Medical and other professional schools have standard requirements, but they don't
specify that you major in a particular discipline. A strong background in biology,
chemistry, mathematics, and physics is required, along with highly developed communicative
skills and a solid background in social sciences and humanities. Therefore, it is
recommended that you choose a major that interests you and provides the opportunity to
take courses in the above areas. The Association of American Medical Colleges indicates that most medical
school applicants are in an area of science (~65%), with majors in biology (47%) or
chemistry (6%). Only 2% of medical school applicants are pre-medical majors. Among
applicants from non-science areas (13%), psychology (5%) was the most common major.
Accelerated Programs
Penn State Erie has Early Assurance
Program with The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, a 3+4 Accelerated Program in Primary Care
in affiliation with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic
Medicine, a 3+4
Accelerated Program in Dentistry in affiliation with The Temple University School of
Dentistry, and a 3+4 Accelerated
Program in Pharmacy with the University at Buffalo. In addition Penn State Erie offer the 3+4 Preprofessional Option for any
student who is accepted for admission to a Professional School after completion of three
years of the Biology Major at Penn State Erie. After successful completion of the first
year of a recognized Professional School, credits will be transferred to Penn State Erie
and the B.S. degree in Biology will be awarded.
What Courses to Take?
Your major should provide the broad foundation necessary for an understanding of basic
subjects of medical studies. The program should include a good balance between science and
non-science courses. It may also include supporting courses for admission requirements of
particular medical or professional schools.
Biology and chemistry are the two most frequent majors among medical school applicants. A comparison of theses two programs, both of which are offered at Penn State-Behrend as full four-year majors, shows the number of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, humanities, and social science credits required. (This listing is for illustration only. The Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin is the official source for the University requirements. Consult it when designing your program.)
BIOLOGY MAJOR (General Option)
| Biology | 38 credits |
| Chemistry | 17 credits |
| Physics | 8-12 credits |
| Mathematics | 8 credits |
| Humanities/Social Science | 15 credits |
| Supporting Courses and Electives | 9-13 credits |
CHEMISTRY MAJOR
| Biology | 0 credits** |
| Chemistry | 47 credits |
| Physics | 12 credits |
| Mathematics | 11-12 credits |
| Humanities/Social Sciences | 15 credits |
| Supporting Courses and Electives | 24 credits |
| **Biology can be selected from a Division approved list of supporting courses. |
Choosing a Major
Other majors, both science and non-science, can, with careful planning, provide
preparation for medical school. Often, earning a minor in addition to the major will
strengthen your record. Besides biology and chemistry, the Division of Science offers
majors in physics and mathematics, and minors in all four programs. You should decide on
the program that is most interesting to you and provides the best preparation for medical
or health care professional school.
When you begin studies with the goal of a career in a field of health care, you should explore as many different options as possible. This can provide alternative ways to make a career in health care a reality. Career alternatives are important since the national acceptance rate into medical schools is approximately 37%.
To help you with choosing a career, Penn State-Behrend offers a Pre-Medical Seminar which focuses on the applications process and medical school expectations.
You should think about your reasons for attending health care professional school,
understand what is involved in health care training, and recognize the duties and
responsibilities of health care professionals.
Dr. James T. Warren, Jr.
161 Nick
814-898-6986
jtw4@psu.edu
This page was last updated 14 Nov 2003.