21+ Medical Majors in College | Top Majors To Prepare For Medical School

Medical Majors in College: Are you in search of some medical majors that can prepare you for medical school? If yes, then this article has been written especially for you.

If your dream is to pursue a great career in the medical field then obviously you have an awesome dream. However, it is one thing to dream and another thing to wake up and work to bring dreams to reality. Nonetheless, the fact you are reading this article is a good sign that you are willing to put in the work.

So, congratulations you are definitely on the right track. Having the desire to serve humanity through the medical field is a worthy venture. Although many may consider it stressful and highly tasking, which is quite true, there is nothing a determined mind cannot achieve.

For you to enter into a medical school you need to have foundational knowledge on some medical majors or healthcare majors which can be gotten from a medical undergraduate degree program. These programs are made up of a range of courses that are mostly math and science-based such as;

Biology
Physics
General chemistry etc.

If you are reading this article then I guess you are already a science-inclined student. If you are thinking of building a career in the medical field and also enrolling in a medical school then you need to opt for a medical major in college. This article will let you know what a medical major is all about. Secondly, you will get to know why you need to study a medical major in college to prepare you for medical school. Furthermore, this guide will provide you with a list of medical undergraduate degrees you can study in college. Last but not least we will give you useful key points to note before selecting a medical major in college.

Keep reading till the end and get all the answers to your questions.

Content Summary

What are Medical Majors?

Medical Majors are simply different healthcare and medical degrees that give you the basic and foundational knowledge you need to pursue a career in the medical field. These programs can be either vocational, graduate, undergraduate, or doctoral degree programs. However, for the purpose of this article, we will be looking at various undergraduate majors that can prepare you for medical school. These programs are majorly math and science-inclined.

It is a good thing that there are many colleges and universities that offer these various undergraduate medical majors in the medical field. Therefore if you have a passion for medicine, getting enrolled in one of these undergraduate programs will certainly build and equip you for exploits in the medical area.

Why do you need Medical undergraduate degrees to prepare you for Medical School?

There are many amazing reasons why you need a medical undergraduate degree to prepare you for medical school. Some of these reasons are:

#1. Fundamental knowledge.

Getting a medical undergraduate degree gives you a root and a foundation to build upon. It provides you with the fundamental knowledge on core subjects that would be required in medical school. The core subjects you will learn in the various medical majors in college could be prerequisites for medical school application.

#2. It shows your zeal and in-depth ability to excel.

Enrolling in a medical undergraduate degree program, generally shows how zealous you are to excel in the medical field. This starts by choosing the right healthcare major and excelling in the coursework. Getting a high CGPA in core medical sciences such as biology, chemistry, and other medical-related fields passes information to the admission officers that you have the ability to conquer and excel in medical school.

#3. It helps to become a medical expert in the special area you choose in future.

Another reason why you need a medical undergraduate degree is that it helps to prepare you for a medical specialty in the future. There are so many aspects of medicine and you need to specialize in one after medical school. Getting a medical major in college sets you on the right track for this.

List of 21 Medical Majors In College.

Listed below are 21 medical majors you can study in college. Going through each of them will help you make a choice based on your interest.

Public Health
Biology
Human Physiology
Health sciences
Psychology
Nursing
Biochemistry
Pharmacy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Biomedical engineering
Environmental science
Exercise science
Dental Hygiene
Chemistry
Nuclear medicine technology
Foreign language
MicrobiologyMicrobiology
Medical technology
Clinical research
Radiologic technology
Medical informatics

#1. Public Health

Public Health is one medical undergraduate degree that deals majorly with preventing diseases, promoting health, and prolonging life. It focuses on improving global health. This program provides its students foundational health knowledge on how to assess and evaluate the health needs of the population.

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in public health will equip you to make great contributions to your society through education, public policies, and the latest research to ensure healthy people are safe from water and food poisoning, epidemics such as Covid19, and other health related risks.

Public health has a very broad scope. Some of the courses that make up this medical major include epidemiology, preventive medicine, biostatistics, public health policy and regulations, environmental health, infectious diseases, mental health, reproductive health, monitoring, evaluation etc.

#2. Biology

Another good medical undergraduate degree that can prepare you for medical school is biology. It deals with the study of life and its processes, therefore it is a fundamental course for medicine. In addition to equipping you for a future career in the medical field, studying biology shows you are keen on life and how you can get the best out of it.

Furthermore, your interest in biology will definitely help you to understand certain basic things that will take you far as you pursue your career in the medical line. The biology coursework covers a wide range of organisms and not just human beings.

Some of the courses you will learn in his program include; cell anatomy, botany, evolution, genetics, ecology etc.

#3. Human Physiology

Another great medical major you can study in college is human physiology. Human physiology is an interesting course that deals mainly with the human body and how it functions. Learning human physiology as an undergraduate degree is a great starting point for an upcoming medical expert.

The subjects you will learn in this program will make it easier for you to understand the bigger medical concepts in the future. Therefore, enrolling in this degree program will surely boost your career in the medical field.

As easy as it sounds, you need to prepare your mind to fully understand every part of the human body and how they function daily. When it comes to human physiology the body system is ignored, because each has a vital role to play in the life of a human being. Some of the body systems you will learn include; respiratory, nervous, reproductive, circulatory, and Urinary systems, etc.

If you really have a passion for the human body and its mechanism then you can go ahead and choose Human Physiology as an undergraduate course.

#4. Health sciences

Getting an undergraduate degree in health sciences is a great pursuit if you have a future career in the medical area. Health science concentrates mainly on the connection between human health and science.

It also encompasses the art of using best practices to prevent, heal or treat diverse health conditions. Examples of courses offered in health science major include; healthcare practices, statistics, biology, chemistry, anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, clinical research, etc.

#5. Psychology

Psychology has to do with the study of the human mind and behavior. It is one medical undergraduate degree that can prepare you for medical school. This is because it exposes you to a deep knowledge of how the human mind works and various mind therapies.

In every area of life, communication is key. This particular medical major is important as it enables you to know how to relate and communicate with patients and get past mental or emotional obstacles while dealing with their issues.

It is well known that there are different aspects in the medical field however if you want to specialize as a psychiatrist, studying psychology as an undergraduate major is a perfect place to start.

Examples of some courses you will learn in psychology include; History of psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, psychiatry, etc.

Lastly, if you are a big fan of learning how people reason and what makes them act the way they do, then psychology may be the one for you.

#6. Nursing

Surely an undergraduate degree in nursing helps to prepare students for medical school. Choosing to nurse as a health care major gives you important practical experience through clinical nursing education. Here you would be able to learn how to take care of patients suffering from different health conditions.

You would get accustomed to taking care of different populations such as the elderly, pregnant mothers, infants, etc. During this degree program, nursing students are allowed to go for internships in a practical health care setting in order to get practical knowledge of what has been taught.

Some of the courses you will learn as a nursing student are; physiology and anatomy, biology, chemistry, sociology, patient care practices, clinical theory, nursing ethics.

#7. Biochemistry

Biochemistry is one major discipline that would give a basic idea of cell life. It will help you understand the mechanism of chemical substances and vital processes and how they occur in living organisms.

Studying biochemistry as a health care major helps to prepare you for a future medical career. From biochemistry, you will get an in-depth knowledge of genetics and DNA, which are the building blocks of life.

Some examples of biochemistry major courses include; microbiology, calculus, organic and inorganic chemistry, cell biology etc. If you want to have basic knowledge of the chemistry of life, then you can opt for biochemistry as an undergraduate medical degree.

#8. Pharmacy

Pharmacy is one good course to study as an undergraduate who loves the medical field. Getting a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy equips you for a doctorate degree program. It also gives you access to work in any pharmacy-related research, consulting, and manufacturing roles.

This undergraduate degree program gives you fundamental knowledge about drugs, drug administration, and drug mechanisms.

Some of the topics you can learn in pharmacy include; immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, human anatomy and nervous system, toxicology, pharmacy practice, microbiology, etc.

If you are interested in the interaction of drugs with the body system, you can try pharmacy as a health care major.

#9. Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition and dietetics is a major discipline in the medical field. Why is this so? It is so because generally the health of individuals largely depends on what they eat.

If you have ever heard this saying ” you are what you eat”, just know there is a great percentage of truth in that. An undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics prepares you to learn more about food and how it affects our health and well-being.

You will learn how to give dietary advice to clients and how to help them make better diet choices by themselves. Nutrition and dietetics is a subdiscipline of medicine and also prepares you for medical school.

However if you know your onions well, you can definitely practice on your own in the future as a registered dietician. Examples of your coursework include; Biochemistry, microbiology, food science, anatomy, physiology etc.

#10. Biomedical engineering

Studying Biomedical Engineering as an undergraduate degree program gives you an edge in the medical world. With the knowledge this medical major gives you, you can bring solutions to the medical field through technology.

Biomedical engineering equips its students on how to construct and use biomedical devices like x-ray machines, heart monitors, etc. It also enables its students to create artificial organs that will go a long way to aid patients’ health and well-being.

Some courses you should expect to learn in biomedical engineering major include; Biology, Human anatomy and physiology, bioelectrics, biomolecular engineering, Chemistry, biomechanics etc.

#11. Environmental science

Environmental science might not sound related to the medical field. However, it is one major area that has a great impact on the health of individuals and society at large.

Therefore it is a health care major that should be considered by people who have an interest in pursuing a medical career in the environmental field.

#12. Exercise science

Exercise is a vital part of life that keeps one healthy and fit. Exercise science is a medical major that helps individuals understand and respond to different types of exercise. Individuals that study exercise science will get prepared to work in sport and exercise-related areas after medical school.

Examples of coursework for an undergraduate exercise science program include; Human anatomy and physiology, biology, biochemistry, foundations of exercise science, kinesiology, chemistry, etc.

#13. Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is a medical major that provides you with knowledge on dental issues and how to solve them.

Having a degree in dental hygiene gives you the basic knowledge to treat patients with dental problems. You would also be able to perform administrative duties in dental clinics. Examples of subjects you will study in dental hygiene include; immunology, pharmacology, periodontist, dental anatomy.

#14. Chemistry

Chemistry is a foundational discipline that is necessary for any eager aspirant of medical school. Earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry prepares you for health careers in medication, disease prevention and management.

It puts you on a path that makes entry into graduate programs such as medical school and Ph.D. programs possible.

#15. Nuclear medicine technology

Nuclear medicine technology is a good medical major you can study that can pace your way to medical school. Getting a bachelor’s degree in this medical field major equips you to work in diverse clinical settings. You would be able to manage nuclear medicine equipment and also carry out medical scans for patients.

#16. Foreign language

As unbelievable as it sounds, getting a degree in a foreign language distinguishes you from other medical student aspirants. This degree helps you communicate with patients who speak a different language. It also comes in handy when there’s a need for a translator between patients and health care workers.

However, learning a foreign language isn’t such an easy task. You have to be dedicated to achieving this goal. Choose a particular language you have an interest in and work hard to be fluent in it.

But even though you decide to major in a foreign language, you will still have to complete required courses in math and science in order to apply for medical school.

#17. Microbiology

Microbiology is a great medical major for students who have plans of furthering their career in a medical school. Just as the name implies, microbiology is a branch of biology that deals mainly with microorganisms.

Studying microbiology as a medical undergraduate degree provides you with wide opportunities in the medical field.

Researching about pathogens, their various impacts and how they can be managed will surely add value to the health of the population. Some coursework for undergraduate microbiology majors includes; cell and molecular biology, pathogenic mycology, botany, parasitology etc.

#18. Medical technology

Earning a degree in medical technology can make you stand out from the crowd. It also prepares you for admission into medical school. Most medical technology coursework contains the prerequisites you would need for medical school which is mostly healthcare-based.

This is one medical undergraduate degree you can apply for that keeps you busy as a medical technologist, whether you get accepted into medical school or not.

#19. Clinical research

The importance of this major keeps growing with the increased rate of medical research. The coursework for students who go for clinical research as a health care major includes; pharmacology, medical terminology, research design, basics of clinical research, data management etc.

#20. Radiologic Technology

Radiologic technology is an exce6 major for students interested in radiation and its effects on human health. The coursework for students in this major is; Ultrasound technology, Computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Students in this program are taught how to administer radiologic treatments safely, maintain patient records and manage patients undergoing radiation therapy.

#21. Medical informatics

Modern-day medicine is not totally complete without the application of software engineering and computer science to medical research. The coursework of students who major in this program includes; IT fundamentals and security, medical coding and classification, electronic medical records, healthcare data systems architecture, telehealth, image processing etc.

3 Useful key points for choosing an undergraduate degree in medical school.

Here are 3 good tips you need to consider while choosing an undergraduate degree in medical school. I hope you find these points beneficial for decision-making.

#1. Figure out your career goals and aspirations.

Knowing where you want to be and what you want to do in future will help you determine the path you should take. Various undergraduate degree programs set you on the right path for various specialty roles in the future. Therefore you need to define your ambition. For instance, if you want to become a sports medicine doctor then getting an undergraduate degree in exercise science would be quite useful.

#2. Survey the medical school requirements for the specific schools you are aspiring to enter.

This is another major key point you need to know before making your choice, so you don’t choose blindly. Review the major requirements of the medical school you plan to enroll in. Check out their prerequisite courses and various undergraduate degree majors they put into consideration. This survey will help you narrow down your options and choose a medical undergraduate degree wisely.

#3. Take into consideration the type of entry level jobs you can get with your degree.

This point is vital as you do not want to put in so many years of hard work and end up not earning enough for your upkeep. It is possible to work in a healthcare setting before or during medical school, depending on the medical undergraduate degree you offered. It is your medical major that will qualify you for the kind of work opportunities you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Majors in College

What is the best major for the medical field?

If you are still unsure of the path you should choose, this guide will help you decide where to turn from here. see this list of top medical majors to choose from:

Public Health
Biology
Human Physiology
Health sciences
Psychology
Nursing
Biochemistry
Pharmacy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Biomedical engineering
Environmental science
Exercise science
Dental Hygiene
Chemistry
Nuclear medicine technology
Foreign language
MicrobiologyMicrobiology
Medical technology
Clinical research
Radiologic technology
Medical informatics

What do most doctors major in college?

The most common majors were:

Biological sciences—12,845 total matriculants.
Physical sciences—2,240.
Social sciences—1,991.
Humanities—832.
Specialized health sciences—784.
Math and statistics—156.

What major is medical?

Medical field majors are technical, vocational, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs that provide a foundational understanding of the principles necessary for a career in the medical field. These programs generally include a heavy focus on math and science courses, including Biology.

What major is easy for medical school?

What major is easy for medical school? According to the latest data released by AAMC, the top 3 majors with the highest acceptance rates are Physical Sciences, Math and Statistics, and Humanities.

What is a pre-med major?

A pre-med curriculum is intended to meet all of the science and laboratory requirements necessary for further education in medicine or healthcare. Pre-med is not a major in and of itself, but rather a program that assures students to complete all of the requisite courses in order to apply to medical school.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in the medical field will certainly not be a bed of roses. However, with great determination and zeal, you can overcome every hurdle. Your passion to save lives and help people through this field will be achieved if you remain consistent and focused. We have finally come to the end of this article on 21 medical majors in college. If you read to this point, a big thumbs up to you. I know you will make the right choices in your career path.

Do well to read other related articles that will spur you to greatness in this journey.

References

25 Healthcare Majors with the Best Value

21+ Medical Majors in College | Undergraduate Majors To Prepare For Medical School.