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It needs to be stressed that "Premed" is not a major; it is a statement of your intent to apply to medical school after college. Medical schools do not give preference for admission decisions based on any major. Breadth of education is expected. The pursuit of some discipline in depth is encouraged. A successful medical student must effectively acquire, synthesize, apply and communicate information. These are skills that can be developed through a great variety of disciplines. Studies that include the humanities, social and behavioral sciences are strongly suggested. The choice of a BA or BS is yours and is a matter of your comfort level. You should consult with your advisor about that choice. You are urged to pursue a major that interests you and where you can excel. Most premedical students choose to major in the sciences* because that is their area of strength and interest, and if you can do well in the science this will prepare you well for the demands of the MCAT and medical school. While you are encouraged to pursue a major or minior in one of the sciences, you are also strongly encouraged to obtain breadth in your undergraduate education that includes classes in the humanities, social sciences, and even the arts. Placement of students in medical school is based on academic performance overall, as well as in the sciences, and other factors--not choice of major. Depending on your interests and aptitude, one major may be more attractive to you than another. You might consider electing to obtain a minor outside of the sciences if you are a science major; or elect to do a minor in the sciences if you major in one of the social sciences. Why choose a major in the sciences? See the following link: Science major and Premed? The choice of major and minor should be governed primarily by your interests and goals.
1. Are the upper-level courses of strong interest to you?
2. If you want to have research experience, does the department readily provide this
opportunity for undergraduates? What are their requirements to participate in research?
3. Are you doing well in the courses associated with this major?
4. If you change your mind about entering the medical field, is this a major that
you would be interested in pursuing at the graduate level?
5. Are the faculty supportive in helping undergraduates enter a health professional
program by providing guidance and evaluation letters?
6. Will this major provide you with a strong background that will prepare you for
the MCAT and make you competitive for medical school?
*Among the majors that most premedical students choose are: chemistry or biochemistry,
microbiology, psychology, and zoology. If you are confused as to why Biology or Biological
Sciences is not listed then you should check out the following link: Biological Sciences
Chemistry and Biochemistry: This major can give students a strong background
in understanding chemistry and the biochemical activities that occur in humans and
enhance their understanding of how pharmacological agents are used to treat diseases.
For more information about this deparment and major you are encouraged to view their
website: Chemistry
& Biochemistry
Microbiology: This major can give students a strong background in understanding
molecular biology, cellular function and the basis for diseases in humans. Microbiology
is the study of bacteria, viruses and fungi. For more information about this deparment
and major you are encouraged to view their website: Microbiology
Psychology: This major can give students a strong background in understanding
human behavior. For more information about this deparment and major you are encouraged
to view their website: Psychology
Zoology: This major can give students a strong background in understanding
how the human develops from a single cell and how these cells and organs of the body
function and are regulated. Zoology is the study of animals and covers most of the
topics associated with a biology major offered at other colleges. For more information
about this deparment and major you are encouraged to view their website: Zoology
What have been the majors of past Miami students that were accepted into medical school during the last four years?*
| Zoology............... | 98 |
| Microbiology....... | 34 |
| Chemistry............ | 32 |
| Psychology.......... | 10 |
| Interdisc. Studies... | 3 |
| Exercise Sci......... | 1 |
| Math | 1 |
| Classics............... | 1 |
| Philosophy............... | 3 |
| Accounting............... | 1 |
* Selecting a major that is suitable for medical school is not limited to the majors listed above. All successful applicants need to demonstrate strength in the biological and physical sciences. This only includes Miami students who applied to medical school during their senior year and entered medical school in the fall following graduation from Miami.
