Pre-Medicine

Program Coordinator/Contact

Marjoanne Thompson, Coordinator and Advisor
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-4563

Pre-Professional Interest Area Information

The pre-medicine curriculum is designed to be compatible with many different majors. No particular major is required; No area of study is given preference in the selection process. Students preparing for medical careers should have a broad education and the basic understanding of the natural sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics. Additionally, highly developed communication skills as well as a basic understanding of the social sciences and the humanities are necessary. Advisors can assist students in creating a plan of study designed for the school(s) of choice.

Medical School Minimum Admission Requirements

One year each of biology and physics with laboratory; mathematics, including a course in calculus; two years of chemistry with laboratory including one year of general chemistry and one year of organic chemistry or a combination of organic and biochemistry; communications (English, literature, speech); social sciences and humanities as needed to complete the baccalaureate degree. The pre-professional advisor will have knowledge of requirements for medical schools in the U.S. Pre-medicine students are encouraged to prepare to meet the entrance requirement for several medical schools of their choice.

Medical College Admission Test

Advisors can also assist in preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and in the application process as handled by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Refer to the Association of American Medical School Web site at http://www.aamc.org for more specific information on the application process as well as information on specific medical schools.

Suggested Majors

• Human Biology (B.S.)  
• Biochemistry (B.S.)  
• Biotechnology (B.S.)  
• Chemistry (B.S.)   
• Microbiology (B.S.)  
• Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)  
• Psychology (B.A./B.S.)  
• Physics (B.S.)