Bachelor's Degree

We give preference to applicants who will, upon enrollment, hold a bachelor's degree. However, we occasionally admit students on the basis of 90 semester hours of outstanding undergraduate achievement.

While the School of Medicine does not have any course prerequisite requirements, for most applicants a strong preparation in the natural sciences is highly recommended. This would include general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.  Further advanced studies in the biological, physical and/or chemical sciences is encouraged.

Health Care Experience

The Admissions Committee expects that applicants will have some health care experience at the time of application. This could include volunteering at a free medical clinic or hospital, physician shadowing, medical scribing, EMT or CNA experience, etc. We do not have a required number of hours. However, it should be significant enough that the applicant has a reasonable idea of what it means to pursue medicine.

U.S. Citizenship

As a matter of policy, the School of Medicine can accept applications only from those individuals who are currently citizens of the United States or who are permitted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to reside permanently in the United States.

Currently, international students are not eligible to obtain medical licensure in the state of South Carolina. If the licensure process for the state of South Carolina changes, then the School of Medicine Columbia will revisit the residency requirement.