Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (BS-DPM)
B.S. in Biology/Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Seven-year Program (with New York College of Podiatric Medicine)
This accelerated, combined degree program provides qualified students the opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree in seven years, one year less than the normal span of eight years. The bachelor’s degree (B.S. in biology) is awarded by Fairleigh Dickinson University and the doctoral degree (D.P.M.) by New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Students are admitted at FDU as incoming freshmen or qualified transfer students. They may apply for the B.S. degree upon successful completion of six semesters at FDU, including the courses listed below, and the first year of study (three semesters) at New York College of Podiatric Medicine. A maximum of 32 credits from New York College of Podiatric Medicine may be transferred toward completion of the B.S. degree at FDU.
Combined Degree Program Requirements
While enrolled at FDU, students are required to follow the accelerated preprofessional curriculum in biology and are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point ratio of 3.25 or higher in all course work and a minimum of C in all science and mathematics courses.
Prepodiatry Curriculum
Under the provisions of the prepodiatry program, students matriculate in the School of Natural Sciences of University College: Arts • Sciences • Professional Studies, Metropolitan Campus, or the department of biological and allied health sciences, College at Florham, for a minimum of 96 credits of course work leading to the B.S. in biology (preprofessional option). The curriculum is as follows:
College at Florham
1st Semester Credits (18)
- BIOL1201, BIOL1203 General Biology I (Lecture and Laboratory)
- CHEM1201 General Chemistry I
- CHEM1203 General Chemistry Laboratory I
- CSCI1105 Survey of Computers and Computer Software
- ENGL1101 English Composition I
- FRSH1000 Freshman Seminar
- MATH1133 Applied Statistics
2nd Semester (18)
- BIOL1202, BIOL1204 Introduction to Molecules, Cells and Genes (Lecture and Laboratory)
- CHEM1202 General Chemistry II
- CHEM1204 General Chemistry Laboratory II
- CORE1006 The Global Challenge
- ENGL1102 English Composition II
- Mathematics Sequence
3rd Semester (16)
- BIOL3253, BIOL3254 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (Lecture and Laboratory)
- CHEM2261 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM2263 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
- ENGL2201 Masterpieces of World Literature I
- Mathematics Sequence
4th Semester (15)
- BIOL2003, BIOL2004 Cell Biology (Lecture and Laboratory)
- CHEM2262 Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM2264 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
- CORE2007 Perspectives on the Individual
- ENGL2202 Masterpieces of World Literature II
5th Semester (15)
- BIOL3256, BIOL3257 Genetics (Lecture and Laboratory)
- BIOL3009, BIOL3019 Microbiology (Lecture and Laboratory)
- CORE2008 Cross-cultural Perspectives
- PHYS2201 Physics Laboratory I
- PHYS2203 University Physics I
6th Semester (16)
- BIOL3337, BIOL3327 General Physiology (Lecture and Laboratory)
- CHEM3281 Biochemistry I
- PHYS2202 Physics Laboratory II
- PHYS2204 University Physics II
- Fine Arts Elective
- Humanities Elective
Admission to the Combined Degree Program
High school seniors who satisfy the requirements for admission to the FDU preprofessional program may apply for admission to the combined degree program.
All applicants for admission to the combined degree program must satisfy secondary school preparation in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. The high school grade pointaverage (GPA) and rank in class, along with letters of recommendation from high school teachers, will be of primary importance in evaluating applicants’ credentials. Applicants are required to submit scores in the verbal and mathematical components of the SAT.
After preliminary screening of the applications by the FDU Office of Admissions, qualified applicants will be invited for an interview with the FDU/New York College of Podiatric Medicine Joint Admissions Committee.
Qualifying for Enrollment at New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Qualified students enrolled in the combined degree program will be guaranteed a seat at New York College of Podiatric Medicine for training in podiatry. To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of all FDU curriculum requirements, including the general education requirements and the degree program requirements for the major and all prerequisite courses required for admission to New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Students need to obtain a grade of C or higher in required courses;
- A grade point ratio (GPR) of 3.00 or higher;
- Submission of a satisfactory Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score (at least equal to the current minimum) in a timely fashion;
- A satisfactory evaluation in a personal interview;
- At least three letters of evaluation;
- Students currently enrolled at FDU who seek admission to the combined degree program must apply to the School of Natural Sciences, University College: Arts • Sciences • Professional Studies, Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J., or the department of biological and allied health sciences at the College at Florham, Madison, N.J., prior to the completion of 60 credit hours at FDU or at least one year before the anticipated date of matriculation at New York College of Podiatric Medicine; and
- Students enrolled in the combined degree program who decide to complete the B.S. degree at FDU prior to entering New York College of Podiatric Medicine must make this known to their school director or department chair prior to the completion of 60 credits at FDU or at least one year before the anticipated date of matriculation at New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
