William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine - WCUCOM
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Main Campus
General Information
Mission Statement
Closest City Closest city is Hattiesburg, MS
Campus Setting
RuralFacilities
The medical school complex consists of seven buildings located at William Carey University:
- Completed in 2021, the Health Sciences Building houses all WCU Health Science programs. WCUCOM added a west wing with two 3,300 SF lecture halls seating up to 220 each and additional office spaces.
- COM Academic Building houses two 5,000 SF, brand new lecture halls with seating up to 280, offices, study rooms, and a research laboratory. The new lecture halls will be completed in Winter 2025.
- COM Asbury Administrative Center houses Office of Assessment, Rotations department, OPP faculty and OMM Scholars Clinic.
- COM Turner Medical Arts Building houses the Innovative Learning Center with 16 clinical diagnostic and treatment rooms, eight student conference rooms, study areas, and faculty offices.
- COM Ross Anatomy Building houses the cadaveric anatomy lab, with space for study of medical imaging and anatomical models.
- Fail-Asbury Hall contains faculty offices, graduate level classrooms and student study spaces. Fail-Asbury Hall also contains the 1,850 SF student lounge and a 1,000 SF student fitness room.
- Thomas Building houses 10 clinic rooms, 8 high fidelity simulation rooms, a 2,400 SF OPP lab and a 1,500 SF task trainer room.
- Construction is underway on the Institute for Primary Care (IPC), a 60,000 SF complex expected to be completed by the Summer of 2025. The IPC will house the new 8,000 SF OMM lab, OMM offices and OMM Scholar's Clinic on the first floor. The second floor will have 20 clinic rooms and 8 high fidelity simulation rooms. The COM administrative suite will be on the third floor as well as a new WCUCOM ballroom.
WCUCOM offers robust clinical training experience in a community-based training network representing over 50 hospital systems across the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. We also have a small cohort of students assigned to New York. Other facility-related features include:
- Wireless campus with video-streamed lectures.
- Regional hospital and clinic affiliations that provide comprehensive clinical training opportunities.
- University Library with access to thousands of medically related texts, articles, and 21 subscription e-resources specifically supporting WCUCOM students. There are also five group study conference rooms available in the University Library.
- University cafeteria, diner, student center, coffee shop, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and exercise track.
Student Residence Options
On-campus housing available to WCUCOM students includes 1415 SF townhomes, (3 bedroom, 3 bath with a shared kitchen and living room).
WCUCOM offers over forty clubs ranging from medical special interests and hobbies such as astronomy, running and wilderness medicine. Students are provided opportunities to participate in various community activities such as health screenings, feeding the homeless, and legislative advocacy.
COM Accreditation Status William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCU-COM) is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
University Affiliation(s) William Carey University
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2024-2025
Academic Year Enrollment
Total Medical School Enrollment
741
Total Male
325
Total Female
416
Total Other
0
First-Year Matriculants
191
First-Year Male Matriculants
71
First-Year Female Matriculants
120
First-Year Other Matriculants
0
Matriculants In-State
41
Matriculants Out-of-State
150
Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
34.6%
Black/African American
9.9%
Hispanic/Latino
7.9%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0%
White
37.2%
Multiple Races
2.1%
Undisclosed
7.9%
Majors of First-Year Matriculants
Science Majors
91.1%
Non-Science Majors
8.9%
Graduate Degrees
26.7%
Overview
Private Institution
Non-Profit
William Carey University
Institutional Affiliation
2010
Year Founded
Rural
Campus Setting
Campus Contact
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine - WCUCOM
Address
(601) 318-6235
Phone
Website
Admissions Office
Curricular Offerings
WCUCOM offers an integrated curriculum that begins with first-year foundational courses that address the anatomic and cellular/molecular underpinnings of the science of medicine. Courses are taught through clinically-relevant application and case-based learning experiences while simultaneously developing skills in physical examination, doctor-patient communication, and osteopathic principles and practice.
The second year continues with system-based organization of the biomedical and clinical course content material and increased opportunities for self-directed learning and self-assessment. In the third and fourth years, students work with clinical faculty at regional hub sites throughout the Gulf South. Clerkship experiences encourage problem solving, teamwork, and further advancement in clinical skills development. Students receive additional clinical training through use of patient simulators, standardized patient encounters, and point of care ultrasound.
Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered
Master of Biomedical Science
One-year, non-thesis program in the biomedical sciences designed to prepare students for enrollment in the healthcare professional schools such as medical, dental, physical therapy school,
etc.
Special Programs
OMM Scholars Program
The OMM Scholars Program is a one-year program after completion of the second year of medical school for osteopathic medical students who have a genuine desire to incorporate OMT into their future practice. The OMM Scholars Program is designed for those seeking additional skill in and understanding of neuromusculoskeletal medicine or those interested in educating the next generation of osteopathic physicians. The scholars program provides a limited number of tuition and stipend awards each year.
Global Health Track
At the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine(WCUCOM), we strive to educate and train our graduates to meet the unique healthcare needs of a diverse global society. Global health places population health into a global worldwide context. Global health places a priority on reducing health disparities and achieving health equity for people worldwide. Global health also strives to protect populations around the world from global health threats such as infectious diseases, humanitarian crises, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
WCUCOM is excited to offer a GlobalHealth Track in partnership with the Institute for International Medicine (INMED) to educate students regarding health challenges around the world. The Global Health Track will provide motivated students with a distinctive opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of cultural competency, global disease, and international healthcare systems. A goal of the Global Health Track will also be to provide mentorship to students interested in pursuing global health involvement in their future careers.
The Global Health Track will require a four-year commitment from students in good academic and professional standing. The program will engage students in a longitudinal curriculum designed to provide them with a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of global health. Global Health Track students will also be given the opportunity to travel abroad to apply their knowledge in a clinical setting where they will experience both the difficulty and reward of caring for individuals in a global arena. For more information, please contact Dr. James Mitchell by email jmitchell@wmcarey.edu.
Students can choose one of the following curricular paths:
- Professional Diploma in International Medicine & Public Health (15 credit hours)
Professional Certificate Course in International Medicine & Public Health + International Service Learning Experience - Professional Master's in International Health (32 credit hours)
Professional Certificate Course in International Medicine &Public Health + Professional Certificate Course in Epidemiology + Elective Courses + International Service Learning Experience+ Scholarly Project
Rural Health Track
At the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM), we strive to educate and train our graduates to meet the unique healthcare needs of medically underserved populations. Many rural areas in our state and region face critical physician shortages. Building an adequate healthcare workforce in these rural communities is vital to maintaining quality healthcare access for the medically underserved.
WCUCOM is excited to offer a Rural Health Track in partnership with the Mississippi Rural Health Association (MRHA) and designated rural hospitals, clinics, and GME programs affiliated with the medical school to educate students regarding health challenges faced by medically underserved populations in rural areas. The Rural Health Track provides motivated students with a distinctive opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of cultural competency, chronic disease, and rural healthcare systems. Under the supervision of designated rural health mentors, students will be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a rural clinical setting, where they will experience both the difficulty and reward of caring for individuals in medically underserved areas.
The Rural Health Track will require a four-year commitment from students in good academic and professional standing. The program will engage students in a longitudinal curriculum designed to provide them with a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of rural healthcare. Rural Health Track students will obtain the Mississippi Rural Health Student Fellow (MRHSF) credential established by the MRHA, while simultaneously completing all requirements for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. For more information, please contact Dr. Kerry Scott by email kscott@wmcarey.edu.
Premedical Coursework
Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Anatomy
Recommended4 semester hours
Biochemistry
Recommended4 semester hours
Biology/Zoology
Required With Lab12 semester hours
Cell/Molecular Biology
Recommended4 semester hours
Chemistry (Inorganic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Chemistry (Organic)
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Genetics
Recommended4 semester hours
Physics
Required With Lab8 semester hours
Physiology
Recommended4 semester hours
Additional Science Courses
Behavioral Sciences
Recommended6 semester hours
College English
Required6 semester hours
Math/Statistics
Recommended8 semester hours
Additional Non-Science Courses
Admissions
Admissions is done on a competitive basis. Key criteria in the admissions process are how well the applicant fits the mission of the school, their academic credentials (overall GPA, science GPA, MCAT scores, and recommendations), and their personal attributes. AACOMAS applications are reviewed as soon as they are verified to determine if a secondary application will be granted. Once the secondary application is complete, the candidate will be considered for an interview. The individual will be informed of their status (accept, reject, or defer) within a short time after the interview.
Interview Options: Option to interview virtually or in-person
Physician letter required? MD or DO
Virtual Shadowing Options? Will not require any shadowing
Accepts online coursework to fulfill prerequisite requirements? Yes, but only in certain circumstances
Online coursework is accepted only if no in-person classes were offered specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades? Yes
Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No
Accepts online lab coursework? Yes, but only in certain circumstances
Online coursework is accepted only if no in-person classes were offered specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic.Primary Application Service: AACOMAS
Earliest Application Submission Date: May 5, 2025
Primary Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Submission Timing for Best Consideration
First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors
International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students
International students must show evidence of their ability to meet their financial obligations to the institution, as well as their eligibility for visa sponsorship.Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? Yes
Application Interview Format: Traditional
Early Decision Program (EDP)
EDP Offered? No
EDP Applications Submitted To Other
N/ASupplemental Application
Supplemental Application Required? Yes
If selected for a supplemental application, the candidate must submit the supplemental application and the required letters of recommendation by the stated deadlines to be considered for an interview.Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: May 5, 2025
Supplemental Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants
Applicants are screened based on competitive academic and non-academic credentials.Supplemental Application Fee: $75
Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No
Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? No
WCUCOM does not charge a supplemental application fee.Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students
July 29, 2026
Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes
Deferred entrance will be granted only in exceptional circumstances with Admissions Committee approval.Acceptance/deposit deadlines conform to the AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines Schedule? Yes
Osteopathic Medical College (COM) applicants may be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:
- Those accepted prior to November 15 to have until December 14.
- Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 to have 30 days
- Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 to have 14 days.
- Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked by the accepting COM for an immediate deposit.
- After May 1 of the year of matriculation, each COM has the discretion to implement COM-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other COMs.
Mean MCAT Score
497.8
Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score
3.51
Oldest MCAT Considered: March 15, 2023
Latest MCAT Score Accepted: January 31, 2026
Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation
- AACOMAS
- Interfolio
- Paper
Main Admissions Contact
(601) 318-6235
Phone
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
2025-2026 Academic Year
In-State Tuition
$49,500
Out-of-State Tuition
$49,500
Annual Fees
In-State Resident Fees
$0
Out-of-State Resident Fees
$0
Health Insurance Fee
$3,460
Tuition Fees Include
Estimates, Deposits, and More
Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs
$52,134
Average Graduate Indebtedness
$182,500
Acceptance Deposit
$2,000
Additional Deposit
$0
Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes
Deposit Refundable? No
Financial Aid Website https://wmcarey.edu/Office/financial-aid
Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 77%
Scholarships Offered? No
Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $35,270