10 Popular Pre-Med Majors

Hello!

This blog is to inform pre med and pre-health students about majors at different universities. This will be helpful for (1) high school students who are looking at colleges, (2) high school seniors deciding where to go to college, and (3) current college students deciding which major to choose.

Premedical students can major in anything as long as they finish the premed requirements. There are some majors that are more popular than others. Some universities allow premedical students to double major or minor. We compiled a list of the popular pre med majors. We also compiled a list of popular non-science pre med majors.

10 Most Popular Pre Med Majors:

1. Biology: Biology is the study of living things, including their makeup, purposes, and behaviors. General biology studies all living systems from bacteria to sea creatures to human physiology to ecology. Some schools offer specific biology majors, which pre-meds can take advantage of. For example, some universities offer majors Courses in genetics, microbiology, ecology, and physiology are frequently required in biology majors.
2. Chemistry: Chemistry is the investigation of matter and its attributes, including as the make-up, organization, and chemical reactions of atoms and molecules. Almost all universities offer chemistry as a major. However, some universities offer biochemistry of biology + chemistry combined majors. Analytical, physical, and organic chemistry are the most common courses taken by chemistry majors.
3. Biochemistry: Biochemistry is the study of the biological and chemical reactions that take place inside of living things. Biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics are classes that are frequently taken by biochemistry majors.
4. Neuroscience: Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, is known as neuroscience. Neuroscience classes may have overlap with psychology classes, especially if premedical students are interested in studying mental health or psychological diseases. Students majoring in neuroscience frequently take courses in biology, psychology, and chemistry.
5. Psychology: Psychology is the study of how people think and behave. Psychology is a popular major for premed students who are interested in understanding why people act the way they act and how actions may be related to ones thoughts. Psychology courses may have overlap with neuroscience courses. Cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology are common electives for psychology majors.
6. Physics: Physics is the science that examines matter and energy, as well as its interactions and connections. Two major branches of physics include Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism (similar to the different AP Physics offerings in high school). Students majoring in physics often take courses in thermodynamics, electromagnetic, and mechanics.
7. Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of numbers, quantities, and shapes. Studying mathematics can be more theoretical or applied. Premedical students who take math may focus on stats, probability, or number theory. Premedical students often take their math skills and apply it to research related to healthcare, such as mathematical modeling of diseases. Statistics, linear algebra, and calculus are frequently studied by math majors.
8. Biomedical Engineering: The application of engineering principles and techniques to the field of medicine. Biomedical engineering majors typically take courses in biology, physics, and engineering.
9. Biostatistics: The application of statistical methods to biological and health-related data. Biostatistics majors typically take courses in statistics, epidemiology, and research methods.
10. Health Science: The study of health-related issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and health policy. Health science is not offered as a specific major at all schools. Many time, health science classes are incorporated in classes offered in Biology departments. Health science majors typically take courses in anatomy, physiology, and public health.

It’s important to note that you don’t necessarily need to choose one of these majors to pursue a career in medicine. Medical schools typically require a set of prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, but the specific major you choose can vary. It’s important to choose a major that you’re passionate about and will do well in, as your GPA is an important factor in the medical school application process.

 

There are 10 Popular Non-Science Majors for Pre-Meds:

Pre-med students in the United States do not need to major in science. In fact, almost half of pre-med students who apply to U.S. schools do not major in a science or they double major in a science and non-science major. If a pre-medical student majors in a non-science major, however, he or she has to complete the pre-med requirements (see below for pre-med requirements). Below are popular non-science majors that are taken by pre-meds.

1. Psychology: Psychology is study of human behavior and mental processes, including topics such as perception, cognition, and motivation. Psychology majors develop knowledge that is useful in medicine, particularly in areas such as patient care, counseling, and behavioral medicine.
2. Sociology: Sociology study of human social behavior and its impact on society. Many universities offer classes in “Medical Sociology,” where pre-medical students can learn topics such as social inequality, health disparities, and culture. Sociology majors develop skills in research, data analysis, and critical thinking that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as public health, healthcare policy, and medical ethics.
3. Anthropology: Anthropology study of human cultures, societies, and behavior. Premeds can apply anthropology to health by studying topics like biological diversity, social organization, and cultural practices. Many anthropology majors are interested in global health.
4. Philosophy: Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and values. Philosophy majors develop skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ethical decision-making that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as medical ethics, healthcare policy, and end-of-life care. Premedical students who major in philosophy are often interested in bioethics.
5. History: History is the study of past events, people, and societies, including topics such as cultural and social changes over time. History majors develop skills in research, critical analysis, and communication that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as healthcare policy, medical humanities, and medical history.
6. English: The study of language and literature, including topics such as creative writing, literary analysis, and communication skills. English majors develop skills in writing, critical analysis, and communication that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as medical writing, patient communication, and medical humanities.
7. Political Science: The study of government, politics, and public policy, including topics such as political theory, international relations, and public administration. Political science majors develop skills in research, data analysis, and critical thinking that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as healthcare policy, public health, and health law.
8. Economics: The study of how individuals and societies allocate resources, including topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Economics majors develop skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as healthcare finance, health policy, and health economics.
9. Business Administration: The study of management, accounting, finance, and other aspects of business operations. Business administration majors develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and financial management that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as healthcare administration, medical entrepreneurship, and healthcare finance.
10. Public Health: The study of promoting and protecting the health of populations, including topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, and health policy. Public health majors develop skills in data analysis, research, and critical thinking that are useful in the medical field, particularly in areas such as healthcare policy, health promotion, and disease prevention.

Pre-Med Requirements

1. Biology: One year of general biology with lab and one year of upper-level biology courses, such as genetics, microbiology, or physiology.
2. Chemistry: One year of general chemistry with lab, one year of organic chemistry with lab, and one semester of biochemistry.
3. Physics: One year of physics with lab.
4. Mathematics: One year of calculus.
5. English: One year of English, typically focused on writing and composition.

Additionally, some medical schools may require or strongly recommend coursework in the following areas:

6. Psychology: One or two semesters of psychology.
7. Statistics: One semester of statistics.
8. Humanities or social sciences: One or two semesters of coursework in a humanities or social sciences field, such as history, philosophy, sociology, or anthropology.

It’s important to note that the specific pre-med requirements can vary between different medical schools, so it’s a good idea to research the requirements for the schools you’re interested in applying to. Additionally, while the pre-med requirements are important, medical schools also consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, clinical experience, and personal characteristics when making admissions decisions.