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MD Early Assurance Program

For more information, contact the Early Assurance Program at MDEarlyAssurance@marshall.edu.

2021 MD Early Assurance Application

The MD Early Assurance Program at Marshall University and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is a program with the goal of preparing undergraduate students for success in the MD program. The Program will admit applicants who are Marshall University students, both in-state and out-of-state, who are capable, qualified, and motivated to succeed in basic science and clinical studies and who upon graduation possess a high probability of meeting the health care needs of our state and region. Benefits of the program include:

  • Students successfully completing the undergraduate portion of the MD Early Assurance Program will not be required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
  • Students successfully meeting all requirements of the MD Early Assurance Program will be accepted into the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine upon completion of matriculation requirements.

This program is a unique opportunity with specific eligibility and application requirements and continuing obligations once a student is accepted into the program. Please see the tabs below for further information.

Eligibility Requirements

This program is for students currently enrolled in Marshall University who have demonstrated a particular interest in a medical career, and the academic strength to excel in a demanding premedical curriculum. Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident visas
  • Apply during the spring semester of their second undergraduate year at Marshall University.
  • Have successfully completed two years of full-time study at Marshall University at the time of acceptance into the program, and be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student.
  • Have completed the following MD prerequisites by the end of summer semester of their second undergraduate year at Marshall University: one year each of general biology or zoology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, and all associated labs.
  • Have a minimum composite ACT of 24 or composite SAT of 1160.
  • Have a minimum 3.5 overall Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math (BCPM) GPA and 3.5 overall cumulative undergraduate GPA at the conclusion of the summer semester of their application year.
Application Requirements
  • Applicants must complete the online application.
  • Applicants must obtain four letters of reference. Letters must include two college academic letters (at least one from science faculty), a letter from an employer or volunteer supervisor, and one from a professional in the community.
  • Applicants must complete interviews with School of Medicine Admissions Committee members.

Apply Now

Application Deadline: April 1, 2021
Letters of Recommendation Deadline: May 1, 2021 

2021 MD Early Assurance Application

Continuing Requirements
  • Participants must achieve an overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 and a 3.5 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math (BCPM) GPA by the end of the undergraduate portion of the program.
  • Participants must have completed all required premedical courses and must remain in good academic and institutional standing at Marshall University throughout the program.
  • Participants must successfully complete a selection of 30 credit hours of 300-400 level courses during the undergraduate portion of the program. Participants must select from the courses identified on the list of courses in the tab below.
  • Participants must complete shadowing and volunteering requirements for the program as well as a professionalism course as directed by the Program Director.
  • Participants must meet all admissions requirements established by the medical school in accordance with the MD Early Assurance Program.
  • Participants will be expected to remain in the undergraduate portion of the MD Early Assurance Program for the two academic years immediately following acceptance into the program in order to complete all advanced required coursework, volunteering , shadowing and professionalism requirements prior to matriculation into medical school.
Recommended Course List for Upper Level Requirement

300 level Biology courses

  • BSC 302 – Principles of Microbiology (3 CR, Fall/Spring)
  • BSC 304 – Microbiology Lab (2 CR, Fall/Spring)
  • BSC 322 – Principles of Cell Biology (4 CR, Fall/Spring)
  • BSC 324 – Principles of Genetics (4 CR, Fall/Spring)

400 level Biology courses

  • BSC 417 – Biostatistics (3 CR, Fall/Spring)
  • BSC 422 – Animal Physiology (4 CR Fall/Spring)
  • BSC 428 – Neuroscience (3 CR, Spring)
  • BSC 438 – Emerging Infectious Diseases (3 CR, Fall)
  • BSC 448 – Introductory Immunology (3 CR, Spring)
  • BSC 450 – Molecular Biology (3 CR, Fall)
  • BSC 456 – Genes and Development (3 CR, Fall)

300 Level Chemistry courses

  • CHM 365 – Introductory Biochemistry (3 CR, Fall/Spring)
  • CHM 366 – Introductory Biochemistry Lab (2 CR, Spring)
  • CHM 345 – Analytical Chemistry (4 CR, Fall/Spring)
  • CHM 357 – Physical Chemistry: Quantum (4 CR, Fall)
  • CHM 358 – Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics (4 CR, Spring)    

400 Level Chemistry courses

  • CHM 411 – Modern Instrumental Methods (4 CR, TBD)
  • CHM 467 – Intermediate Biochemistry (3 CR, Spring)

*Course offerings are subject to change. Applicants must work with their academic advisor to ensure timely completion of requirements.

Program Policies & Procedures

Acceptance into the MD Early Assurance program does not guarantee acceptance into Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

For more information, contact the Early Assurance Program at MDEarlyAssurance@marshall.edu.