10 Popular Michigan State University Pre Med Majors
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Genomics & Molecular Genetics
- Global & International Studies
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Sciences
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The biochemistry and molecular biology major combines the elements of a liberal education with thorough preparation in biochemistry and molecular biology and the underlying principles of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. It is intended primarily for those students who wish to pursue a career in which a sound knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology is necessary or for students who plan further studies at the graduate or professional level.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of biology, mathematics and chemistry.
Alumni work at:
- Environmental and pollution control companies
- Biotechnology industry
- County, state and federal agencies
- Clinical reference laboratories
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Food processing and dairy industries
- Medical schools
Alumni work as:
- Biochemists
- Biophysicists
- Medical and clinical laboratory technologists
- Food scientists and technologists
- Forensic science technicians
- Geneticists
- Educators
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Chemistry
As a chemistry major you will study the properties, composition and reactions of different substances within the framework of the four principal areas of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Undergraduate students at Michigan State University can choose to pursue a chemistry major for the completion of either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry is intended for those students desiring a less specialized background in chemistry compared to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students interested in teaching chemistry in high school normally complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry.
The Bachelor of Science in chemistry is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the various fields of chemistry and related sciences. The program is for students planning careers in the chemical industries or governmental laboratories or who intend to do graduate work in chemistry. The degree satisfies requirements for professional recognition by the American Chemical Society and most students earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry continue with a doctoral program.
Chemistry is also a popular major choice for students who plan to pursue professional school for human health careers like dentistry, medicine and optometry. You can learn more about the support offered to undergraduate students pursuing these prehealth careers by viewing the preprofessional resources provided by the College of Natural Science.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of chemistry and related sciences.
Alumni work at:
- Colleges and universities
- Consulting firms
- Forensic laboratories
- High schools and middle schools
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotechnology companies
- Private research labs
Alumni work as:
- Biochemical engineers
- Chemical patent lawyers
- Food scientists and technologists
- Forensic scientists
- Educators
- Technical editors
- Scientists
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Genomics & Molecular Genetics
The genomics and molecular genetics major is designed to provide a broad foundation in science, with emphasis on genomics and molecular genetics. Although the majority of the course work is prescribed, students can tailor their degree program to their own interests within the field from a slate of options.
Graduates may apply for certification with the National Registry of Microbiologists of the American Society for Microbiology.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates in genomics and molecular genetics pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of biological science, research methods and genomics.
Alumni work at:
- Animal biotechnology/breeding companies
- High schools and middle schools
- Medical schools
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Plant or animal genetics labs
- Private agricultural companies
Alumni work as:
- Technical aides in animal science
- Pharmacy technicians
- Geneticists
- Molecular and cellular biologists
- Medical scientists
- Bioinformatics scientists
- Cytogenetic technologists
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Global & International Studies
Interested in an international studies major?
The global and international studies in social science major provides students with a breadth of social science foundational courses combined with in-depth knowledge in a world region or global topic.
This major helps prepare students for graduate work and applied research, as well as jobs in government, private organizations and non-governmental agencies. Some of the issues students engage in relate to international affairs, economic development, foreign relations, international development, human rights, charity work, education abroad, micro lending and entrepreneurship.
World region concentrations for international studies majors include African studies, Asian studies, Canadian studies, European studies, Latin American and Caribbean studies, Middle Eastern studies, and Russian and Eurasian studies. Global topical concentrations include gender and global change and international development.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
International studies majors pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that require knowledge of social science, world regions and global topics.
Alumni work at:
- Non-governmental organizations
- Peace Corps
- UNICEF
- Embassies — diplomacy
- International policy
- Ministry of Defense — FBI
- Public health initiatives abroad
Alumni work as:
- Political affairs analyst
- Translator
- Research consultant
- Community developer — international development projects
- NGO recruiter
- Public health provider in communities abroad
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Human Development and Family Studies
A bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies applies important theories to complex, real-world issues affecting children and families. Using a social justice lens, students learn how to understand and work within diverse contexts that prepare them to apply and become certified family life educators after graduation. The human development and family studies program from Michigan State University is approved by the National Council on Family Relations.
The human development and family studies field aims to provide family members with information, skills, experiences and resources intended to strengthen or improve their family experience. The field uses collaboration, prevention, resources and educational opportunities to assist individuals and families throughout their lives, encouraging service in the areas of social need with a positive, holistic and family focus.
Graduates will be committed to improving the health and well-being of diverse individuals and families across the lifespan through research, teaching and professional practice. A bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies can lead to a wide range of career paths including business, counseling, couple and family therapy, healthcare, human services, policy and resource management. Also, human development and family studies graduates often attend graduate school where they study many different topics and disciplines.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates in human development and family studies pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of sociology, families, teaching and ethics.
Alumni work at:
- Michigan Department of Human Services
- Community mental health offices
- Boys and Girls Club
- American Red Cross
- American Cancer Society
- Family Adoption Consultants
Alumni work as:
- Counselors
- Support providers
- Service providers
- Behavior specialists
- Military family liaisons
- Human services agency directors
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Neuroscience
Neuroscience is for students who wish to pursue a career in which a broad-based knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system is necessary, including research, education, health care and business. It is also intended for students seeking admission to graduate study in neuroscience or health-related professional schools.
In addition to core requirements, students can concentrate in cellular and developmental neuroscience, behavioral and systems neuroscience, or cognitive neuroscience.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates in neuroscience pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of human biology and research.
Alumni work at:
- High schools and middle schools
- Hospitals or health care agencies
- Medical schools
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Research laboratories
- Veterinary schools
Alumni work as:
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Consultants
- Grant administrators
- Laboratory administrators
- Laboratory technicians
- Pharmaceutical technicians
- Science journalists
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Nutritional Sciences
Interested in nutrition science?
This major is a great fit for students who want to learn more about health, nutrition science and physiology. The program provides students with an understanding of biological and physical science and research as a basis for understanding human nutrition.
The nutritional science major prepares graduates for continued study in graduate programs and medical schools. Course requirements for nutritional sciences include the study of energy metabolism, proteins, vitamins, minerals, community nutrition and diet in the prevention and treatment of disease.
Students choose one of the following concentrations:
- Biomedical and molecular nutrition
- Global nutrition and health
- Public health nutrition
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Nutrition plays an important role in managing health issues like obesity, fighting disease such as diabetes and maintaining overall wellness. Graduates with a nutrition science degree entering careers in public health, medicine and international health care benefit from understanding the science of nutrition and the relationships between nutrients and human health.
Alumni work at:
- Health care services
- Research labs
- Farms
- Medical offices
- Commercial kitchens
- Gyms/health facilities
Alumni work as:
- Food scientists
- Health unit coordinators
- Patient care technicians
- Naturopathic doctors
- Registered dietitians
- Chefs
- Personal trainers
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Physiology
The degree program in physiology combines elements of a liberal education with thorough preparation in molecular, cellular and organ systems physiology. Built on a foundation of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, the physiology major is intended primarily for those students who wish to pursue careers in research, industry, medicine or other health-related fields for which a thorough knowledge of physiology is necessary. This major is particularly suitable for students in the life sciences who plan further studies at the graduate or professional level.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates in physiology pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of human health, cellular biology and research.
Alumni work at:
- High schools and middle schools
- Hospitals and health care agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Universities
- Medical schools
- Research laboratories/clinical settings
- Veterinary schools
Alumni work as:
- Cardiology assistants
- Disease control specialists
- High school and middle school teachers
- Laboratory technicians
- Nuclear medicine attendants
- Veterinary technicians
- Resource specialists
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviors and their underlying mental processes. It is both a biological and social science, a scholarly discipline, and a profession. Psychologists use many different methods and procedures and focus on a variety of problems, so psychology is a very diverse discipline, ranging from the neuroscientist studying brain behavior to the industrial/organizational psychologist studying the behavior of organizations.
Psychologists formulate and test theories using research and statistical methods in an effort to understand, predict and influence behavior. As a profession, psychology is dedicated to solving human–societal problems.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates with a psychology degree pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of human biology, human behavior, pharmaceutics and research.
Alumni work at:
- CBI Rehabilitation Services
- Community Mental Health
- EVE, Inc.
- Hope Network
- Michigan Department of Community Health
- Teach For America
- Neuropsychological Services of Lansing
Alumni work as:
- Applied behavior analysts
- Health care coordinators
- Research assistants
- Youth care workers/specialists
- Brand ambassadors
- Family support workers
Michigan Pre Med Majors – Sociology
Sociology is the study of how society shapes people and how people shape society. From the development of the self to the functioning of large institutions like religion and higher education, from experiences of immigrants in a new country to development and dissemination of movies and music, sociologists seek ways to explain complex and fascinating links between individuals and groups, organizations, communities and societies.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Graduates with a sociology major pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of research, community relations and intercultural communication.
Alumni work at:
- Amazon
- American Red Cross
- MSU Institute for Public Policy and Social Research
- U.S. AmeriCorps VISTA
- Community mental health agencies
- Turning Point Youth Center
- Sony
Alumni work as:
- Mortgage bankers
- Residential relief technicians
- Technical recruiters
- Youth service workers
