College of Osteopathic Medicine Early Enrollment (3+4) Program
The College of Osteopathic Medicine's Early Enrollment (3+4) Program (EEP) is an opportunity for exceptionally qualified students to enroll in DMU's D.O. program following their junior year of undergraduate studies. Your undergraduate institution must agree to award a bachelor's degree following successful completion of the first year of the D.O. program. Successful completion of EEP (3+4) will allow you to eliminate one year of time and tuition from your journey to become a physician.
Is the Early Enrollment (3+4) Program right for me?
Ideal students are goal-oriented and driven. You will have investigated and determined that a career in osteopathic medicine and Des Moines University are the best fit for your medical education. You must be on track to complete the DO program's prerequisite course work prior to enrolling. In addition, you must have engaged in various activities to broaden your understanding of the role of a physician within the healthcare system. These activities can be paid or volunteer positions.
How do I receive a bachelor's degree if I leave a year early?
The first step is talking with your undergraduate institution to determine whether they will accept Des Moines University credit hours toward completion of your bachelor's degree. Your school may already support other 3+4 programs. They will examine our first-year curriculum to determine which courses will meet your specific degree requirements. A letter of agreement from your school must be submitted as part of the application process. Following successful completion of the first year at DMU, your institution will award the bachelor's degree.
Do I qualify to apply for the Early Enrollment (3+4) Program?
We strongly encourage you to discuss the EEP (3+4) with your advisor. They might be able to assist you in determining whether this program can help you reach your goals. If you are unsure if you qualify to apply to the EEP (3+4), please contact us at DOadmit@dmu.edu. You may be eligible to apply if you:
- Are currently a sophomore (must apply before March 1 of your sophomore year)
- Have earned a 3.6 cumulative GPA or better;
- Are taking a rigorous schedule of science course work and earned a 3.6 science GPA or better
- Are on track to complete all prerequisite course work by the end of your junior year
- Have had a variety of clinical experiences like physician shadowing, volunteering, or other types of direct patient care (EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, etc.).
- Are a full-time student
What are the conditions of my EEP (3+4) acceptance?
In addition to the general requirements for acceptance into the D.O. program, successful EEP (3+4) candidates must complete the following conditions prior to enrollment:
- Maintain full-time student status
- Maintain a 3.6 cumulative and science GPA or better
- Take the MCAT and supply a composite score of 26 or better. Official score report must be submitted no later than February of your junior year.
- Complete all prerequisite course work
- Biology/Zoology - 8 semester hours with lab
- General Chemistry - 8 semester hours with lab
- Organic Chemistry - 4 semester hours with lab
- Biochemistry - 3 semester hours
- Physics - 8 semester hours with lab (will accept one semester of physics and one semester of statistics)
- English, English Composition, Speech, or Literature - 6 semester hours
- Complete a criminal background check
How do I apply?
You may submit the application beginning January 1 but no later than March 1 of your sophomore year. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. Only the most qualified candidates are invited to campus to interview in late spring. You will receive a decision within two weeks following your interview.
Click here for the application form and additional requirements.
