Regarding MSU and some other DO schools

[DOforlife]

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I read that MSU and PCOM only require 90 credits as opposed to a bachelors degree (120ish). I already have 90 credits, does that mean if I stop taking classes after this fall that MSU will be okay with my decision?

 

[willen101383]

I would contact each school rather than a forum. I doubt a school would allow you to not finish. Why would you want to stop short of a bachelors? Nobody wants to think like this...but what happens if you somehow dont make it through medical school? Need to have something to fall back on!!

PCOMs website says

"1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applications from students with at least three years of exceptional undergraduate work will be considered"

I think that means you NEED a bachelors degree...but can apply if you have 3 years.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Last year I contacted some schools about this exact same question, and ALL of the responses I received were to have a completed bachelor's degree by the time of matriculation. I didn't email MSU or PCOM because at the time neither of those schools were on my list, but I would guess that they would say the exact same thing. Contacting them is definitely a sure way of finding out.

 

[jason3278]

I'm an MS-I at MSU-COM. I know of one person in our class that does not have a bachelor's degree. Yes, technically MSU-COM does not require matriculants to have a bachelor's degree. However, personally, I would look at this in the same way you might look at MCAT or GPA minimums. Sure, a school might have a "minimum required MCAT score" of 12 and a "minimum required GPA" of 2.0 or something ridiculous like that. However, I think we can all agree that it is in every applicants best interest to have grades, test scores, ECs, work experience, etc. that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. If you want to risk it and apply without a degree, hey, go for it. Just remember that you'll be competing for a spot with thousands of people who went well beyond the minimum standards set by the school.

 

[Bacchus]

Get the Bachelor's. What happens if you never get in and need a job?

 

[GraceEuphoria]

On a similar but slightly different note, how do schools view not finishing a master's or PhD program once you get accepted? If I were accepted before next semester started, it would be REALLY nice not to have to spend another $5,000 on classes given the amount of debt I already have from the first semester as well as undergrad. I've always kind of thought med schools would frown upon not following through though...

 

[fattymangox03]

On a similar but slightly different note, how do schools view not finishing a master's or PhD program once you get accepted? If I were accepted before next semester started, it would be REALLY nice not to have to spend another $5,000 on classes given the amount of debt I already have from the first semester as well as undergrad. I've always kind of thought med schools would frown upon not following through though...

I have the same question as well. Anyone?

 

[wannabeaDO]

I think not having a Bachelors degree is acceptable if you apply after your sophomore year, meaning that you will matriculate in what would be your fourth year of undergrad. But if you are applying after your junior year, I think it’s pretty much expected that you will get a degree. MSUCOM still wants you to send in final grades after you "graduated." You can call to make sure on this though. Either way, I would just get the degree unless you have something else you want to do.

 

[fattymangox03]

Sorry, I should have specified. I already have a bachelor's degree, and I'm currently in the first year of a two-year Master's program (type of a post-bacc). Since I've been accepted this cycle, do I have to defer med school and finish the Master's program or just matriculate after completing only the first year of the program?

Thanks.

 

[call me x]

Sorry, I should have specified. I already have a bachelor's degree, and I'm currently in the first year of a two-year Master's program (type of a post-bacc). Since I've been accepted this cycle, do I have to defer med school and finish the Master's program or just matriculate after completing only the first year of the program?

Thanks.

i'm pretty sure this is completely dependent of the school to which you are applying....i applied to a bunch of schools but i can specifically remember some stating that if currently enrolled in any sort of degree-granting program, that it must be seen through completion of the degree.....on the other hand, i went to umdnj for graduate school up in newark (with one of their allopathic schools) and i know a few people who were in my program who were allowed to become m1's without finishing the degree as well as other who went elsewhere after not completing all the credits/thesis work....as much as it stinks i think you will have to look at each school's policy, as some are much stricter than others about this