, no standardized test scores mean you’ll need to take the MCAT prior to matriculating to the School of Medicine.

10. Syracuse University/SUNY Upstate Medical University

The Upstate Accelerated Scholars (UAS) Program at Syracuse allows students to complete a 7-8-year track for their BS/MD. According to Syracuse admissions, most students will complete the program in 8 years. However, biology BA/MD students will follow a 3-year undergraduate timeline and complete the program in 7. Once accepted by Syracuse admissions, students will not have to worry about taking the MCAT at any point in their academic career.

11. Stevens Institute of Technology/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

This is the first, but not only, Rutgers BS/MD program included on our best BS/MD programs list. The Accelerated Pre-Medicine Program offered through the Stevens Institute of Technology is a 7-year program based in Hoboken, NJ. Similar to applications at other top BS/MD programs, students will need to meet minimum SAT/ACT requirements and submit an exceptional application.

12. Rutgers University-Newark College of Arts and Sciences/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

Students interested in BA/MD programs who want to be on the same campus throughout their studies may be interested in Rutgers. Like other accelerated MD programs, this program takes 7 years to complete. In their application, students will need to discuss their interests related to medicine and volunteering. 

13. University of Illinois at Chicago/University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

The UIC Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) program admits around 57 students each year. When students matriculate to the College of Medicine, they may be assigned to one of three campuses in Chicago, Peoria, or Rockford. During the undergrad portion of this 8-year program, students are required to join the university’s Honors College.  

14. New Jersey Institute of Technology/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

Next, we have another Rutgers BS/MD program. Another of Rutgers’ accelerated MD programs, this 7-year program accepts around 28 students each year. The program does not dictate what to major in; however, students will be a part of NJIT’s Albert Dorman Honors College. With support from the Honors College, students are encouraged to get involved in research early on in their undergraduate career.

15. Temple University/Temple University Katz School of Medicine Medicine

We continue our list of the best BS/MD programs with the Pre-Med Health Scholar Program at Temple University. While most students complete this program in 8 years, students can apply for a shorter, 7-year track during their first semester. However, when choosing a major, the 8-year program is open to any major, whereas the 7-year program is only open to Biology or Chemistry majors.

16. Baylor University/Baylor College of Medicine

Waco, TX, is home to the next school on our list of the best BS/MD programs. The Baylor BS/MD program is an 8-year program called Baylor²Baylor, where students will start their studies in Waco and continue at the College of Medicine in Houston. Considering this program is one of the best BS/MD programs, it’s no surprise it’s also one of the most competitive. Only six students are accepted each year to the Baylor BS/MD program. During admissions, the Baylor BS/MD program is specifically looking for students who plan to work with underserved communities.

17. Drexel University/Drexel University College of Medicine

Another 8-year BA/MD, BS/MD program is Drexel’s BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program. When choosing a major for this Philadelphia-based program, students only have three options: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering. As a conditional acceptance program, Drexel requires students to follow a coursework and co-op plan, community service requirements, and GPA and MCAT score thresholds.

18. University of Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine

This BA/MD, MS/MD program is located in Denver, CO. Only 10 applicants are accepted to this 8-year program each year. Students can pursue any major offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition to their coursework, students will participate in full-time summer programs. This is an important characteristic of some of the best BS/MD programs, as it is a large commitment.

19. Howard University/Howard University College of Medicine

Check out this brochure for Howard’s BS/MD program. Unlike many of the best BS/MD programs on our list, this is a true accelerated program. In fact, at just 6 years, it is certainly one of the shortest accelerated MD programs in the country. This program is split into Phase One, which is 2 years, and Phase Two, which is 4 years.

20. University of Alabama/University of Alabama School of Medicine

Coming in at #20 is the University of Alabama’s BS/MD program. This 8-year program allows students the flexibility to choose any major in undergrad. Some highlights of the University of Alabama’s EMSAP BS/MD program include special seminars, shadowing and research opportunities, and Ethics and Bioethics Bowl Teams. 

21. University of Cincinnati/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

The Connections Dual Admissions Program at the University of Cincinnati is next on our list of the best BS/MD programs. The program has many similarities to other top BS/MD programs. Notably, students can enhance their experience by applying to the school’s Undergraduate Program in Medical Sciences and the University Honors Program.

22. Virginia Commonwealth University/Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Next, let’s look at Virginia Commonwealth’s Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine. This rigorous, 8-year program combines a curriculum covering patient care with academic study. You may have noted in the name that this is an honors college-specific program—interested students will need to apply to the school’s Honors College when applying for admission.

23. Montclair State University/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

While Montclair was once part of the 7-year Rutgers BS/MD program, this partnership is now only for their 8-year program. Located in Montclair, NJ, students will complete their undergraduate coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology. Students can expect to participate in a variety of enrichment activities year-round, including the summer.

24. Mercer University/Mercer University School of Medicine

Of the best BS/MD programs highlighted on this list, this is one of the largest. Up to 60 students are selected each year to join Mercer’s Special Consideration Program. However, one unique caveat for SCP is that applicants must apply and be accepted Early Action I. Accepted students will get to complete their studies all on Mercer’s campus in Macon, GA.

25. Hofstra University/Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine

Students at Hofstra’s BA/MD, and BS/MD programs will complete their degrees in 8 years. Throughout their first 4 years, students are expected to take additional educational opportunities, including pursuing a minor, studying abroad, or joining the honors college. Unlike many of our other best BS/MD programs, Hofstra’s requires applicants to take the CASPer™/Altus exam, a standardized situational judgment test.

26. Wayne State University/Wayne State University University School of Medicine

One of the more competitive schools on our list of the best BS/MD programs, Wayne State’s BS/MD program only admits 10 students each year to join them on their Detroit, MI, campus. This BA/MD, BS/MD program focuses on education surrounding health disparities. WSU prepares students to become leaders through their Learning Communities, as well as community service and clinical experience opportunities.

27. Florida Atlantic University/Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine

There is not just one, but two BS/MD programs offered by Florida Atlantic University. Both BS/MD programs are 7-8 years, but the undergraduate experiences are slightly different. The Med Direct program is offered through the College of Science at the Boca Raton campus. On the other hand, the Wilkes Medical Scholars program is offered through the Honors College at the Jupiter Campus.

28. Texas Tech University/Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

The Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative at Texas Tech is next on our list of the best BS/MD programs. While this program doesn’t count among accelerated MD programs, students can be considered for early matriculation to medical school. One important factor that differentiates this program from other BS/MD programs: students do not take the MCAT. In fact, they may not take the test—for any reason—if they wish to participate in the UMSI program.

29. University of New Mexico/University of New Mexico School of Medicine

28 students a year are accepted to the Combined BA/MD Degree Program at UNM. BA/MD students can expect to take courses centered on UNM’s Health, Medicine, and Human Values (HMHV) curriculum, and then participate in a practicum immersion experience. UNM has one of the best BA/MD programs for students who want to learn in a class of diverse students committed to serving their local communities.

30. University of Missouri – Kansas City/University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine

Next is another one of the shortest and best BA/MD programs in the country. At UMKC’s BA/MD program, students will earn their degrees in just 6 years. If you’re not sure what to major in, this program gives you plenty of flexibility. Beyond your chosen major, you’ll also be encouraged to take advantage of the many research and service opportunities offered at UMKC.

31. Union College/Albany Medical College School of Medicine

Of all the best BS/MD programs, this is the second university that partners with Albany Medical College. Union offers another opportunity to pursue accelerated MD programs in New York State, this time in Schenectady. However, unlike other BS/MD programs, the Leadership in Medicine (LIM) Program allows students to complete three degrees in 8 years. Along with their BS and MD degrees, students will earn an MBA in Healthcare Management. 

32. College of New Jersey/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

Finally, let’s round out our list of the best BS/MD programs with another Rutgers BS/MD program. A unique benefit of the Rutgers BS/MD program offered through the College of New Jersey is major flexibility. In the first three years of this Rutgers BS/MD program, students can explore majors in approved subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, and Philosophy. Additionally, students can pursue minors, double majors, and study abroad opportunities, all while completing the Rutgers BS/MD program requirements.

Top 5 Tips for Acceptance to BS/MD Programs

1. Take challenging math and science classes

Any pre-med program will have advanced courses in math and science. Advanced high school coursework in these areas demonstrates both your interest in these topics and that you’re prepared to succeed in university. If you can, challenge yourself by taking AP and Honors courses where possible.

2. Gain experience through relevant extracurriculars

All BS/MD programs are looking for students who can demonstrate their interest in the medical field through related experiences. That means volunteer work, shadowing, research—anything that shows the ways you’ve already begun preparing for your career in medicine. More than just filling your resume, your extracurriculars will give you valuable talking points for your application essays. 

3. Prepare for the SAT/ACT

While some BS/MD programs are test-optional, many require applicants to submit standardized test scores. In fact, some programs have minimum test scores. Be sure to start preparing early; ideally, you should have strong scores before your senior fall. Check each program’s BS/MD admissions page for more information on the average or minimum test scores of admitted applicants.

4. Develop relationships with recommenders

Like all college applications, BS/MD programs require letters of recommendation. These recommendations are crucial to speak to your academic strengths and the quality of your character. Remember, most of these programs only admit a handful of students each year; a stellar recommendation can help your application stand out from the rest. 

5. Seek support

BS/MD programs are some of the most competitive programs in the world, so it’s important to start early and ask for help. The college admissions process can be overwhelming for any student; reach out to college admissions counselors and others to get answers to your questions. For specific, tailored guidance, CollegeAdvisor offers 1-on-1 advising to help you make your case to your dream program.