Post-Baccalaureate Program (PB) Policy

I. Purpose

The Post-Baccalaureate Program is a two-semester academic pathway designed to provide students with the foundational scientific knowledge and academic preparation required for entry into the 4-Year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

The program is intended for students who:

• require completion or strengthening of prerequisite sciences; or 
• need to demonstrate readiness for the academic rigor of medical education. 

The program delivers a structured, credit-bearing curriculum with integrated assessment and comprehensive examinations to evaluate readiness for promotion to the MD program.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Program. Students in the Post-Baccalaureate Program are not enrolled in the Pre-Clinical Program and are not subject to the Pre-Clinical Progression Policy.

Successful completion of the Post-Baccalaureate Program results in eligibility for promotion to the 4-Year MD program in accordance with this policy.

III. Definitions

Post-Baccalaureate Program (PB): A two-semester preparatory academic program consisting of prescribed foundational science coursework.

Promotion (PB): Successful completion of all program requirements resulting in eligibility for entry into the 4-Year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Academic Progress Review Committee (APRC): The faculty committee responsible for reviewing academic performance and determining progression and promotion outcomes.

Committee for Academic Progress and Professional Standards (CAPPS): The committee responsible for review of appeals.

PBSCE:
Post-Baccalaureate Science Comprehensive Examination consisting of two components:

• PBSCE I (end of Semester 1) 
• PBSCE II (end of Semester 2) 

IV. Program Structure and Course Requirements

The Post-Baccalaureate Program consists of two sequential semesters, both of which must be completed in order.

Students must successfully complete Semester 1 before progressing to Semester 2.

The program consists of a fixed, prescribed curriculum. All students must complete all required courses. No substitutions or exemptions are permitted.

Semester 1 Courses

Semester 2 Courses

All courses are credit-bearing and graded in accordance with the Pre-Clinical Grading Policy. Students must complete all required coursework across both semesters. Partial completion does not satisfy program requirements.

V. Progression Within the Program

Progression from Semester 1 to Semester 2 requires:

• successful completion of all Semester 1 courses; 
• no grades below C (70%); and
• GPA ≥3.2 
• satisfactory academic standing as determined by the APRC. 

Students who do not meet progression requirements will be reviewed by the APRC and may be required to repeat any first time F or D grades. Students not meeting GPA/WMPG standards, or scoring D or F on repeat, will be recommended for dismissal and appeal to CAPPS, who may require:

• uphold the recommendation for dismissal. 
• repeat coursework; 
• repeat the semester; or 

Students may not carry deficiencies from Semester 1 into Semester 2.

VI. Promotion to the 4-Year MD Program

Successful completion of the Post-Baccalaureate Program results in promotion into the 4-Year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Promotion is granted only upon fulfillment of all academic and nonacademic requirements defined in this policy and is subject to formal review and approval by the APRC.

VII. Promotion Requirements

Students must meet all of the following criteria:

A. Academic Performance

1. Minimum GPA ≥ 3.2
2. Science GPA  ≥ 2.75

B. Course Performance

1. Successful completion of all required coursework across both semesters 
2. No grade below C (70%) 

C. Comprehensive Examination

1. Completion of both PBSCE components: 
   1. PBSCE I (end of Semester 1) 
      1. PBSCE II (end of Semester 2) 
2. Achievement of a minimum aggregate score of 75% across PBSCE I and PBSCE II 

D. Professional Standards

1. Demonstration of professionalism consistent with institutional expectations 

VIII. Comprehensive Examination (PBSCE)

The PBSCE is a required component of the program and serves as a standardized measure of readiness for entry into the MD program. 

The PBSCE consists of two components administered at the end of each semester. Students must achieve a minimum aggregate score of 75% across both components.

Students may attempt each component a maximum of two times. Failure to meet the required aggregate score within permitted attempts will result in recommendation for dismissal.

IX. Failure to Meet Requirements

Students who do not meet progression requirements will be reviewed by the APRC and may be required to repeat any first time F or D grades. Students not meeting GPA/WMPG standards, or score a D or F on repeat, will be recommended for dismissal and appeal to CAPPS, who may require:

• uphold the recommendation for dismissal. 
• repeat coursework; 
• repeat the semester; or 

Students may not exceed defined limits for repetition and must complete the program within allowable timeline.

X. Maximum Timeline

The program is designed to be completed in two semesters.

The APRC may permit 1 semester extension for remediation of first time D or F grades. Students who are unable to complete the program within the permitted timeframe will be recommended for dismissal.

Only CAPPS may grant continuation beyond the defined timeframe following appeal.

XI. Governance and Decision-Making

The APRC is responsible for:

• progression decisions between semesters; 
• determination of promotion eligibility; 
• assignment of academic status; 
• recommendations for dismissal. 

CAPPS is responsible for appeals. Decisions are final unless overturned on appeal.

XII. Relationship to Other Policies

This program is governed by:

• Pre-Clinical Program Assessment Policy (0426002) 
• Grading Policy (0426003) 
• Institutional Academic Integrity policies 

The Post-Baccalaureate Program represents an alternative pathway to promotion into the 4-Year MD program.

The Pre-Clinical Promotion Policy (0426001) does not apply to students enrolled in this program.

XIII. Authority

Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; reviewed every 3 years.

XIV. Version History

0426006