Pre-Health Academic Planning

You can create a pre-health academic plan that lets you study what you love ... AND prepare for what you want to do.

Download a Pre-Health Planning Guide

Map Out the Necessary Prerequisite Courses

• Find the prerequisite courses for U of M programs at Pre-Health Student Resource Center
• Check other specific programs to which application is being made. Prerequisite courses can vary by the specific school where you are applying, and programs can change their prerequisite courses. Awareness is key!
• Typical pre-health courses may include: chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, calculus or statistics, as well as other science or non-science courses
• Some professions have fewer specific requirements
• Minimum grades of “C” or “B” may be required
• AP credits or credits taken prior to enrollment at the U of M may fulfill a requirement or help  you to be more prepared to take a prerequisite course. Ask your advisor!
• Science GPA may be calculated separately for application

Choose a Major That Fits You

• Consider your strengths and interests.
• Check out CLA majors
• Specific courses required for each major will be listed under “Full Requirements”
• Do you prefer to take “extra” math or science classes beyond the required prerequisite courses?
• What major would you choose if you were not going into a healthcare profession? Don’t know? Try CAPE or CLA Career Services
• Popular majors include: Biology, Society & Environment BA, Human Physiology BA, Psychology (BA or BS), Sociology (BA or BS), Speech-Language-Hearing Science BA, Developmental Psychology (BA or BS)
• Examples of other majors include: African American Studies BA, American Indian Studies BA, Anthropology BA, Communication Studies BA, English BA, Philosophy BA, Second Language (Any)
• Highly sequenced or technical majors can be more challenging for pre-health, so check with your Academic Advisor

Leverage Your Degree Requirements

• Writing Intensive Courses: Writing at a University level and gaining skill communicating across disciplines is an important skill for health professionals
• Liberal Education Core & Theme Courses: All University of Minnesota students learn to think critically in various areas of study
• Non-Major Upper Division Coursework : BA Degrees are designed specifically to include upper level courses in a variety of disciplines
• Second Language: BA Degrees include exposure to additional cultures through language study
• Pre-health prerequisites may fulfill: Biological science, physical science, social science, mathematical thinking
• Major courses may fulfill other liberal education
• Focusing on liberal education after prerequisites and major courses is most efficient

Add Your Own Special Flair

• Think of ways you would stand out as a unique candidate.
• With careful planning, there is usually room for a special academic element in your pre-health plan
• Choose something to add value to your degree
• Explore an area to provide balance to your overall plan
• Possibilities include: Double major, minor, optional courses, study abroad, Community Engagement Scholar