FAU Offers Dual Degree and Traditional Medical School Tracks

National Merit Scholars tracking a career in medicine at Florida Atlantic University face distinct entry paths that shape their undergraduate schedules.

Florida Atlantic University reported that pre-health Scholars can choose between a combined Bachelor’s and M.D. dual degree program or a more traditional medical school track. The Schmidt College of Medicine hosts two separate options for students aiming to complete both degrees in 7 to 8 years.

The Boca Raton Campus runs Med Direct through a partnership between the College of Science and the College of Medicine. Meanwhile, the Jupiter Campus hosts the Wilkes Medical Scholars program via the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College and the College of Medicine.

Applicants to these highly selective paths must gain acceptance through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine before submitting a separate dual degree application. Successful candidates receive conditional admission to the medical school, provided they maintain required academic standards.

To obtain National Merit scholarship money and lock in their spot in the Bachelor’s/M.D. Dual Degree Program, candidates need to designate Florida Atlantic University as their primary choice by May 1, per university admissions policies.

For high school participants, the FAU High School M.D. Direct Program coordinates with the College of Medicine to offer an accelerated timeline.

By getting in touch with their high school counselor no later than 9th grade, participants in this track can finish a B.A. or B.S. from Florida Atlantic, an approved 2-year M.S. from FAU, and an M.D. based at the Boca Raton campus over a span of seven or eight years.

Students opting for a traditional path rather than the dual degree route work directly with advisors at the Pre-Health Professions Office. While any major remains open, credit hour limits and the design of the new MCAT exam lead FAU to recommend specific degree programs.

Those recommended options include Neuroscience, Biology, Medical Biology, and Chemistry (Biochemistry). Beyond medicine, the university maintains more than 30 combined bachelor’s to master’s degrees allowing seniors to take graduate courses that apply toward their master’s degree, with some disciplines offering a master’s degree in only one year.

Financial support for these combined tracks includes the Pathway Scholarship, which awards up to $2,000 to eligible students who apply during their junior year of undergraduate study. Florida Bright Futures recipients completing a baccalaureate degree in seven semesters or fewer can secure funding for one term of graduate study covering up to 15 semester hours at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Students exploring legal careers utilize Pre-Law University Services (PLUS) for initial planning and ongoing application support. PLUS coordinates campus resources to help students investigate the legal profession, identify institutional assets, and build law school applications.

National Merit Scholars pursuing graduate studies also receive dedicated guidance through Graduate School Exploration counseling. Casey Hampton, Associate Director of the Scholars Program, conducts one-on-one advising sessions to connect scholars with the Graduate College at FAU and assist with application procedures.