Combined BS/MD Program (Eight-Year)

The traditional medical school application process can be stressful and uncertain. Through our partnership with Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (R-NJMS), we offer a seamless Eight-Year Combined BS/MD Program that secures your path from undergrad straight to medical school. You will complete four years of full-time study at Montclair State University (majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology) before transitioning to R-NJMS to earn your Doctor of Medicine. 

 This program gives you the elite science training and medical track of a major university, combined with the power of a close-knit community. To ensure you cross the finish line successfully, you will receive comprehensive support from dedicated academic advisors, faculty, and tutors, while participating in year-round enrichment activities. Throughout your journey, representatives from both Montclair and R-NJMS will actively monitor and guide your progress, keeping you on the fast track to success.

Combined BS/MD Program Eligibility Requirements

  • High school seniors who are highly motivated and academically capable from financially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Must meet Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Income Guidelines
  • United States citizen or permanent resident, with New Jersey residency.
  • Must have satisfied requirements for admission to Montclair State University (general requirements include: English, four years; foreign language, two years of the same language; social studies, two years; mathematics, minimum three years including algebra I and II, and geometry; biology with lab, one year; chemistry with lab, one year; and electives chosen from the above areas, three years).
  • Applicants must have earned a “B” average or above GPA.
  • Class rank in the top 10 percent.
  • A minimum “B” average in science and mathematics.
  • SAT – Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematical composite of 1100 or above, with at least 550 on both the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math must be earned. The writing section will also be reviewed in the overall evaluation. The SAT is considered in conjunction with other performance indices. The score must be achieved in a single test administration. (ACT scores cannot be used in lieu of the SAT).
  • A maximum of four letters of recommendation, with at least one each from teachers of Mathematics, Science, English and a Guidance Counselor.
  • Candidates must demonstrate motivation, maturity, and understanding of the demands of a health professions career during the in-person interview accompanied by parents/guardians.

Application Process

  • A complete Montclair State University application, high school transcript, SAT scores, and letters of recommendation must be received by December 1st. Please note, applications received after December 1st will not be considered
  • Selected students are invited for an interview with the Health Careers Program Committee and a final separate interview with the Admissions Committee at R-NJMS.
  • Students accepted into the Eight-Year Combined BS/MD Program must participate in the Montclair State University Honors Program. After completion of all program requirements (detailed below), the student automatically advances to R-NJMS.

Undergraduate Requirements at Montclair

Once admitted to the program, students are provided summer and academic year comprehensive support services, including enrichment activities. They are monitored through a collaboration of academic advisers, faculty, and tutors.

A Joint Program and Evaluation Committee comprised of Montclair State University Health Careers Program and R-NJMS representatives reviews each student’s program and progress during the undergraduate phase until advancement to the R-NJMS. Program changes for individual students may be suggested.

Requirements

  • Maintain a minimum grade of “B” in each science course required for admission to R-NJMS: general biology (eight credits), general chemistry (eight credits), organic chemistry (six credits) and physics (eight credits).
  • Satisfy all curriculum requirements for graduation, including General Education Requirements (GER) courses.
  • Fulfill all requirements for the HCP Honors curriculum.
  • Maintain a semester and cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better in all course work.
  • Participate in summer study and/or independent research projects at R-NJMS.
  • Earn competitive scores on the Medical College Admission Test.