Medical School BS-MD 6 Year Program
Start at Canisius, train internationally, and launch your medical career—all in six years.
Our accelerated BS-MD program allows you to earn both your Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees in just six years. The program combines coursework at Canisius University and the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine (WAUSM), preparing you for a medical career in the United States or Canada.
How the Program Works
Years 1-2: Canisius University
You will complete 7 terms at Canisius University, including two summer sessions. The program runs three terms per year, allowing you to progress quickly through your undergraduate studies.
Study Abroad: WAUSM (Freeport, Bahamas)
After your time at Canisius, you will complete 2 terms at WAUSM as a study abroad student in Freeport, Bahamas. This coursework transfers back to Canisius, and you will receive your B.S. degree from Canisius University.
Medical School Foundation: WAUSM (Freeport)
You will then complete 3 additional terms of medical coursework at WAUSM in Freeport.
Clinical Training: Chicago (and future locations)
For your clinical rotations, you will move to Chicago or other future clinical sites for 5 terms of hands-on training in hospital and medical settings.
Graduation and Next Steps
Upon completing all requirements, you will graduate with your M.D. degree from WAUSM. You will then be eligible to apply to residency programs in the United States or Canada to begin your medical specialty training.
Application Process
To join the CU-WAUSM 6-Year BS-MD Program, you must apply to and be accepted by both Canisius University and WAUSM. Here's how the process works.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- Meet all standard Canisius University admissions requirements
- High school GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Standardized test scores (recommended but not required):
- SAT: 1200 composite (600 minimum in math), OR
- ACT: 25 composite (25 minimum in math)
Competitive Applicants The strongest candidates typically have:
- High school GPA of 3.7 or higher, OR top 10% of graduating class
- SAT: 1340 composite (650 minimum in math), OR
- ACT: 28 composite (26 minimum in math)
Full Application Process
Step 1: Apply to Canisius University
Apply directly to Canisius or through the Common App using our standard application process.
Step 2: Complete the Supplemental Application
Answer four essay questions (word counts below):
- Why do you want to become a physician? (800-1000 words)
- Why is the Canisius-WAUSM 6-year BS-MD program a good fit for you? (500-800 words)
- Describe an experience helping someone in your community and how it impacted you. (500-800 words)
- How has your background prepared you for the rigor of an accelerated medical program? (500-800 words)
Step 3: Interview with Canisius
Selected applicants will interview with a Canisius admissions counselor and a member of our pre-med committee.
Step 4: Apply and Interview with WAUSM
You must also complete a separate application to WAUSM and participate in their interview process.
Final Acceptance
You must receive acceptance from both Canisius University and WAUSM to join the program.
Why Canisius University?
A Jesuit Foundation for Medicine
At Canisius, your medical education begins with core Jesuit values that define excellent physicians:
- Cura personalis (care for the whole person) - treating patients holistically
- Magis (striving for more) - pursuing excellence for the greater good
- Solidarity and justice - standing with underserved communities and addressing health inequities
These aren't just principles—they're practiced daily through clinical experiences and community engagement in Buffalo.
Buffalo: Your Training Ground
Canisius is located in the heart of Buffalo's thriving medical community, giving you immediate access to:
- Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus - home to Roswell Park (the nation's first cancer institute), the largest outpatient neurology practice in the US, and a leading women's and children's hospital
- Diverse patient populations - including recent immigrants, refugees, and communities across all socioeconomic backgrounds
- Real-world health challenges - experience firsthand the social, political, and economic factors that impact health
Buffalo's diversity mirrors the communities you'll serve throughout your career, providing essential preparation for culturally competent care.
What You'll Experience
Beyond rigorous academics, you'll participate in focused co-curricular programming designed specifically for this accelerated path:
Clinical & Community Engagement
- Hands-on clinical experiences at Buffalo medical institutions
- Service opportunities addressing health disparities and social determinants of health
- Connections with Canisius medical alumni across the country
Professional Development
- Introduction to medical specialties and professionalism
- Medical terminology and healthcare systems courses
- Residency and career preparation with current residents and practicing physicians
Building Your Network
- Integration with WAUSM in Freeport, Bahamas
- Connections to your future clinical training site in Chicago
- Access to our extensive Canisius medical alumni network
Cultural Immersion
- Exploration of Buffalo's arts, architecture, and cultural institutions
- Understanding the history and community you'll serve during your training
This combination of Jesuit values, academic rigor, and community-based learning creates physicians who are not just skilled clinicians, but compassionate leaders ready to address health challenges wherever they practice.