The Best Majors for Medical School

So you’ve set your sights on a career in medicine, a noble pursuit that demands both passion and dedication. But before you dive headfirst into textbooks on anatomy and physiology, a crucial question arises: what major should you choose? For many aspiring doctors, the path to medical school seems to be paved with science degrees. But is that truly the only option?

This blog post shatters the myth of the “pre-med major” and explores the exciting possibilities that lie beyond the traditional science route. We’ll discuss the factors medical schools prioritize, show successful non-science majors who’ve aced their admissions, and explore the strengths these diverse backgrounds bring to the medical field. This blog will provide you with the knowledge to choose the major that best sets you on the path to becoming a well-rounded and exceptional doctor.

Choosing a College Major for the Medical School

While your interests are important, aspiring doctors also need to consider the long journey ahead: the MCAT exam, medical school applications, and ultimately, a fulfilling medical career. A crucial first step is your bachelor’s degree, and that means picking a major.

This decision can be difficult, and for pre-med students, the pressure can feel even greater. Here are some key factors to consider for a well-informed choice:

• Pre-med coursework: Traditionally, pre-med students take specific science courses to prepare for medical school. These aren’t major, but you’ll still need to choose one. Talk to your advisor to ensure your coursework incorporates the prerequisites for medical school applications, typically biology, chemistry, math, and physics.

• Biology major or not?: Biology is the most popular major for med school applicants, followed by physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. While a traditional STEM major like biology might seem like the way to go, the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) data shows a significant number of medical students come from diverse backgrounds, including liberal arts and humanities. Consider all the factors before settling on biology.

• Interests and passions: Medical school requires dedication. Burnout is a real risk, and you don’t want to spend four years studying something you dislike. If you love biology or chemistry, the decision is easy. But for many, it’s not. Take time to choose a major that aligns with your passions and strengths. Studying something you enjoy can fuel your motivation throughout the medical school journey.

• Relevant knowledge and skills: If you choose a non-science major, consider how it aligns with the pre-med courses you need for the MCAT and medical school applications. Also, think about how your major aligns with your broader professional goals. Do you want to be a doctor providing direct patient care, specialize in epidemiology, or work in community health? Even pre-med students with non-traditional majors should work with their advisors to incorporate as many pre-med courses as possible.

• Course rigor and GPA: Admissions officers look for students with the academic ability to succeed in medical school. GPA is a major factor, with the average entering student having a 3.72 GPA (according to the AMA, American Medical Association). However, the grades you earn in the most relevant and challenging science courses may matter even more. Choose a major that allows you to take rigorous courses and maintain strong grades in both pre-med and non-science courses.

• MCAT relevance: Though you won’t take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) until the end of your undergraduate degree, the classes you take should help you prepare for the types of knowledge it tests. The MCAT covers biological and chemical foundations, psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, and reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

While you won’t take all the relevant MCAT prep courses as an undergraduate, consider how your major can help you prepare for topics like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and research methods and statistics.

• Career goals: Medical school is just the beginning! Consider what kind of medical career path or specialization you have in mind. Nursing, pharmacology, and physician assistant are some popular choices, but there are many others. Since different career paths have varied requirements, think about how your undergraduate degree aligns with your long-term career goals.

The Best Majors for Medical School

When it comes to preparing for medical school, there are some obvious candidates in terms of popular majors, but as we’ve seen, there are lots of factors to consider when choosing a major that’s right for you. In addition, an increasing number of medical schools today are becoming more vocal about the value of recruiting student cohorts with more diverse personal experiences and varied academic backgrounds.

However, some majors are more traditionally viewed as being aligned with a pre-med curriculum and are among the popular college majors commonly pursued by students interested in going to medical school. These include majors like biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, public health, and kinesiology (exercise science). While these majors provide a strong foundation, it’s also important to take courses that prepare you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

1. Biology

A biology major offers a comprehensive foundation in the life sciences. The curriculum includes various areas highly relevant to medicine, including cell biology, genetics, physiology, and anatomy. This in-depth exploration provides students with a strong understanding of living organisms, from simple cellular functions to complex systems like the immune system.

Biology majors learn essential facts and concepts and also master discipline-specific terminology. This specialized vocabulary provides a significant head start in medical school, where a strong grasp of these terms is crucial. Additionally, coursework in a biology program often includes laboratory components or dedicated lab classes, fostering valuable hands-on experience with scientific methods and equipment.

2. Chemistry

Chemistry majors learn the fundamental properties and reactions of matter. This knowledge, particularly in the subspecialty of organic chemistry, is crucial for understanding how various chemical compounds interact in living systems. It explains the reasons behind drug interactions, pharmacology, and the complex interplay of chemicals within organisms.

The concepts, scientific principles, and experimental methods learned in chemistry and organic chemistry have become valuable for numerous medical specialties. Toxicologists leverage this knowledge to understand the effects of poisons, while pharmacologists utilize it to design and develop life-saving drugs. These principles are also fundamental for various technical branches of biomedical research, where manipulating and understanding chemicals play a central role.

3. Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a scientific discipline that bridges the gap between biology and chemistry. It studies the intricate chemical reactions that take place within living organisms. By studying biochemistry, you gain a foundational understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin various fields in the life sciences, including pharmacology, pathology, cell biology, and physiology.

This knowledge helps doctors and medical researchers dig deeper into the root causes of diseases and harmful conditions. Biochemistry plays a crucial role in the discovery and development of effective medications and treatments. It also fosters a deeper comprehension of molecular biology and metabolism, both of which are instrumental in medical research and practice.

A typical biochemistry major curriculum includes courses like Introduction to Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Kinetics, and Organic Chemistry. These core subjects are often complemented by hands-on laboratory components or dedicated laboratory courses.

4. Neuroscience

A neuroscience major explores the brain’s inner workings. You’ll delve into its physiology, chemistry, and diseases, gaining a deep understanding of how the central nervous system functions. This knowledge proves invaluable in understanding neurological disorders, mental health, and the connection between brain activity and behavior.

A neuroscience degree paves the way for fulfilling careers in the medical field. You’ll be well-prepared for specialties like pharmacology or surgery focused on treating neurological and mental health conditions. Moreover, this knowledge extends to any disease affecting brain function, including common ailments like dementia, amnesia, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a neuroscience major, you can expect to solidify your foundation with courses in chemistry, life sciences, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, genetics, and advanced mathematics.

5. Public health

Students majoring in health sciences or public health study healthcare and medical topics that specifically impact certain communities, environments, and demographic groups. This field provides graduates with expertise in areas like epidemiology and disease control, healthcare policy, and community health. Through these specializations, you’ll gain insights into healthcare systems, public health challenges, and the diverse range of public health risks and corresponding responses.

A health sciences or public health major provides a strong foundation. This is especially true if you’re interested in becoming a general physician with a focus on community health policy, research, advocacy, or even a career path related to epidemiology. The curriculum for these majors typically includes courses like Environmental Health, Introduction to Epidemiology, Biology, Anatomy, Statistics and Probability, Introduction to Health Policy, and Health Management.

6. Psychology

A psychology major works on human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. This understanding provides insights into patient care and communication. You’ll learn about psychosomatic health, where psychological factors influence physical well-being, and explore how psychology can address mental health issues.

For those aiming for careers in psychiatry, psychopharmacology research, or medical fields focused on moods and behavior, psychology provides a strong foundation. Your coursework will provide you with foundational knowledge in normal and abnormal psychology, human development and behavior, and the technical vocabulary used by psychologists, social psychologists, and psychiatrists. Courses typically include Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, the History of this Field, and Behavioral Psychology.

Other popular majors for medical school

There are many exciting major options beyond the traditional paths for students aiming for medical school. Here are just a few examples:

• Nutrition
• Medical anthropology
• Sports medicine
• Environmental medicine
• Holistic and alternative medicine
• Kinesiology

Even within the more established science majors commonly chosen for pre-med, you’ll find specific disciplines to explore.

Non-Science Majors and Medicine

We’ve explored traditional pre-med majors, but did you know liberal arts and other non-science fields can also be paths to medical school?

Many medical schools actively seek students with diverse academic backgrounds, fostering a well-rounded healthcare workforce. This includes strong communication, empathy, cultural awareness, and sensitivity—qualities science courses alone may not fully develop. Additionally, some schools view understanding social policy issues as crucial for future doctors.

Tufts Medical School exemplifies this shift. Their curriculum incorporates a three-week course on social determinants of health, the US healthcare system, and medical ethics before traditional science coursework begins.

While data from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) shows that over half of applicants in the past five years were biological science majors, the remaining applicants came from a wide range of disciplines like math, statistics, social sciences, and humanities. However, the AAMC acknowledges that evaluating non-science majors can be more challenging for admissions officers, and some schools may still favor science backgrounds.

Therefore, it’s still wise to fulfill the prerequisite coursework for your target schools or take foundational science courses to show your readiness for medical school’s science-heavy curriculum.

If pursuing your passions leaves little room for pre-med science courses, consider a post-baccalaureate degree or a double major. Both can fulfill prerequisites while accommodating other interests.

Note: While non-traditional pre-med paths won’t necessarily hinder your well-being, they might require additional semesters.

From the Desk of Yocket

There isn’t a single best major for medical school. Medical schools care more about your preparation in core science courses than the specific label of your undergraduate degree. Many students choose biology or chemistry because these majors often fulfill the necessary science prerequisites. However, there are strong med school applicants with backgrounds in everything from English literature to engineering.

The key is to find a major that excites you and allows you to excel academically. A strong academic record is a major factor in medical school admissions. While you pursue your major, be sure to take the required pre-med courses, which typically include biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes math or statistics. You can usually find this information on the websites of the medical schools you’re interested in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific majors required for medical school?

No, medical schools don’t require specific majors. However, all medical schools require applicants to complete certain prerequisite coursework, usually in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, and sometimes math or statistics.

Do science majors have an advantage when getting into medical school?

Not necessarily. According to data published by Inspira Advantage, majors like humanities and math actually have higher acceptance rates. However, science majors often have a smoother path to fulfilling prerequisites without extra coursework.

Can I major in something other than science and still get into medical school?

Absolutely. Many students with non-science majors are accepted into medical school every year. The key is to ensure you take the required pre-med coursework, which typically includes biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes math or statistics.