7 answers
Ashley
Student
Missouri City, Texas
1
Question
Asked
6477 views
What is the best major for college if I want to become a doctor?
I and a senior in high school and my teachers have not been very helpful in answering this question.
7 answers
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
Biology is on top of the list according to https://www.coursera.org/articles/medical-majors#:~:text=The%20Association%20of%20American%20Medical,required%20by%20many%20medical%20schools. and other sites but Biochemistry, Human physiology, and Nursing also get mentioned.
Joe Kennedy
Consulting
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
To become a doctor, you don't need a specific major; instead, focus on completing prerequisite courses like biology and chemistry. Many aspiring doctors choose science majors like biology or biochemistry due to their alignment with these prerequisites, but you can opt for any major that aligns with your interests. What matters most is excelling in your chosen major, completing necessary prerequisites, and gaining relevant healthcare experience and volunteer work, demonstrating your commitment to the field.
To become a doctor, you don't need a specific major; instead, focus on completing prerequisite courses like biology and chemistry. Many aspiring doctors choose science majors like biology or biochemistry due to their alignment with these prerequisites, but you can opt for any major that aligns with your interests. What matters most is excelling in your chosen major, completing necessary prerequisites, and gaining relevant healthcare experience and volunteer work, demonstrating your commitment to the field.
Ryan F
ServiceNow Developer
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
Most would major in the sciences. Such as biology, chemistry, physiology, etc. To get into med school, you'll need to complete pre-reqs and those pre-reqs are usually science major related courses.
Definitely shadow a doctor if you have a chance, its a very tough and competitive area that may require you to take out several hundred thousand dollar loans.
Most would major in the sciences. Such as biology, chemistry, physiology, etc. To get into med school, you'll need to complete pre-reqs and those pre-reqs are usually science major related courses.
Definitely shadow a doctor if you have a chance, its a very tough and competitive area that may require you to take out several hundred thousand dollar loans.
Dino Quintero
Manager and Leader of Technical Collaborators
1
Answer
Merrimack, New Hampshire
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Ashley, this is a very good question. I concur with my peers that there is not an specific major that shows for example that you are going to medical school. There are universities that have pre-med in their major selection which provides courses in areas you will need to focus on while on medical school. Biology and chemistry jump to me because these are closely attached to medicine to certain degree. Someone mentioned nursing. Yes, you can also pursue nursing and then go into Nurse Practitioner which is very similar. Or you can opt to become a PA (Physician Assistant). Bottom line is that you need to focus on a "major" in college that provides courses that can prepare you to take the medical entry examination to submit to the schools you might be interested on attending. I hope this helps.
Sharon Collins
partner channel development /Marketing
14
Answers
Cave Creek, Arizona
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
Medical school doesn't demand a specific major, but it does require several science and math courses. Therefore, many students opt for a science-related major, such as biology or biochemistry, which naturally cover many of the prerequisites for med school. If you're intrigued by the human mind, consider majors like psychology or psychological sciences, as they also involve a substantial amount of science coursework. Alternatively, if you're passionate about a non-science major, you could supplement it with a science-focused minor to cover the pre-med classes. While a science major offers a straightforward route, it's essential to choose a subject you're genuinely interested in and consider alternative career paths, as it's common for students to reconsider med school during their studies.
Christopher Colombo
Physician
2
Answers
Gig Harbor, Washington
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Ashley-
Terrific question! Let me assure you, you are not alone neither in wondering about this, nor in finding that helpful advice is difficult to come by. As a physician married to a physician, my wife and I heard hundreds of answers to this question, and lived through being a middle school, high school and college student all getting different advice at different times.
Bottom Line Up Front: Study whatever you are interested in/passionate about and will stay motivated and enthusiastic to excel in. A course of study that helps develop you as a human being 1) able to work hard and succeed in a rigorous course of study and 2) able to successfully relate to your patients, nurses, colleagues on a 1:1 level is what will truly impact you on your way to becoming a physician .
Read on for the long version! ;-)
Nearly any bachelor's degree course of study/Major will do just fine. Medical School does not require a specific major, but does require generally that
1) you have a bachelor's degree
2) that you fulfill the prerequisite courses (usually a year of biology, a year of chemistry, a year of physics, a year of organic chemistry, mathematics - some including calculus, sometimes not.)
3) that you take the MCAT
The reason that many folks will recommend a science degree (typically in biology, chemistry, biochemistry) is that the coursework will positively impact those 3 three requirements with the highest efficiency. It also has the side benefit of giving a solid foundation in the basic science portion of medical education. If time and cost are a major issue, this may be the optimal way to go, so you get the most requirements out of the way with the least amount of extra courses, summer term etc.
If you major in a non science discipline, you'll have to take the coursework to fulfill that major, as well as the prerequisites for medical school. certainly not an insurmountable challenge, but best to go in "eyes wide open" when planning your coursework and your major.
Is it possible to major in something other than biology/chemistry/biochemistry? ABSOLUTELY.
I double majored in natural science (Biology & Chemistry) Social Sciences (African American History) and almost minored in music. My wife majored in kinesiology. We attended medical school with business majors, a concert flutist, teachers, and of course biology, chemistry, and other traditional science majors. Some folks will concentrate on a non science major and even work in their chosen field, and then purse a "post-baccalaureate" program to focus on science, prep for the MCAT, do some research and potentially earn a master's degree making themselves more attractive for medicine. This also gives them time to continue to grow and develop and have some more life experience to explore and truly decide if medicine is the right path for them. I wish everyone success in trying to become a physician, but it took me 3 tries to get in, and developing a back-up plan to have an alternative career, and make yourself a more attractive candidate if you continue to try to get in is just good common sense.
Everyone, and I mean everyone regardless of their prior background education had to work extremely hard to successfully navigate the rigors of medicine. Despite my very traditional science degree, I had to retake the MCAT after a specific prep course. My wife, despite a much less traditional course of study did fine on her first go at the MCAT. One thing that we learned along the way is that our passion and commitment to our course of study created the opportunity for life lessons that are as valuable for becoming a successful physician as a deep knowledge of science. These included research opportunities, writing a senior thesis, and relationships with mentors. My knowledge to diagnose comes from a deep knowledge and understanding of the sciences; my ability to relate to my patients and their families and guide them through workup and treatment comes from all the study and relationships in my non-science major.
Hope that helps, and feel free to post any follow up questions!
Reach out to a pre-med counselor at undergraduate schools you are interested in
Consider connecting with a career coach to explore your question further
Reach out to physicians in your community, ask what they majored in and what they found most helpful/valuable
Terrific question! Let me assure you, you are not alone neither in wondering about this, nor in finding that helpful advice is difficult to come by. As a physician married to a physician, my wife and I heard hundreds of answers to this question, and lived through being a middle school, high school and college student all getting different advice at different times.
Bottom Line Up Front: Study whatever you are interested in/passionate about and will stay motivated and enthusiastic to excel in. A course of study that helps develop you as a human being 1) able to work hard and succeed in a rigorous course of study and 2) able to successfully relate to your patients, nurses, colleagues on a 1:1 level is what will truly impact you on your way to becoming a physician .
Read on for the long version! ;-)
Nearly any bachelor's degree course of study/Major will do just fine. Medical School does not require a specific major, but does require generally that
1) you have a bachelor's degree
2) that you fulfill the prerequisite courses (usually a year of biology, a year of chemistry, a year of physics, a year of organic chemistry, mathematics - some including calculus, sometimes not.)
3) that you take the MCAT
The reason that many folks will recommend a science degree (typically in biology, chemistry, biochemistry) is that the coursework will positively impact those 3 three requirements with the highest efficiency. It also has the side benefit of giving a solid foundation in the basic science portion of medical education. If time and cost are a major issue, this may be the optimal way to go, so you get the most requirements out of the way with the least amount of extra courses, summer term etc.
If you major in a non science discipline, you'll have to take the coursework to fulfill that major, as well as the prerequisites for medical school. certainly not an insurmountable challenge, but best to go in "eyes wide open" when planning your coursework and your major.
Is it possible to major in something other than biology/chemistry/biochemistry? ABSOLUTELY.
I double majored in natural science (Biology & Chemistry) Social Sciences (African American History) and almost minored in music. My wife majored in kinesiology. We attended medical school with business majors, a concert flutist, teachers, and of course biology, chemistry, and other traditional science majors. Some folks will concentrate on a non science major and even work in their chosen field, and then purse a "post-baccalaureate" program to focus on science, prep for the MCAT, do some research and potentially earn a master's degree making themselves more attractive for medicine. This also gives them time to continue to grow and develop and have some more life experience to explore and truly decide if medicine is the right path for them. I wish everyone success in trying to become a physician, but it took me 3 tries to get in, and developing a back-up plan to have an alternative career, and make yourself a more attractive candidate if you continue to try to get in is just good common sense.
Everyone, and I mean everyone regardless of their prior background education had to work extremely hard to successfully navigate the rigors of medicine. Despite my very traditional science degree, I had to retake the MCAT after a specific prep course. My wife, despite a much less traditional course of study did fine on her first go at the MCAT. One thing that we learned along the way is that our passion and commitment to our course of study created the opportunity for life lessons that are as valuable for becoming a successful physician as a deep knowledge of science. These included research opportunities, writing a senior thesis, and relationships with mentors. My knowledge to diagnose comes from a deep knowledge and understanding of the sciences; my ability to relate to my patients and their families and guide them through workup and treatment comes from all the study and relationships in my non-science major.
Hope that helps, and feel free to post any follow up questions!
Christopher recommends the following next steps:
Erin Vechan
Medical Technologist (MT)
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Hi Ashley! There are many undergraduate degrees that are acceptable when applying to medical school. Your best bet is to obtain a degree in something that gives you a head start on understanding class content once you’re in medical school since your med school class work will be complex human anatomy, biochemistry, etc.
I am a medical technologist with an ASCP certification, and I have a few friends I graduated with who have gone on to do very well on entrance exams like the MCAT and they have become successful practitioners (P.A.s, M.S.N., D.O.). I hope this is helpful! Best wishes for your future education!
I am a medical technologist with an ASCP certification, and I have a few friends I graduated with who have gone on to do very well on entrance exams like the MCAT and they have become successful practitioners (P.A.s, M.S.N., D.O.). I hope this is helpful! Best wishes for your future education!
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