Selecting a Major

Students planning to enter a medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, physician assistant, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, or other graduate program in the health professions after receiving a B.S. or B.A. degree should select a major in the field of their greatest interest and ability.

Many students choose a major in the sciences; however, majors in the humanities, arts, or other fields are perfectly acceptable for medical school. Dental schools prefer at least 60 credits in the sciences. The minimum requirements for most health professional schools can be added with little difficulty into virtually any major.

Minimum preparation for the pre-health professional student can vary but will usually include one year of inorganic (general) chemistry, two semesters of biology, one to two semesters of organic chemistry, one semester of biochemistry, one semester of calculus, one semester of statistics, one year of physics, and one semester of psychology. These courses can be satisfied in about two years (4 semesters) and all of these courses (except mathematics, biochemistry, and psychology) must include laboratory components. Certain additional courses in anatomy, microbiology, and behavioral science may be required or recommended by some physician assistant and other health professions programs.

Students are encouraged to consider studying abroad. Study abroad offers a valuable opportunity to enrich and gain perspective on preparation for all health professions programs.