On the recommendation of the faculty, the President of the Baylor College of Medicine confers the degree Doctor of Medicine on students who satisfactorily complete the School of Medicine curriculum, demonstrate the intellectual, professional, and interpersonal skills to function as a physician, and adhere to the high moral and ethical standards of the noble profession of medicine.
Beginning with 2023 Matriculants
A student must first earn credit in each of the required courses in the foundational sciences curriculum before progressing to the clinical curriculum. Students typically complete the foundational sciences curriculum in 15 months but must complete this portion of the curriculum within 30 months from original matriculation date or risk dismissal from the School of Medicine.
Only students who have earned credit for each component of the foundational sciences curriculum (including passing the NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination) within the prescribed time frame are allowed to advance to the clinical curriculum. During the clinical curriculum, a student must earn credit for each of the core clinical clerkships, a sub-internship, selectives, critical care, electives, and Transition to Residency. In addition, a student must pass USMLE (Step 1 and 2 CK) as well as the BCM CPX examination. Students typically complete the clinical curriculum in 30 months but must compete this portion of the curriculum in 42 months or risk dismissal from the School of Medicine.
Legacy Curriculum
A student must first earn credit in each of the required courses in the foundational sciences curriculum before progressing to the clinical curriculum. Students typically complete the foundational sciences curriculum in 18 months but must complete this portion of the curriculum within 30 months from original matriculation date or risk dismissal from the School of Medicine.
Only students who have earned credit for each component of the foundational sciences curriculum (including passing the NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination) within the prescribed time frame are allowed to advance to the clinical curriculum. During the clinical curriculum, a student must earn credit for each of the core clinical clerkships, a sub-internship, selectives, electives, CABS courses, Patient Safety DDASH, and APEX. In addition, a student must pass USMLE (Step 1 and 2CK) as well as the BCM CPX examination. Students typically complete the clinical curriculum in 30 months but must compete this portion of the curriculum in 42 months or risk dismissal from the School of Medicine.
Unless part of a dual degree or other academic or professional program approved by the Committee on Student Promotions and Academic Achievement, students typically complete the entire School of Medicine curriculum in 46 months from matriculation but must complete the entire curriculum within 72 months of the original matriculation date or face dismissal from the School of Medicine.
Note: Updated graduation requirements include recent Curriculum Committee-approved changes/waivers due to COVID-19.
Core Competency Graduation Goals
- Core Competency Graduation Goals (Beginning with 2023 Matriculants)
- Core Competency Graduation Goals (Legacy Curriculum)
Graduation Requirements by Year
Student Handbook
Looking for a topic in the handbook? See our table of contents for links to all handbook pages.
Contact Information
General contacts, office numbers, foundational sciences and clinical academic numbers.
