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Early Admission Pathways

Interested in graduate school or USM's prestigious nursing program? The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ offers Early Admission Pathways for high-achieving scholars. Experience a seamless transition into your next academic program and kickstart your career by simplifying the admissions process. USM's Early Admission Pathways (EAP) benefit students in a variety of fields, including health care, business, and engineering.

Explore our pathways:

High school applicants to »¨½·Ö±²¥ can benefit from early admission to USM’s accelerated five-year track in athletic training. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Health and Sport Sciences and a Master of Science in Athletic Training in five years at USM.

In the Early Admission Pathway, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you have a guaranteed seat in the USM master’s program, so long as you meet key academic milestones.

Admission Requirements:

  • ACT composite of at least 21 or English/Math Accuplacer of at least 265
  • 3.5 high school GPA, including all science coursework

Key Academic Milestones:

  • Maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5
  • C or better in undergraduate prerequisite coursework
  • Maintain good conduct standing at USM

Interested in the program? Contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Rachel Estinvil at rachel.estinvil@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328

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High school applicants to »¨½·Ö±²¥ can benefit from accelerated admission to USM’s Stefani Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

In the Accelerated Admission Pathway, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you have a reserved seat in USM's DPT program, so long as you meet key academic milestones.

Eligibility for pre-admission in USM’s Stefani Doctor of Physical Therapy Program:

  • A minimum high school grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0

Requirements for maintaining pre-admission status (freshman through senior year):

  • Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA
  • Transcripts are checked annually at the end of each academic calendar year. DPT pre-admit students must provide a copy of their transcript following the completion of each spring semester
  • Meet once annually with a DPT program representative
  • Complete all prerequisite classes as specified by the DPT program
  • Demonstrate progression toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree by the end of the fourth year (before entry into the DPT program)
  • No later than Sept. 1 of senior year: Complete the application process as required by PTCAS, which includes:
    • Completing a written essay
    • Completing a personal interview with a member of the DPT program (interview dates are announced annually)

Interested in the program? Contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Rachel Estinvil at rachel.estinvil@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328

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High school applicants to »¨½·Ö±²¥ can benefit from early admission to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

In the Early Admission Pathway, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you have a guaranteed seat in USM's OTD program, so long as you meet key academic milestones.

Eligibility for pre-admission in USM's Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program:

  • A minimum high school grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0

Requirements for maintaining pre-admission status (freshman through senior year):

  • Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Transcripts are checked annually at the end of each academic calendar year. OTD pre-admit students must provide a copy of their transcript following the completion of each spring semester.
  • Meet once annually with an OTD program representative
  • Complete all prerequisite classes as specified by the OTD program
  • Demonstrate progression toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree by the end of the fourth year (before entry into the OTD program)
  • No later than Dec. 31 of senior year: Complete the application process as required by OTCAS, which includes:
    • Completing a written essay
    • Completing a personal interview with a member of the OTD program (interview dates are announced annually)

Interested in the program? Contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Rachel Estinvil at rachel.estinvil@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328

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The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is one of the few KC-area schools offering early admission into the BSN program for incoming freshmen.

In the Early Admission Pathway, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you have a guaranteed seat in USM’s nursing class once you’ve completed your prerequisites, so long as you stay on pace and meet key academic milestones.

At most other colleges, you need to re-apply to nursing school after your sophomore year.

Admission Requirements:

  • 3.5 high school GPA and a 24 or higher on the ACT
    • Or a 3.75 high school GPA with an essay (no ACT required)
  • Maintain a 3.5 overall GPA at USM
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA in science courses at USM

Interested in the program? Contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Rachel Estinvil at rachel.estinvil@stmary.edu or 913-758-6328

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As a human biology major at the »¨½·Ö±²¥, you’re focusing your career goals on becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (D.C.).

The USM human biology degree offers a unique path to achieving your dream thanks to a strategic partnership with .

How the 3+4 Program Works

  • During your freshman, sophomore, and junior years, you’ll study at USM—under the 3+4 plan.
  • As a junior, you’ll apply to CU-KC.
  • Upon acceptance to Cleveland, you’ll embark on a four-year course of study at CU-KC (at the conclusion of your junior year).
  • You’ll be awarded your USM Bachelor of Science in Human Biology when you complete your first 31 credits at CU-KC.
  • After four years at CU-KC, you’ll be awarded a Doctorate of Chiropractic Medicine.

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As a biomedical sciences major at the »¨½·Ö±²¥, you’re focusing your career goals on becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

USM offers a unique path to achieving your dream thanks to a strategic partnership with .

How the 3+4 Program Works

  • You’ll study as a freshman at USM and will be admitted into the partnership program with KCU as a sophomore.
  • As a senior, you’ll enter KCU, where you’ll complete a four-year course of study. And the best part, you don't have to take the MCAT.
  • When you complete your first year at KCU, you’ll be awarded your Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from USM.
  • When you finish at KCU after four years, you’ll be a D.O.

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As a biomedical sciences major at the »¨½·Ö±²¥, you’re focusing your career goals on becoming a Doctor of  Dental Science (D.D.S.)

USM offers a unique path to achieving your dream thanks to a strategic partnership with .

How the 3+4 Program Works

  • You’ll study as a freshman at USM and will be admitted into the partnership program with KCU as a sophomore.
  • As a senior, you’ll enter KCU, where you’ll complete a four-year course of study. And the best part, you don't have to take the MCAT.
  • When you complete your first year at KCU, you’ll be awarded your Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from USM.
  • When you finish at KCU after four years, you’ll be a D.D.S.

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Enhanced Professional Accounting Program (BS, CPA, CMA MBA)

On top of earning your Bachelor of Science in Accounting at USM, you can also dive into the Enhanced Professional Accounting Program (BS, CPA, CMA, MBA). Experts say landing your dream job, earning a promotion, or receiving a substantial pay increase may come down to the credentials behind your name.

How the CPA+MBA Program Works

  • Step 1: Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting
  • Step 2: Meet the requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam
  • Step 3: Earn an MBA with a concentration in accounting

Interested in the program? Contact Joe Perez, graduate admissions counselor, at joe.perez@stmary.edu or 913-319-3003.

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The »¨½·Ö±²¥ offers a dual-degree partnership program with the  engineering program. In addition to USM’s core mathematics track and general education requirements, pre-engineering students will complete engineering courses while attending UMKC.

How the 3 + 2 Program Works

  • During your freshman, sophomore, and junior years, you'll study at USM.
  • As a junior, you'll apply to UMKC.
  • Upon acceptance to UMKC, you'll embark on a two-year course of study at UMKC (at the conclusion of your junior year).
  • After completing one year of engineering classes at UMKC, you'll receive a USM Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics.
  • After successfully completing two years at UMKC, you'll receive a Bachelor of Science in either civil engineering or mechanical engineering.

Interested in the program? Contact Dr. Rick Silvey, mathematics program director at SilveyR@stmary.edu or 913-682-5151.

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Nursing students at Simulation

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Why EA Pathways?

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Secure a Guaranteed Seat

With EAP, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you have a guaranteed seat in your program of choice – so long as you meet key academic milestones.

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Bypass Some Admission Requirements

EAP allows you to skip a few time-consuming and stressful steps in the application process. We help simplify your path to a rewarding career.

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Get a Headstart to Your Career

Some of USM's pre-professional tracks accelerate your education by one year. Complete your degree in less time with one of our rigorous programs.


Interested in an early admissions pathway?

Contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Randoulph Castor at randoulph.castor@stmary.edu or 913-758-6100, or