Certificate in Premedical Sciences

While a minimum of 15 credits completed in the sciences in the Postbac Premedical Program is required for a Committee Letter of Support, students who complete 20 credits in the sciences in the Postbac Program may be eligible for a Certificate in Premedical Sciences. The Certificate in Premedical Sciences is not required by medical schools; however, it does signify that a student has satisfactorily completed a premedical curriculum as recognized by Columbia University and the State of New York. Resembling a Columbia University diploma, the Premedical Sciences Certificate is officially conferred on three different dates during the year (May, October, and February), although the Program hosts a certificate ceremony only once a year in May. Students should consult with their postbac advisor concerning eligibility for the certificate.

Students are eligible to receive a Certificate in Premedical Sciences from Columbia University if they:

• Complete the program within five years of matriculation
• Earn a minimum of 20 credits of the required premedical curriculum, which includes the organic chemistry-biology sequences (or an approved advanced-level equivalent) with satisfactory grades and a minimum grade point average of 3.0

Applying for the Certificate in Premedical Sciences

In order for the certificate to be conferred, eligible students must file an application with the Postbac Premed Program office by the following deadlines set by the Office of the Registrar:

August 1: For October certificates
November 1: For February certificates
December 1: For May certificates