Choosing the right undergraduate major for a medical career can be daunting. Narrowing down the medical field you want to work in can help guide you on how to choose a major for pre-med, but there are other factors that determine the overall best majors for pre-med.
We are here to help, if you’re stuck wondering, “What are the best majors for pre-med?” This guide will show you how to choose a major for pre-med and help you make an informed decision on the best college majors for pre-med to help you thrive in your future career.
What Major Is the Best for Pre-Med?
Biological sciences are widely considered the best pre-med major because they are closely related to medicine. However, according to International Medical Aid, the best pre-med major is the one that is best for you. That means you should major in a subject you’re really interested in while still taking the suitable prerequisite classes for a medical school application.
While biological sciences are a common major for students who want to pursue a medical career, the major is not part of any medical school requirement. According to a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), only around a third of biological science applicants get accepted to medical school.
Bio majors may only consider the field of study out of convenience rather than compatibility because this major has many medical school prerequisite courses included in its undergraduate coursework. However, taking a biological sciences major often does not give you an admissions advantage over students who took other majors.
How to Choose a Major for Pre-Med
- Choose a subject you’re interested in. If you’re not interested in your major, then it won’t matter how good of a student you are. You won’t enjoy your time in school, and it will be difficult for you to succeed. Ensure that you like the subject you’re studying so you will stay motivated when you do your prerequisite coursework.
- Ensure your major will help you succeed. If a major isn’t helping students succeed, then they won’t be happy with their choice, and they won’t be able to achieve their goals as students or professionals later on. Remember that one of the main requirements for medical school is a good academic career and a high GPA.
- Opt for a major that will create opportunities for you. Pre-med students should have numerous opportunities available to them. In choosing the best major for pre-med, make sure that what you’re choosing offers many internships and opportunities for employment after graduation.
- Plan in advance. Take time to research different majors and their career tracks so that when you’re ready to choose your major, you’ll be familiar with what a major has to offer and what it’s looking for from its students.
- Research different majors and their career tracks. There are tons of resources online that will help you decide which major is right for you, letting you factor in both your projected salary and the degree of responsibility that will come with your future career in healthcare.
What Are the Best Majors for Pre-Med?
- Biology | Average Salary: $95,000
- Nursing | Average Salary: $90,000
- Physics | Average Salary: $90,000
- Mathematics | Average Salary: $81,000
- Neurobiology | Average Salary: $80,000
- Bioengineering | Average Salary: $79,000
- Economics | Average Salary: $76,000
- Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
- Philosophy | Average Salary: $73,000
- Psychology | Average Salary: $63,000
Best College Majors for Pre-Med: Explained
Biology | Average Salary: $95,000
Biology focuses on studying living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. The degree programs you can take within a biology major vary widely, from those that focus on one specific area of biology to those that combine several different areas of study.
A biology degree prepares you for graduate school, med school, or a career in health and the environment.
Nursing | Average Salary: $90,000
A nursing major enables students to prepare for a career as a registered nurse. Students typically take a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years to complete. Students will take courses such as biology and chemistry, which are common pre-med requirements.
The last two years of a BSN focus on advanced nursing classes, such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment, patient care planning and management, medical terminology, and soft skills, like communication skills.
Physics | Average Salary: $90,000
A physics major prepares students to pursue careers in fields like engineering, medicine, and technology. These majors are often called “physical sciences” because they focus on applying physical laws to phenomena in the world around us.
In addition to studying theoretical subjects like math and logic, physics students must also learn how to conduct experiments with equipment such as microscopes or spectrometers. As a result of this hands-on aspect of their education, many end up working as scientists after graduating from college.
Mathematics | Average Salary: $81,000
A math major focuses on mathematics, the study of quantity and space, at an academic level. Mathematics students may study algebra, calculus, or other subjects that deal with the study of numbers and quantities. A math major can also focus on geometry and trigonometry. A math student who attends medical school may opt to become a statistician in the medical field.
Neurobiology | Average Salary: $80,000
Neurobiology majors can pursue a variety of career paths, from working in research labs to working in healthcare settings. They may also choose to go into teaching or get more involved with public policy issues related to the human brain. Neurobiology majors can pursue a number of different careers after graduation in the fields of public health and health sciences.
Bioengineering | Average Salary: $79,000
Bioengineering uses biology, chemistry, and engineering to solve complex problems. Students who wish to pursue a career in bioengineering can choose from a variety of options. Some schools offer programs that focus on just one aspect of the field, while others provide comprehensive programs that include courses in both physical and biological sciences.
Economics | Average Salary: $76,000
Economics is a major within the social sciences field. An economics major can serve as a prerequisite for other disciplines. Students interested in studying medicine might want to consider taking classes that prepare them for medical school because they can develop both quantitative and critical-thinking skills in many of the major’s social science classes.
Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
A biochemistry major investigates living organisms and how they function. Students learn about the structure of life, organic chemistry, cell biology, how cells work and interact with each other, and how molecules are constructed from smaller units called atoms.
The degree programs students can take in biochemistry include courses in environmental science, pre-medicine, molecular biology, and biophysics. Students may also pursue a minor or double major.
Philosophy | Average Salary: $73,000
A major in philosophy helps students develop and enhance their critical thinking, a vital skill when applying to medical schools. Philosophy helps people deeply evaluate ethical questions that are important to all of us, like “What does it mean to be human?” “Is there such a thing as objective truth?” “Why should we obey laws we don’t agree with?”
Philosophy majors can answer these questions by studying how philosophers have approached these questions throughout history and in different cultures worldwide. This helps them develop an understanding of how our world works, making them more empathetic thinkers who can understand others’ perspectives.
Psychology | Average Salary: $63,000
A psychology major is a popular pre-med degree that focuses on studying human behavior, including both the psychological and physical aspects of human beings. This is an excellent choice for students who wish to study the science behind why people do what they do and how their brain affects how they act.
A psychology degree offers a strong foundation in scientific thinking, which can help students move forward into medical school or other advanced degrees.
What Are the Best Careers in Medicine?
With a major for pre-med, you can become a surgeon or score other specialized health sciences jobs. There will be opportunities for you to work directly with patients individually and participate in group settings where you can help others communicate with healthcare providers and other members of the medical field.
Top 10 Best Careers in Medicine
There are many paths you can take if you want to pursue a career in medicine. Below are the best careers in medicine, with their corresponding annual salaries for your consideration.
Physician or Surgeon
- Average Salary: $208,000
- Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
A surgeon or physician is a health professional with extensive training and medical education to diagnose and perform operations on patients. The duties of surgeons and physicians include performing surgeries, taking care of patients in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, analyzing data from studies or other research projects related to medicine or surgery, writing reports about their work, and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
Podiatrist
- Average Salary: $145,840
- Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in foot care, including treating infections, injuries, and other foot conditions. Podiatrists also do preventative care. Podiatrists can additionally prescribe corrective shoes, advise foot health, and offer treatment for conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Podiatrists need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.
Physician Assistant
- Average Salary: $121,530
- Job Outlook: 31% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Master’s degree
A physician assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who assists physicians in providing medical care to patients and is responsible for patient interactions. Physician assistants are trained to work independently, but they often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as nursing assistants and laboratory technicians.
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PAs assist with procedures and treatments in the operating room, including anesthesiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical care.
Medical and Health Services Manager
- Average Salary: $101,340
- Job Outlook: 32% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
A medical and health services manager is responsible for the administration of healthcare services, including medical and clinical services, administrative services, quality assurance, safety management, and human resources management.
These managers also oversee budgeting and financial reporting, purchasing and contracting, facility planning and design, maintenance, engineering, and other related activities.
Veterinarian
- Average Salary: $100,370
- Job Outlook: 17% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
A veterinarian is a person who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, illnesses, and other health conditions in animals. A veterinarian is responsible for caring for animals’ health and well-being.
Vets have a solid foundation in diagnosing illnesses, performing surgery, and administering medications to animals. They also educate pet owners about how to take care of their pets and ensure their pets are eating and exercising safely.
Medical Scientist
- Average Salary: $95,310
- Job Outlook: 17% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
A medical scientist is a medical professional who performs research on the causes, preventions, and treatments of diseases. Medical scientists conduct laboratory experiments on living organisms such as bacteria and mice. They help scientists and physicians understand how diseases affect the human body.
Occupational Therapist
- Average Salary: $85,570
- Job Outlook: 17% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Master’s degree
Occupational therapists are often called upon to help people with disabilities and injuries regain their independence. The duties of an occupational therapist include helping patients develop and maintain self-care skills, reducing pain, improving mobility, and facilitating the development of compensatory strategies to restore independence.
Psychologist
- Average Salary: $81,040
- Job Outlook: 8% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or master’s degree
A psychologist is a healthcare professional who uses psychology to help patients deal with mental health issues. Those who become a psychologist can work in a wide array of settings, from hospitals to private practices, and specialize in areas like child psychology or gerontology. Psychologists must have Master’s Degrees in Psychology, and many have doctoral degrees.
Registered Nurse
- Average Salary: $77,600
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who has attained the degree of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has successfully completed an approved program of study. Registered nurses are licensed to practice nursing and work directly with patients to provide care, treatment, education, and support.
Registered nurses must communicate effectively with physicians, other healthcare providers, and a patient’s family to provide accurate information about patient conditions and needs. Nurses also need strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients’ families or caregivers.
Chiropractor
- Average Salary: $75,000
- Job Outlook: 11% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
A chiropractor is a medical professional who focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Those who become a chiropractor are generally trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries to the spine, pelvis, and extremities. Chiropractors treat patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica.
The duties of a chiropractor include diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of spinal disorders. They also educate patients about their conditions and how to prevent them from recurring.
Is Biology a Good Pre-Med Major?
Yes, biology is a good pre-med major because it teaches you about the structure, function, and evolution of living things. Biology helps you to understand how humans are related to other animals and is useful for medical practice. However, there are other pre-med majors that you can consider for a career in medicine, such as social sciences, humanities, and mathematics.
Best Majors for Pre-Med FAQ
Yes, a humanities major is good for pre-med. Through humanities courses, students develop communication, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills, all of which are very important among medical school applicants. The skills acquired through humanities fields will serve you well when doing your research, writing essays, and interacting with other students.
Yes, most pre-med majors are hard because medical school requirements are extensive and difficult. They require you to take classes in biology, chemistry, and physics, in addition to taking some math classes. These classes cover a lot of science-based topics. Many pre-med courses focus on human biology, requiring students to learn about anatomy and physiology.
According to International Medical Aid, the best pre-med schools include Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Duke University, and the University of Washington. These schools will bring you one step closer to achieving your career goals.
Medical school lasts for approximately four years. This includes the years you allocate for prerequisite classes in related fields of study. Moreover, you must be prepared to find ways to afford medical school as it can prove quite expensive.
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