About Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

In January 2010, Marian University announced the creation of the Indiana’s newest medical school. Opening in 2013, the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) became Indiana’s first medical school in 110 years. Recognizing the power of the osteopathic medical philosophy, treating patients mind, body, and spirit to find root cause of illness.

The doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) program emphasizes osteopathic training in all areas of medicine, particularly primary care, through lifelong learning and scholarly activity delivered by a dynamic academic community.

Students begin their careers in osteopathic medicine in an environment focused on success. Created with the Fundamental Osteopathic Medical Competencies 2011 and the Carnegie Report 2010 in mind, MU-COM utilizes a competency-based curriculum, with early clinical experiences, clinical integration in biomedical courses, and interdisciplinary training.

The Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences is home to MU-COM and the Alan and Sue Leighton School of Nursing—giving medical and nursing students opportunities for interprofessional education in a state-of-the-art facility. Located on the southeast corner of the Marian University campus, students have access to a vibrant campus, a great city, and countless professional and personal opportunities. Visit our Campus Life page for more information.

Campus Life

For more than 75 years Marian University has been educating students in a faith-based, liberal arts environment. The rich tradition and vibrant campus gives all students access to arts, cultural, and sporting events throughout the year. Students have access to study areas, recreational facilities, research labs, a student center, as well as other areas throughout campus.

The Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences serves as home to MU-COM and the Alan and Sue Leighton School of Nursing. The spirit of collaboration between faculties is also continued with many of the student clubs and volunteering opportunities. This fosters an environment where future nurses and physicians work together in a variety of environments.

Located just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, MU-COM provides access to a variety of nationally recognized hospitals, research facilities, and other medical organizations.

Indianapolis, known as the Crossroads of America, is one of America’s greatest cities and is ranked the 13th largest city (2012 Census Bureau). MU-COM’s location near downtown Indianapolis provides our medical students with access to nationally recognized physicians working in some of the premier hospitals and research facilities in the world.

Our History

Only one medical school in the state of Indiana for more than 110 years left an important void in educating enough physicians to meet the healthcare needs of the community and state. Since the late 1990’s the Indiana Osteopathic Association (IOA) had been searching for a partner to build an osteopathic medical school, in late 2009 they found one. 

In January 2010, the decision to move forward with developing Indiana’s first new medical school since 1903 was endorsed by the Marian University Board of Trustees and the IOA. The IOA selected Marian University’s proposal, which included a lead gift by founder and CEO of AIT Laboratories, Michael A. Evans, Ph.D. In recognition of his gift, the university’s new building was named Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences. On January 15, 2010 the university and the IOA announced plans to start Indiana first osteopathic medical school.

Since the announcement in 2010 the university and the college of osteopathic medicine have worked diligently to bring together many partners to help make the venture possible. These partners include architects, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, law firms, and other businesses—all investing in the project monetarily and/or by providing our students a wider variety of learning opportunities at their organizations. With their partnerships, our teaching philosophy, and our facilities MU-COM was awarded provisional accreditation on July 1, 2012 from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). This allowed MU-COM to enroll the first class of osteopathic medical student in the state’s history in August 2013.

Check out our Virtual Tour of the Michael A. Evans Center for the Health Sciences.