Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) Major
Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) is a preparatory track of coursework for students planning to apply to medical school. It is a major within Health & Medicine.
Pre-Medicine is a preparatory academic track designed for students who plan to apply to medical school. Rather than a traditional major with a single department, Pre-Med is a set of required science and math courses that medical schools expect applicants to have completed. The coursework asks fundamental questions about how living systems work at different scales—from individual molecules and cells to whole organisms and populations. Students develop skills in scientific reasoning, lab work, and problem-solving while studying topics like chemistry, biology, and physics in depth.
Students pursue Pre-Med because they are interested in understanding human health and disease at a scientific level and envision careers in medicine or related healthcare fields. The coursework typically begins with foundational chemistry and biology courses, then progresses to more specialized upper-level sciences that examine physiology, organic chemistry, and advanced biology topics. Students learn by combining lectures with hands-on laboratory experience, allowing them to test concepts directly and develop the technical competencies expected in medical training.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) program commonly includes topics such as:
- General and organic chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- Mathematics
- Psychology
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Medical school applicant
- Research assistant
- Clinical assistant
- Health educator
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) major?
Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) is a preparatory track of coursework for students planning to apply to medical school. It is part of health & medicine, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as general and organic chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as medical school applicant, research assistant, clinical assistant. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's level, though availability varies by institution.