William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine - WCUCOM
General Information
Mission Statement
Closest City Closest city is Hattiesburg, MS
Campus Setting
RuralFacilities
The medical school complex consists of seven buildings located at William Carey University:
- Completed in 2021, the Health Sciences Building houses all WCU Health Science programs. WCUCOM added a west wing with two 3,300 SF lecture halls seating up to 220 each and additional office spaces.
- COM Academic Building houses two lecture halls, OPP lab, classrooms, study rooms, and a research laboratory.
- COM Asbury Administrative Center houses the Office of Diversity, Rotations department, OPP faculty and OMM Scholars Clinic.
- COM Turner Medical Arts Building houses the Innovative Learning Center with 16 clinical diagnostic and treatment rooms, eight student conference rooms, study areas, and faculty offices.
- COM Ross Anatomy Building houses the cadaveric anatomy lab, with space for study of medical imaging and anatomical models.
- Fail-Asbury Hall contains faculty offices, graduate level classrooms and student study spaces. Fail-Asbury Hall also contains the 1,850 SF student lounge and a 1,000 SF student fitness room.
- Thomas Building houses 10 clinic rooms, 8 high fidelity simulation rooms, a 2,400 SF OPP lab and a 1,500 SF task trainer room.
- Construction is underway on the Institute for Primary Care, a 60,000 SF complex expected to be completed by the winter of 2025.
WCUCOM offers robust clinical training experience in a community-based training network representing over 50 hospital systems across the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. In addition, we have a small cohort of students assigned to New York. Other facility-related features include:
- Wireless campus with video-streamed lectures
- Regional hospital and clinic affiliations that provide comprehensive clinical training opportunities.
- University library with access to thousands of medically related texts, articles, and 21 subscription e-resources specifically supporting COM students.
- University cafeteria, student center, coffee shop, tennis courts and exercise track.
Student Residence Options
WCUCOM offers over thirty-five clubs ranging from medical specialty interests and hobbies such as astronomy, running and wilderness medicine are offered at WCUCOM. Students are provided opportunities to participate in various community activities such as health screenings, feeding the homeless, and legislative advocacy.
COM Accreditation Status William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCU-COM) is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
University Affiliation(s) William Carey University
-
2023-2024
Academic Year Enrollment
Total Medical School Enrollment
746
Total Male
359
Total Female
387
Total Enrollment Affiliate Institutions
748
First-Year Matriculants
223
First-Year Male Matriculants
93
First-Year Female Matriculants
128
First-Year Other Matriculants
2
Matriculants In-State
72
Matriculants Out-of-State
151
Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.0%
Asian
27.4%
Black/African American
14.8%
Hispanic/Latino
3.1%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0%
White
42.6%
Multiple Races
1.8%
Undisclosed
2.2%
Majors of First-Year Matriculants
Science Majors
90.1%
Non-Science Majors
9.9%
Graduate Degrees
26.5%
Overview
Private Institution
Non-Profit
William Carey University
Institutional Affiliation
2010
Year Founded
Rural
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine - WCUCOM
Address
(601) 318-6235
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Curricular Offerings
WCUCOM offers an integrated curriculum that begins with first-year foundational courses that address the anatomic and cellular/molecular underpinnings of the science of medicine. Courses are taught through clinically-relevant application and case-based learning experiences while simultaneously developing skills in physical examination, doctor-patient communication, and osteopathic principles and practice.
The second year continues with system-based organization of the biomedical and clinical course content material and increased opportunities for self-directed learning and self-assessment. In the third and fourth years, students work with clinical faculty at regional hub sites throughout the Gulf South. Clerkship experiences encourage problem solving, teamwork, and further advancement in clinical skills development. Students receive additional clinical training through use of patient simulators, standardized patient encounters, and point of care ultrasound.
Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered
Master of Biomedical Science
One-year, non-thesis program in the biomedical sciences designed to prepare students for enrollment in the healthcare professional schools such as medical, dental, physical therapy school,
etc.
Special Programs
OMM Scholars Program
The OMM Scholars Program is a one-year program after completion of the second year of medical school for osteopathic medical students who have a genuine desire to incorporate OMT into their future practice. The OMM Scholars Program is designed for those seeking additional skill in and understanding of neuromusculoskeletal medicine or those interested in educating the next generation of osteopathic physicians. The scholars program provides a limited number of tuition and stipend awards each year.
Global Health Track
At the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM), we strive to educate and train our graduates to meet the unique healthcare needs of a diverse global society. Global health places population health into a global worldwide context. Global health places a priority on reducing health disparities and achieving health equity for people worldwide. Global health also strives to protect populations around the world from global health threats such as infectious diseases, humanitarian crises, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
WCUCOM is excited to offer a Global Health Track in partnership with the Institute for International Medicine (INMED) to educate students regarding health challenges around the world. The Global Health Track will provide motivated students with a distinctive opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of cultural competency, global disease, and international healthcare systems. A goal of the Global Health Track will also be to provide mentorship to students interested in pursuing global health involvement in their future careers.
The Global Health Track will require a four-year commitment from students in good academic and professional standing. The program will engage students in a longitudinal curriculum designed to provide them with a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of global health. Global Health Track students will also be given the opportunity to travel abroad to apply their knowledge in a clinical setting where they will experience both the difficulty and reward of caring for individuals in a global arena. For more information, please contact Dr. Melissa Stephens by email mstephens@wmcarey.edu.
Students can choose one of the following curricular paths:
Professional Diploma in International Medicine & Public Health (15 credit hours)
Professional Certificate Course in International Medicine & Public Health + International Service Learning Experience
Professional Master's in International Health (32 credit hours)
Professional Certificate Course in International Medicine & Public Health + Professional Certificate Course in Epidemiology + Elective Courses + International Service Learning Experience + Scholarly Project
Rural Health Track
At the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM), we strive to educate and train our graduates to meet the unique healthcare needs of medically underserved populations. Many rural areas in our state and region face critical physician shortages. Building an adequate healthcare workforce in these rural communities is vital to maintaining quality healthcare access for the medically underserved.
WCUCOM is excited to offer a Rural Health Track in partnership with the Mississippi Rural Health Association (MRHA) and designated rural hospitals, clinics, and GME programs affiliated with the medical school to educate students regarding health challenges faced by medically underserved populations in rural areas. The Rural Health Track provides motivated students with a distinctive opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of cultural competency, chronic disease, and rural healthcare systems. Under the supervision of designated rural health mentors, students will be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a rural clinical setting, where they will experience both the difficulty and reward of caring for individuals in medically underserved areas.
The Rural Health Track will require a four-year commitment from students in good academic and professional standing. The program will engage students in a longitudinal curriculum designed to provide them with a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of rural healthcare. Rural Health Track students will obtain the Mississippi Rural Health Student Fellow (MRHSF) credential established by the MRHA, while simultaneously completing all requirements for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. For more information, please contact Dr. Melissa Stephens by email mstephens@wmcarey.edu.
Premedical Coursework
Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Anatomy
Recommended4 semester hours
Biochemistry
Recommended4 semester hours
Biology/Zoology
Required With Lab12 semester hours
Cell/Molecular Biology
Recommended4 semester hours
Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Organic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Genetics
Recommended4 semester hours
Physics
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Physiology
Recommended4 semester hours
Additional Science Courses
Behavioral Sciences
Recommended6 semester hours
College English
Required6 semester hours
Math/Statistics
Recommended8 semester hours
Additional Non-Science Courses
Admissions
Admissions is done on a competitive basis. Key criteria in the admissions process are how well the applicant fits the mission of the school, their academic credentials (overall GPA, science GPA, MCAT scores, and recommendations), and their personal attributes. AACOMAS applications are reviewed as soon as they are verified to determine if a secondary application will be granted. Once the secondary application is complete, the candidate will be considered for an interview. The individual will be informed of their status (accept, reject, or defer) within a short time after the interview.
Interview Options: Option to interview virtually or in-person
Physician letter required? MD or DO
Virtual Shadowing Options? Will not require any shadowing
Accepts online coursework to fulfill prerequisite requirements? Yes, but only in certain circumstances (please explain)
Online cousework is accepted only if no in-person classes were offered specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades? Yes
Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? Yes, but only in certain circumstances (please explain)
Online coursework is accepted only if no in-person classes were offered specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.Primary Application Service: AACOMAS
Earliest Application Submission Date: May 6, 2024
Primary Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors
International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students
International students must show evidence of their ability to meet their financial obligations to the institution, as well as their eligibility for visa sponsorship.Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? Yes
Application Interview Format: Traditional
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? No
EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS
Supplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? Yes
If selected for a supplemental application, the candidate must submit the supplemental application and the required letters of recommendation by the stated deadlines to be considered for an interview.Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: May 6, 2024
Supplemental Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants
Applicants are screened based on competitive academic and non-academic credentials.Supplemental Application Fee: $0
Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? No
WCUCOM does not charge a supplemental application fee.WCUCOM does not charge a supplemental application fee.Earliest Acceptance Date
October 1, 2024
Latest Acceptance Date
July 15, 2025
Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
August 1, 2025
Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes
Deferred entrance will be granted only in exceptional circumstances with Admissions Committee approval.Acceptance/deposit deadlines conform to the AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines Schedule? Yes
Osteopathic Medical College (COM) applicants may be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:
- Those accepted prior to November 15 to have until December 14.
- Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 to have 30 days
- Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 to have 14 days.
- Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked by the accepting COM for an immediate deposit.
- After May 1 of the year of matriculation, each COM has the discretion to implement COM-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other COMs.
Mean MCAT Score
499.7
Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score
3.51
Oldest MCAT Considered: May 6, 2021
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 31, 2025
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
- Interfolio
- Paper
Main Admissions Contact
(601) 318-6235
Phone
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2024-2025 Academic Year
In-State Tuition
$48,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$48,000
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$0
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$0
Health Insurance Fee
$3,146
Tuition Fees Include
Estimates, Deposits, and More
Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs
$48,090
Average Graduate Indebtedness
$237,267
Acceptance Deposit
$2,000
Additional Deposit
$0
Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes
Deposit Refundable? No
Financial Aid Website https://wmcarey.edu/Office/financial-aid
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 85%
Scholarships Offered? No