Missouri Western students have the opportunity to be selected into the Partners Program with the Kansas City University (KCU). This program is designed for outstanding students interested in Dental Medicine to enter KCU College of Dental Medicine following their junior year. Following successful completion of the first year of dental school at KCU-Joplin campus, appropriate credits will be transferred to MWSU and students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology/Health Science concentration. Students will be selected in the sophomore year based on the following criteria:
- ACT score- 24 minimum
- Freshman year academic performance (minimum 3.25 GPA/3.50 Science GPA)
- Community service
- Extracurricular activities
- Dental shadowing experiences
- Knowledge of and dedication to the field of dentistry
To be considered, students must make application to the committee no later than the advertised deadline during the fall semester of the sophomore year. Selection of qualified applicants will be made by the Missouri Western Health Professions Advisory Committee following an interview. Selected students will then complete an online application with KCU and complete the required steps. Final selection into the Partners Program is made by the KCU Admissions Committee. Selected students must declare a Biology/Health Science major at MWSU and complete the following academic requirements by the end of the junior year:
A minimum of 90 credits, including:
- All MWSU General Studies Courses required for graduation
- ALL MWSU Biology Major Core requirements
| Core Requirements | Semester Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 105 | Principles of Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIO 106 | Principles of Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 205 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIO 225 | Ecology | 4 |
| CHE 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHE 120 | General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHE 310 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 311 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
| CHE 370 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
| MAT 111 or MAT 11E | Introductory Statistics | 3-4 |
| MAT 116 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PHY 110 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 111 | College Physics II | 4 |
- A minimum of three of the following courses:
| Elective Courses | Semester Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 250 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
| BIO 310 | Molecular Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 311 | Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 390 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 411 | Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIO 416 | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
| BIO 417 | Medical Parasitology | 4 |
| BIO 421 | Immunology | 4 |
| BIO 430 | Molecular Basis of Disease | 4 |
| BIO 441 | Virology | 4 |
To remain in the Partners Program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 and a science GPA of 3.5 with all science classes earning a grade of “C” or better. Failure to maintain these academic standards will result in dismissal from the program. The DAT will not be required for admission through this early matriculation Partners Program. However, selected students must attend a mandatory course conducted at KCU following the junior year and prior to matriculation. 30 credits of first-year dental school coursework will transfer to MWSU to complete the bachelor’s degree. Additional details and application material can be obtained through the MWSU Department of Biology or visit http://kansascity.edu/programs/partner-programs
Mapping your degree plan is important. Consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.