Stevens Institute of Technology and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Launch New B.S./D.O. Pathways
HOBOKEN, N.J., October 28, 2026 — Stevens Institute of Technology and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine today announced a new partnership that will provide qualified Stevens students with accelerated and traditional pathways to earn both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. The program offers students a streamlined route to medical school while benefiting from Stevens' rigorous STEM education and Rowan-Virtua SOM's nationally recognized osteopathic medical training.
The partnership offers students two pathways to a medical degree. The accelerated 3+4 pathway enables eligible students to complete three years of undergraduate study at Stevens followed by four years at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, reducing the time and expense required to earn both degrees to seven years. Students who prefer a more traditional college experience may pursue the 4+4 pathway, completing four years at Stevens and four years in medical school. Both pathways combine Stevens' technology-focused STEM education with Rowan-Virtua SOM's osteopathic medical training, creating a clear route from undergraduate study to a career in medicine.
The program is designed to help address growing healthcare workforce needs while creating new opportunities for talented students interested in careers in medicine. "This partnership reflects Stevens' commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders through an education grounded in science, technology and innovation," said Patricia Muisener, Teaching Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. "As Stevens continues to expand its pre-health offerings, we're creating more avenues for students to connect their interests in science, technology and healthcare with meaningful medical careers.” Added Sarah Oldham, Director of Pre-Health Advising: “By creating direct pathways to medical school with Rowan-Virtua SOM, we are streamlining opportunities for students who aspire to make a difference in medicine and patient care.”
"We are excited to partner with Stevens Institute of Technology and welcome their talented students into our osteopathic medical education community,” said Paula Watkins, Assistant Dean for Admissions at Rowan-Virtua SOM. "The combination of Stevens' strong foundation in science, technology and problem-solving and Rowan-Virtua SOM's patient-centered approach to medical education will help prepare future physicians to meet the evolving needs of healthcare."
Students accepted to the accelerated 3+4 pathway will pursue Stevens' Accelerated Chemical Biology curriculum before transitioning to Rowan-Virtua SOM. Students in the 4+4 pathway may pursue any undergraduate major while completing required pre-medical coursework. Both pathways allow students to benefit from dedicated advising, mentoring and engagement opportunities with faculty and medical professionals throughout their undergraduate years. The first cohort of applicants starts this academic year. Students apply to the 3+4 program in their senior year of high school with a November 1 deadline. Current Stevens sophomores can apply to the 4+4 program starting in spring 2027.
In addition to academic preparation, Rowan-Virtua SOM will provide participating students with opportunities to engage in virtual and in-person experiences that may include campus visits, osteopathic manipulative medicine demonstrations, interactions with medical students, and discussions with physicians and faculty.
The new program joins Stevens' portfolio of accelerated pre-medicine pathways and reinforces the university's commitment to providing students with innovative educational opportunities that connect undergraduate study to high-impact professional careers.
As healthcare becomes increasingly shaped by advances in technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics and biomedical innovation, Stevens continues to expand educational pathways that prepare students to lead at the intersection of medicine and technology. The Rowan-Virtua SOM partnership builds on the university's growing commitment to pre-health education, providing students with access to rigorous scientific training, hands-on research and clear pathways to careers as physicians and healthcare innovators.
"This partnership is another important step in Stevens' growing commitment to pre-medical and health-related education," said Woo Lee, Professor and Department Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. "Our students are uniquely positioned to bring technological expertise, analytical thinking and an innovative mindset to the healthcare challenges of the future. By expanding pathways to medical school, we're helping prepare the next generation of physician leaders."
For more information, visit Stevens Accelerated Pre-Medicine Programs
About Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens is a premier, private research university situated in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since our founding in 1870, technological innovation has been the hallmark of Stevens’ education and research. Within the university’s four schools, more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students collaborate closely with faculty in an interdisciplinary, student-centric, entrepreneurial environment. Academic and research programs spanning business, computing, engineering, the arts and other disciplines actively advance the frontiers of science and leverage technology to confront our most pressing global challenges. The university continues to be consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in career services, post-graduation salaries of alumni and return on tuition investment.
About Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Rowan-Virtua SOM is celebrating 50 years as New Jersey’s only osteopathic medical school. With campuses in Stratford and Sewell, Rowan-Virtua SOM has earned a national reputation for excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. As part of the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University—a unique academic health partnership between Rowan University, a top 100 public research institution, and Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system—Rowan-Virtua SOM is vital to addressing the healthcare needs of New Jersey and beyond.
Media Contact
Lina Zeldovich
Manager of Media Relations
Division of University Advancement
Stevens Institute of Technology
201-216-5123
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