Choosing the right pre-med major can shape your journey to medical school. With so many academic paths available, it’s essential to select a program that aligns with both medical school prerequisites and your personal interests.
Are you considering medical school? This article walks you through your best options, clarifies what pre-med entails, and demonstrates how CMU supports your goals with programs designed around your needs.
Read on to discover how to make a smart choice and check out the best pre-med majors!
What Is a Pre-Med Major, Really?
First of all, there’s no such thing as a “pre-med degree” – it’s just a label for students following a course plan designed to meet med school entry requirements. Pre-med students typically take a mix of science and non-science subjects – like biology, chemistry, physics, math, English, and social sciences.
For example, our school’s Pre-Medical Program aims to prepare students for the academic challenges of the CMU SOM MD Program by offering a strong scientific and educational base.
The premedical program covers college-level science and lab courses, including:
- Biology.
- General and Organic Chemistry.
- Physics.
- English.
- Math.
All of which are essential to building a pre-professional educational pathway.
What Is the Best Major for Pre-Med? What Students Commonly Choose?
What’s the best major for pre-med? The truth is, it varies from person to person. Most students pick a major that suits their academic strengths, career ambitions, and preferred learning style.
Here are some of the most common pre-med majors:
Biological Sciences
Biology is often considered the most popular major for pre-med students. It spans topics like cell biology, genetics, and anatomy, and includes crucial laboratory experience. If you’re aiming to dive into the life sciences, it offers a solid starting point.
Chemistry or Organic Chemistry
Studying chemistry gives students a thorough foundation in how molecules interact, react, and are analyzed. Since biochemistry plays a significant role in medical education, choosing a chemistry major – especially one focused on organic chemistry – is a wise path for those who enjoy challenging lab work.
Physics and Mathematics
Although it’s not the most traditional route, some students go for physics or applied math, which builds core skills like critical thinking, numerical analysis, and complex problem-solving – all crucial in the medical profession. When paired with some bio or chem coursework, these students tend to score well on the MCAT and do great in med school.
Our Pre-Medical Program is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the rigorous CMU School of Medicine MD curriculum, providing a smoother and more confident transition into medical school.
How to Choose the Best Major for You? What Are the Requirements?
How do you pick the best pre-med major? It really depends on whether you want to focus completely on getting into med school or keep some other options open.
But if you’re set on a future in medicine, it’s smart to choose a major that prepares you for it in several ways.
If you’re thinking about studying at a different university, keep in mind how your major lines up with the general demands of med school – each university has its own set of requirements (not just MCAT score).
Check pre-med requirements
Start by verifying the prerequisites for medical school. CMU’s admissions standards are similar to those at most U.S. medical schools. We evaluate every part of your application because we want to understand who you are as a person, not just a student. We’re seeking both the brainpower and perseverance to thrive in a rigorous medical program.
To provide a strong foundation for Medical Science, the Premedical Science program spans three trimesters and is designed for students from various educational backgrounds.
All applicants must fulfill these requirements:
- A high school diploma and official academic transcripts.
- TOEFL (minimum 60) or IELTS (minimum 6.0), if applicable.
Preparing for Medical School with CMU
Our goal is to support future medical professionals, so we’ve built a curriculum that steers students toward their career goals from the very beginning.
Why choose this route?
- Cost-effective and streamlined – budget-friendly tuition, three start dates per year, and no MCAT requirement.
- North American career-ready – graduates earn an MD accepted in the U.S. and Canada and qualify for licensing exams.
- Holistic support – CMU’s admissions team guides students from pre-med through licensure readiness.
What’s next? Just apply!
Your pre-med major should reflect more than a list of prerequisites – it should connect with what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and where you’re headed. Biology and chemistry are good majors for pre-med education, but even non-traditional majors can work as long as the necessary science credits are there.
Are you considering a career in medicine but unsure of how to start?
Explore CMU’s Pre-Medical Program online, take a look at the upcoming deadlines, or go ahead and APPLY to start turning your dream into a reality.
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