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What majors are good for people who want to become doctors?
I am a high school senior and am deciding on a major. I know I want to work as either a doctor or a surgeon but am not sure whether to study under biochemistry, microbiology, or something else.
#medicine #major #college-major #choosing-a-major #doctor
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Richard’s Answer
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. I chose to major in biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. I chose to major in biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Updated
Kukee’s Answer
If you not sure, you can major in biology and minor in chemistry since that would help you doing your pre-med career. Along with it you can start applying for volunteering, shadowing doctors that you desire to become. Do volunteering as it will help shape what you still want to become in ahead of time.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Bellissima,
Biological Sciences
A top choice for future doctors is the Biological Sciences major. It covers a vast array of subjects related to living organisms. This major lays a robust groundwork in the fundamental sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. It also offers insights into genetics, cell biology, and ecology. If you're considering a specialization in internal medicine, pediatrics, or pathology, this major could be especially advantageous.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry explores the chemical processes within living organisms. This major merges aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics to deliver a holistic understanding of how biological systems operate at the molecular level. As a Biochemistry major, you'll delve into the structure and function of proteins, DNA, and other biological molecules. This major could be especially advantageous if you're considering a specialization in anesthesiology, dermatology, or neurology.
Physics
Physics, the study of the natural world, encompasses the behavior of matter and energy. Though not a conventional pre-med major, Physics can be a stellar choice for those eyeing a medical career. As a Physics major, you'll hone your problem-solving skills and gain a profound understanding of the fundamental principles that dictate the behavior of the physical world. This major could be especially advantageous if you're considering a specialization in radiology, radiation oncology, or medical physics.
Mathematics
Mathematics, the study of numbers, shapes, and structures, is another non-traditional pre-med major that can be a great choice for those aiming for a medical career. As a Mathematics major, you'll develop robust analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for success in medical school and beyond. This major could be especially advantageous if you're considering a specialization in anesthesiology, epidemiology, or medical research.
Psychology
Psychology, the study of the human mind and behavior, can be an excellent choice for those eyeing a medical career, particularly in psychiatry or neurology. As a Psychology major, you'll develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in medical school and beyond. This major also offers a solid grounding in research methods and statistical analysis.
Authoritative Reference Titles
The Princeton Review. “Medical School Admissions: What You Need to Know.” The Princeton Review, 2021.
Association of American Medical Colleges. “Choosing a Major: What You Need to Know.” AAMC, 2021.
National Association of Colleges and Employers. “The 15 Best Majors for Pre-Med Students.” NACE, 2021.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Biological Sciences
A top choice for future doctors is the Biological Sciences major. It covers a vast array of subjects related to living organisms. This major lays a robust groundwork in the fundamental sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. It also offers insights into genetics, cell biology, and ecology. If you're considering a specialization in internal medicine, pediatrics, or pathology, this major could be especially advantageous.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry explores the chemical processes within living organisms. This major merges aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics to deliver a holistic understanding of how biological systems operate at the molecular level. As a Biochemistry major, you'll delve into the structure and function of proteins, DNA, and other biological molecules. This major could be especially advantageous if you're considering a specialization in anesthesiology, dermatology, or neurology.
Physics
Physics, the study of the natural world, encompasses the behavior of matter and energy. Though not a conventional pre-med major, Physics can be a stellar choice for those eyeing a medical career. As a Physics major, you'll hone your problem-solving skills and gain a profound understanding of the fundamental principles that dictate the behavior of the physical world. This major could be especially advantageous if you're considering a specialization in radiology, radiation oncology, or medical physics.
Mathematics
Mathematics, the study of numbers, shapes, and structures, is another non-traditional pre-med major that can be a great choice for those aiming for a medical career. As a Mathematics major, you'll develop robust analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for success in medical school and beyond. This major could be especially advantageous if you're considering a specialization in anesthesiology, epidemiology, or medical research.
Psychology
Psychology, the study of the human mind and behavior, can be an excellent choice for those eyeing a medical career, particularly in psychiatry or neurology. As a Psychology major, you'll develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in medical school and beyond. This major also offers a solid grounding in research methods and statistical analysis.
Authoritative Reference Titles
The Princeton Review. “Medical School Admissions: What You Need to Know.” The Princeton Review, 2021.
Association of American Medical Colleges. “Choosing a Major: What You Need to Know.” AAMC, 2021.
National Association of Colleges and Employers. “The 15 Best Majors for Pre-Med Students.” NACE, 2021.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.