Washington & Jefferson College has a formal agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) for students who plan to pursue health professional careers following graduation. W&J participates in an early acceptance program with LECOM Medical College, LECOM School of Pharmacy, and LECOM School of Dental Medicine.

This agreement establishes an Early Acceptance Program to which Washington & Jefferson undergraduate students are enrolled jointly by Washington & Jefferson and by LECOM. The Early Acceptance Program is designed to facilitate the admission of Washington & Jefferson students into LECOM's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Pharmacy, or Doctor of Dental Medicine programs.

LECOM will interview students prior to their enrollment at Washington & Jefferson College or within the first two years of study at Washington & Jefferson. Students interviewing successfully will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM. Upon meeting the criteria for final acceptance during their time at W&J, they will matriculate at the LECOM campus appropriate to their specific program. Note that students accepted into the osteopathic medicine program will not be required to take the MCAT.

Application to the EAP is initiated by doing an inquiry through a link on the LECOM  portal (http://portal.lecom.edu).

Applicants wishing to be notified that they are qualified to receive their letter of provisional acceptance prior to entering Washington & Jefferson College should complete the LECOM online EAP application by April 1 of the year of Washington & Jefferson College matriculation.

High school students should contact the Washington & Jefferson College Committee on Health Professions for their EAP enrollment requirements.

Washington & Jefferson College students applying to enroll in the EAP should complete the LECOM online EAP application before starting their third year of study at Washington & Jefferson.

Additional application information, and information about LECOM programs, are available on the LECOM Entrance Requirements web page. 

Through the W&J / Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM) at Temple University Medical Scholars Program, LKSOM will reserve a limited number of medical school spaces for qualified incoming W&J freshmen each year. Students apply for acceptance to this 8-year joint BA/MD program prior to the start of their freshman year during the application process to W&J. United States citizens and permanent residents can apply. To be considered, a student must:

1. Be accepted to W&J,
2. Submit an application to the Medical Scholars Program by December 10,
3. Have a combined SAT critical reading + math score of greater than 1350, with no score in verbal, math, or writing below 600, OR have an ACT Composite score of 31 or higher,
4. Be in the top 5% of their high school class if class rank is provided,
5. Have an interview with the Pre-Health Professions Committee at W&J, and
6. Have an interview with a member of the Admission Committee at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.

Substantial science coursework and completion of AP science coursework are looked upon favorably in the application process. Students who are accepted into the Medical Scholars program would subsequently be accepted into LKSOM if their overall undergraduate GPA and science GPA (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics) at W&J are at least 3.6 averaged over the first 3 years with no grade less than "B-" and without repeating a course. All prerequisite courses for admission to medical school must be completed at W&J.

The minimum acceptable MCAT score (taken by May of the junior year) requires scoring 509 overall with no individual section score lower than 126.  Students must also complete 50 hours of medically-related shadowing and/or experiences, 50 hours of community service activities, and demonstrate commitment to serving others through extracurricular activities.

The candidate must apply to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine during the summer preceding their senior year at W&J using the "Combined Bachelors/Medical Degree" designation on the American Association of Medical Colleges Application Service (AMCAS). Note that this is a "restricted" application type, meaning that a student who chooses to use the "guaranteed" seat with Temple cannot apply to other medical schools. If a student chooses to apply to other schools, the guaranteed seat must be relinquished, but application to Temple may still be done through the regular medical school admissions process.

Application Process: Students should send in their W&J College application as soon as possible, preferably early in the Fall. Students should be sure to choose “Pre-Health (Pre-Allopathic Medicine)” under the Pre-Professional Programs field. Note also that because Temple requires a particular level of performance on the SAT/ACT exam, students MUST elect to submit their SAT/ACT scores to W&J (i.e., students interested in applying for the Temple Medical Scholars Program are not eligible to use the SAT/ACT Score Optional policy).

Students that meet the SAT/ACT and other criteria listed will be sent information about the Medical Scholars program, including an application for the program. Typically, information is sent out to eligible candidates about once per month until late November.  IMPORTANT: If you do not get your fully complete W&J application submitted by mid-November, you will likely not be considered for the program.

The Medical Scholars application is due back to the Admissions Office at W&J by December 10. These applications, along with the W&J applications, will be reviewed to select a smaller number of individuals to participate in a virtual interview with a member of the W&J Pre-Health Professions Committee. Once W&J interviews these candidates, we will send an interview report along with your W&J and Medical Scholars applications to LKSOM, who will then determine which candidates will be invited for an final interview with LKSOM. The decisions on which students are accepted to the Medical Scholars Program are made by LSKOM.

More information about this program can be found on the Lewis Katz School of Medicine Special Admissions Programs website.

Junior students who matriculated at W&J as first semester freshmen (those who did not transfer into W&J) are eligible for consideration as candidates for the Early Assurance Program with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. To be considered as a viable candidate for the program interested students must have completed 2 semester courses each in general chemistry (CHM 260 & CHM 270), organic chemistry (CHM 160 & CHM 170), and general biology (BIO 121 & BIO 131), be in good standing, and be pursuing an approved major at W&J. By the end of the third year, they must have completed 2 semester courses in biology (BIO 121 & 131), 4 semester courses in chemistry (CHM 160, 170, 260, & 270), 2 semester courses in physics (PHY 101 & 102 or PHY 107 & 108), and 2 courses in mathematics (MTH 151 & 152 or MTH 151 & 225). The minimum undergraduate science GPA (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics) and overall GPA at W&J must be 3.5 averaged over the first 3 years with no grade less than "B-". Students must also complete 50 hours of medically-related shadowing and/or experiences, 50 hours of community service activities, and demonstrate commitment to serving others through extracurricular activities. The minimum GPA for the fourth undergraduate academic year at W&J must be at least 3.0 with no grade less than "B-."

The minimum acceptable MCAT score (taken by May of the junior year) requires scoring 509 overall with no individual section score lower than 126. The candidate must apply to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine during the summer preceding the senior year at W&J using the Early Assurance Program Option of the American Association of Medical Colleges Application Service (AMCAS).

More information about this program can be found on Temple University Medical School's Special Admissions Programs website.

The mission of the seven-year BA/MD W&J² Integrated Program in Human Health between W&J and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) at Jefferson University is to produce physicians with a holistic understanding of the human condition, grounded in the liberal arts with a strong proficiency in the natural sciences, who are dedicated to life-long learning, capable of self-reflection and integrative thinking, and who can care for patients in the context of their family, community, and society. To be eligible for the program, at the time of entry to W&J students must have a minimum composite SAT score (Critical Reading and Mathematics) of 1200 with no score in either section less than 600, or a minimum composite ACT score (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science) of 26 with no score in any section less than 24. Only students who major in a discipline outside of the natural sciences may apply to this program.

Up to four promising students from W&J will be nominated by W&J faculty at the beginning of the second regular semester of their second year at W&J on the basis of academic performance, career goals, preparation, and citizenship. On approval by SKMC admissions faculty, students will complete an undergraduate curriculum that maps to the medical school entry competencies, while assuring a balanced liberal arts background to include a major in a discipline outside of the natural sciences. Students will be provided the opportunity to transfer to SKMC following successful completion of Year 3 at W&J contingent on continued satisfactory academic progress and responsible citizenship. Course credits completed during the first year at SKMC will be applied to satisfy degree requirements at W&J at which point the BA degree will be awarded by W&J. Summer sessions will be used to provide the opportunity for course work at W&J, as well as early clinical exposure and research experience that may be facilitated by SKMC. The MD degree will be granted by SKMC upon successful completion of Year 4 of medical school. Questions about the W&J² program may be addressed to Dr. Steven Malinak at smalinak@washjeff.edu.

Washington & Jefferson College has a formal agreement with Chatham University for senior students who are interested in matriculating in their Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (D.P.T.) following graduation. Guaranteed acceptance for up to two (2) students each year is possible if the following criteria are met:

1. A minimum of a grade of C in each prerequisite course (see list of courses below).
2. An overall grade point average of 3.50.
3. A grade point average of 3.50 in all completed pre-requisite courses, with a minimum of 20 credits (5 courses) completed. (NOTE: All GPAs used by Chatham (overall and Core Prereq GPAs) are calculated by PTCAS. See the PTCAS website for courses included in their GPA calculations.)
4. Submission of GRE scores to Chatham.
5. Successful on-campus interview and writing sample.
6. Completion of all Chatham University Doctor of Physical Therapy early admissions requirements, which include: completion of the online application through PTCAS, volunteer hours in a physical therapy facility, and 3 letters of reference (2 academic and 1 physical therapist). All information must be submitted by the early admissions deadline (typically around Oct 1).

In addition to the above, students at Washington & Jefferson College will be guaranteed an interview for consideration of acceptance into the Chatham University Doctor of Physical Therapy program if all of the following criteria are met:

1. A minimum of a grade of C in each prerequisite course (see list of courses below).
2. An overall grade point average of 3.00.
3. A grade point average of 3.00 in all completed pre-requisite courses, with a minimum of 20 credits (5 courses) completed.
4. Submission of GRE scores to Chatham.
5. Completion of all Chatham University Doctor of Physical Therapy regular admission requirements, which include: completion of the online application through PTCAS, volunteer hours in a physical therapy facility, and 3 letters of reference (2 academic and 1 physical therapist). All information must be submitted by the regular admissions deadline (typically around Dec 1).
6. Prerequisite courses:

• BIO 121 and 131 (Foundational Biology)
• CHM 160 and 170 (Organic Chemistry)
• PHY 101 & 102 or PHY 107 & 108 (General Physics)
• MTH 125 (Probability and Statistics)
• PSY 101, 102, & 265 (Elementary and Developmental Psychology)
• BIO 235 & 209 (Animal Physiology and Vertebrate Anatomy)

Information about the DPT program at Chatham University can be found at the Chatham DPT website. It is highly recommended that students interested in Chatham's PT program meet with a faculty member from Chatham during their sophomore or junior year.

Washington & Jefferson College has a formal agreement with Chatham University for senior students who are interested in matriculating in their Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (M.P.A.) following graduation. Guaranteed acceptance for up to two (2) students each year is possible if the following criteria are met:

• A minimum of a grade of B in each prerequisite course (see list of courses below)
• An overall grade point average of 3.50 as calculated by CASPA.
• A grade point average of 3.40 in all completed science courses, with a minimum of 20 science credits (5 courses) completed. Note that Psychology courses are not counted in this science GPA.  (GPAs are calculated through CASPA.  Math courses are not included.)
• Maintenance of a good citizenship record.
• Successful completion of all Chatham University Master of Physician Assistant Studies admission requirements, including submission of acceptable GRE scores, and possibly including an on-campus interview.

In addition to the above, if all of the following criteria are met, Washington & Jefferson College students will be considered for acceptance into the Chatham University Master of Physician Assistant Studies program:

• A minimum of a grade of B in each prerequisite course (see list of courses below)
• An overall grade point average of 3.25 as calculated by CASPA.
• A grade point average of 3.25 in all completed science courses, with a minimum of 18 science credits (5 courses) completed. Note that Psychology courses are not counted in this science GPA.
• Maintenance of a good citizenship record.
• Successful completion of all Chatham University Master of Physician Assistant Studies admission requirements, including submission of acceptable GRE scores, and possibly including an on-campus interview.

By September 1st of a student's final year in residence at Washington & Jefferson College, the student must complete an application for admission to CASPA, the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants.

Prerequisite courses:

1. BIO 121 and 131
2. CHM 160 & 170 OR CHM 160 & 260
3. BIO 209, 215, & 235
4. PSY 101

Besides the prerequisite courses, Chatham recommends, but does not require:

• BIO 201
• MTH 125 or 245
• PSY 265
• Nutrition

Information about the PA program at Chatham University can be found at the Chatham PA website. It is highly recommended that students interested in Chatham's PA program meet with a faculty member from Chatham during their sophomore or junior year to obtain advising about their future plans.

Washington & Jefferson College has a formal agreement with Chatham University for senior students who are interested in matriculating in their Master of Occupational Therapy Program (MOT) following graduation. Guaranteed acceptance for up to two (2) students each year is possible if the following criteria are met:

1. A minimum of a grade of C in each prerequisite course (see list of courses below).<
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.50.
3. A pre-requisite GPA of 3.50 with a minimum of 3 pre-requisite courses completed by the interview date, at least one of which must be a science pre-requisite.
4. Submission of GRE scores to Chatham.
5. Successful on-campus interview and writing sample.
6. Completion of all Chatham University Master of Occupational Therapy requirements, which include: completion of the online application through OTCAS, volunteer hours in an occupational therapy facility, and 3 letters of reference (1 academic, 1 occupational therapist involved in your OT volunteer/work experience, and 1 supervisor/staff from that experience). All information must be submitted by October 1.

In addition to the above, students at Washington & Jefferson College will be guaranteed an interview for consideration of acceptance into the Chatham University Master of Occupational Therapy program if all of the following criteria are met:

1. A minimum of a grade of C in each prerequisite course (see list of courses below).
2. An overall grade point average of 3.20.
3. A pre-requisite GPA of 3.50 with a minimum of 3 pre-requisite courses completed by the interview date, at least one of which must be a science pre-requisite.
4. Submission of GRE scores to Chatham.
5. Completion of all Chatham University Master of Occupational Therapy requirements, which include: completion of the online application through OTCAS, volunteer hours in an occupational therapy facility, and 3 letters of reference (1 academic, 1 occupational therapist involved in your OT volunteer/work experience, and 1 supervisor/staff from that experience). All information must be submitted by October 1.

Prerequisite courses:

1. Biology 121, 131, 209 and 235
2. Math 125 or 245
3. Psychology 101, 102, 245 and 265

Information about the MOT program at Chatham University can be found at the Chatham MOT website. It is highly recommended that students interested in Chatham's OT program meet with a faculty member from Chatham during their sophomore or junior year.

Washington & Jefferson College has a formal agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University for students who are interested in pursuing an optometry education. For students applying to Salus through the traditional application process, the W&J Committee on Health Professions will often provide a supplemental letter of recommendation that is the result of an interview by Committee members with the student who is applying.

Additionally, an accelerated program for students with an interest in optometry has been established by Salus University. The program permits a student to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and the Doctor of Optometry degree in seven years instead of the usual eight. The first three years are spent at Washington & Jefferson College as an undergraduate student, while the next four years are spent at Salus University in the optometry program. The student is awarded a Bachelor's degree in his or her chosen major at W&J upon the successful completion of the first professional year at Salus and a Doctor of Optometry degree by Salus University at the conclusion of the professional degree program. This means that students leave W&J after their third year without their Bachelor's Degree. Selected courses from Salus then transfer back to W&J to allow the student to obtain the Bachelor's Degree. Typically, this approach requires substantial planning before the student arrives at W&J to determine whether a plan of coursework can be completed in three years at W&J to fulfill a majority of the College and major requirements. Our experience tells us that this plan works most easily with majors in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.

Further information about the Salus 3-4 Optometry program can be found on the Salus website. Additionally, students may email the Chair of the Committee on Health Professions at W&J to discuss this option. General comments about 3-4 options are also described in the Pre Health Handbook.

Washington & Jefferson College has a formal agreement with the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health to establish a Sophomore Guaranteed Admissions Program for select W&J undergraduate students.

Qualified W&J undergraduates are assured of admission to participating master’s degree programs at Pitt Public Health during their second year of undergraduate education. Eligible students are guaranteed a minimum scholarship award of $5,000 per year for up to two years. Both the admission decision and scholarship offer are contingent upon completion of a W&J bachelor's degree, with an acceptable academic and personal record.

Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the program:

• A college admission score of at least 1210 (SAT) or 25 (ACT) or had a high school class rank within the top 15% of their graduating class
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at W&J in the second semester of their sophomore year
• A cumulative college GPA at W&J (3 semesters) of 3.15 or better

W&J undergraduate course prerequisites vary depending on which program students choose within the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. Specific programs and their requirements are listed below.

Master of Public Health (MPH) in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences

• One course from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC

Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics

• BIO 111 or BIO 121; MTH 151 and MTH 152; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC

MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health

• One course from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC
• A major in one of the following is recommended: Biochemistry, Biological Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, or Physics

MS in Environmental and Occupational Health

• BIO 111 or BIO 121; CHM 160; MTH 151; PHY 101; and two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC
• A major in one of the following is recommended: Biochemistry, Biological Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, or Physics

MPH or MS in Epidemiology

• One course from BIO 201, 209, 212, 215, or 235; one course from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SO

MPH in Health Policy and Management

• One course from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; ECN 101 or 102; and one additional social science course from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC

MPH in Public Health Genetics

• BIO 201; one from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC. Note that MTH 151 is preferred but not required.
• A biology major, with BCH 333 as one of the electives, is preferred but not required

MS in Genome Informatics

• BIO 111 or BIO 121; CIS 220 (other options may be possible; consult with CIS); one course from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC
• Students must also major in one of the following: Biochemistry, Biological Physics, Biology, CIS, or Neuroscience.

MS in Human Genetics

• BIO 201; MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC
• BCH 333 is recommended, as is additional coursework in the behavioral or social sciences
• Students must also major in one of the following: Biochemistry, Biological Physics, Biology, Economics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Political Science, Public Policy, Psychology, Sociology

MPH in Infectious Disease MIC (Management, Intervention, and Community Practice) or in Infectious Disease PEL (Pathogenesis, Eradication, and Laboratory Practice)

• BIO 111 or BIO 121; one from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC

MS in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology

• BIO 121 and BIO 131; CHM 160, CHM 170, CHM 260, and CHM 270; BCH 333 or CHM 300; one course from MTH 125, MTH 205, BIO/MTH 245, or MTH 151; and any two social science courses from ECN, POL, PSY, PPL and/or SOC
• BIO 215 is also recommended.