The Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program is an innovative academic pathway that helps students earn a bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in just seven years.
This program is a partnership between Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM) and several in-state universities.
Students complete three years of undergraduate study, followed by their first year of medical school.
That fourth year also counts as their final undergraduate year, allowing them to receive a bachelor’s degree from their initial university.
By joining the Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program, students save time and money while pursuing careers in primary care or rural medicine.
How the Program Is Structured
The program follows a 3 + 4 timeline.
Students spend their first three years completing core undergraduate coursework in approved majors like biology, chemistry, or health sciences.
In the fourth year, they matriculate at OSU-COM as first-year medical students.
That year also fulfills the final requirements for their bachelor’s degree at their original university.
They continue with three more years of medical school to earn their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students at one of the participating Oklahoma partner universities.
They should have completed at least 60 credit hours by the end of their sophomore year.
A minimum 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in science courses are required.
Applicants must also complete at least 500 hours of healthcare experience before their junior year.
This experience can include volunteering, clinical shadowing, or paid healthcare roles.
Students must meet all pre-med course requirements outlined by OSU-COM.
How to Apply
Students must apply during the spring or summer before their junior year.
Applications are submitted through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
Applicants must also submit a supplemental application and verification form to OSU-COM by October 15.
Selected students will be invited for interviews held during the fall semester.
If accepted, they receive provisional admission to OSU-COM, which becomes final once all academic and professional requirements are met.
List of Participating Universities
The Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program is offered in partnership with several public and private institutions across the state.
These include:
- Cameron University
- East Central University
- Langston University
- Mid-America Christian University
- Northeastern State University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma State University (Stillwater)
- Rogers State University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
Each school works closely with OSU-COM to support eligible students and ensure they meet degree requirements.
Program Benefits
One of the main benefits of the Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program is the time saved.
Students can earn two degrees in seven years instead of the usual eight.
This reduces tuition and living expenses by one full academic year.
Another major benefit is early, provisional acceptance to medical school.
This reduces the stress and uncertainty often tied to the traditional med school application process.
Students may also be eligible for scholarships and special tracks like rural or tribal medicine training.
Rural and Tribal Medical Focus
The Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program supports the state’s goal of increasing medical access in rural and underserved areas.
Students are encouraged to pursue the Rural or Tribal Medical Track while studying at OSU-COM.
These tracks offer clinical rotations, mentorship, and training experiences in Oklahoma’s rural communities.
Graduates are more likely to practice in areas where physicians are most needed.
This directly supports healthcare systems in under-resourced regions of the state.
Success Stories and Outcomes
Several students from schools like Southeastern Oklahoma State University have already been accepted into the 3 + 1 pathway.
These students come from towns like Durant, Bixby, Calera, and Clayton.
Their progress shows that the program is producing future doctors with strong local ties.
Many of these students plan to return to their communities after medical school.
The Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program is helping to build a pipeline of medical professionals for the state’s rural areas.
Final Thoughts
The Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program is a practical and rewarding path for students dedicated to primary care and rural health.
It shortens the time to a medical degree, lowers education costs, and creates opportunities to serve communities in need.
If you are a driven undergraduate in Oklahoma and interested in a career in osteopathic medicine, this program may be the right fit for you.
Consider speaking with your academic advisor today to start planning your path into the Oklahoma 3 + 1 Program.