Majors & Careers

Do health schools require a certain major?

These statements come from medical, dental, pharmacy and PA education bodies, the BLS and a university advising office. Each school sets its own prerequisites, so confirm them with every school.

There are no required or even preferred majors that medical schools are looking for; students should make sure they fulfill the prerequisite coursework for the schools they want to apply to. [1]

Students don't have to be a science major to apply to medical school, but nonscience majors should complete courses that contain the material tested on the MCAT exam: at the very least, a year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. [2]

More than half of all applicants reported undergraduate biological science majors over the past five years, while the rest reported a variety of majors, including mathematics, statistics and social sciences. [2]

No specific undergraduate degree is required to enter an M.D. or D.O. program, but applicants to medical school usually have studied subjects such as biology, physical science, or healthcare and related fields. [3]

A specific undergraduate major is not required for acceptance to dental school, but a good foundation in the sciences is required. [4]

Many dental schools have accepted students with majors in music, art history, engineering and math, although the majority of dental students still majored in biology and chemistry. [4]

Although no specific undergraduate major is required for dental school, programs may prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in a science. [5]

Students are not required to major in "pre-pharmacy" to be eligible for admission to pharmacy degree programs, and if the pharmacy prerequisite courses are not required in their major, they need to complete these courses as electives. [6]

Future PAs first need to earn a bachelor's degree, and majoring in the health sciences is strongly recommended. [7]

Admission to occupational therapy graduate programs requires a bachelor's degree, although it may not need to be in a particular subject. [8]

Health professional schools do not prefer any specific major, and students are encouraged to choose fields of study that genuinely interest them while completing pre-health requirements. [9]

Health majors

Each major has its own page: typical college courses from a named university catalog, the health tracks it can lead to, and careers with a bachelor’s degree.

• Biology

  Biology is the study of life from both basic and applied perspectives across a broad range of analytical levels. [10]

• Chemistry

  Chemistry is the scientific study of the composition and properties of matter. [11]

• Biochemistry

  Penn State's biochemistry and molecular biology major applies basic principles of chemistry and physics to the study of living cells and their components. [12]

• Neuroscience

  Neuroscience draws on techniques and findings from several academic disciplines. [13]

• Kinesiology and Exercise Science

  Kinesiology is a comprehensive program of study in the science of human movement. [14]

• Health Science

  At the University of New Hampshire (UNH), the Health Sciences major is designed for students who are committed to joining the community of health care professionals. [15]

• Psychology

  The emphasis of its psychology major is on a broad acquaintance with the behavioral sciences, not specialization. [16]

• Nutrition

  Nutrition is a dynamic field that incorporates knowledge of human biology and biochemistry. [17]

Engineering majors

The engineering page covers the first-year courses, ABET accreditation and licensing, with a card for each engineering major.

• Engineering

  Before entering majors such as mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering, students complete Chemical Principles I, Cornerstone Engineering Design, Calculus With Analytic Geometry I and II, and General Physics: Mechanics, each with a grade of C or better. [18] [19] [20]

• Mechanical Engineering

  Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, and it is divided into two broad areas: mechanical systems and thermal systems. [18]

• Electrical Engineering

  Electrical engineering is the application of electronics, electrical science and technology, and computer systems to the needs of society. [21]

• Civil Engineering

  Penn State's program in civil and environmental engineering is designed to provide the basic undergraduate education required for private practice and public service in civil engineering, or to continue formal education. [19]

• Chemical Engineering

  Chemical engineers are employed in a broad array of industries, from pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies to semiconductor manufacturing. [22]

• Biomedical Engineering

  The biomedical engineering curriculum emphasizes the continuous integration of classical and modern engineering principles with the life sciences and health care. [23]

• Computer Engineering

  Computer engineering students take a balanced program of instruction covering the basic principles of the design and application of computer systems. [24]

• Aerospace Engineering

  Aerospace engineering emphasizes the analysis, design and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. [20]

• Industrial Engineering

  Industrial engineering offers an education in manufacturing, operations research, ergonomics and service, grounded in mathematics and the physical and engineering sciences. [25]

• Environmental Engineering

  Environmental engineering prepares students to plan, design, operate and renew the built systems that protect public health and the environment. [26]

• Materials Engineering

  Materials such as ceramics, metals, polymers and composites are critical to many industries and key to most engineering disciplines. [27]

STEM majors: science, technology and math

Each major has its own page: typical college courses from a named university catalog, high school preparation where a source gives it, and careers with a bachelor’s degree.

• Physics

  Penn State's physics major provides a sound program of technical and general education for students planning a career in physics and related fields. [28]

• Earth and Environmental Science

  Global climate change and more local environmental change present major challenges, and solving them requires people with a solid scientific understanding of natural earth and environmental systems and of the social, economic and political sides of these problems. [29]

• Astronomy

  Astronomy involves the study of the properties, physical nature and origins of the planets, stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole. [30]

• Computer Science

  Computer science is the study of computation, including its principles and foundations, its efficient implementation, its analysis, and its practical use in many different application areas. [31]

• Data Science

  Data sciences is a field that develops, applies and checks methods, systems and tools for drawing useful knowledge, sound conclusions and actionable insights from large, complex and varied data. [32]

• Information Technology

  Penn State's information sciences and technology degree builds an understanding of core information technologies, prepares students to apply information sciences and related technologies in practice, and sharpens their ability to think critically and work in teams. [33]

• Cybersecurity

  Penn State's bachelor of science in cybersecurity analytics and operations is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers as cybersecurity professionals. [34]

• Mathematics

  Penn State's bachelor of arts and bachelor of science in mathematics share a common core of mathematics courses, and both prepare students for graduate work in mathematics. [35]

• Applied Mathematics

  Much of applied mathematics is intimately tied to computing. [36]

• Statistics

  Penn State's statistics major helps prepare students interested in mathematics, computation and the quantitative side of science for careers in industry and government as statistical analysts, or for graduate training in statistics. [37]

• Actuarial Science

  An actuary is a business professional who uses mathematical skills to define, analyze and solve complex business and social problems. [38]

Sources

1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). How to Choose the Best Premed Major. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/how-choose-best-premed-major. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked November 4, 2026.
2. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Applying to Medical School as a Nonscience Major. https://students-residents.aamc.org/getting-organized/applying-medical-school-nonscience-major. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked November 4, 2026.
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked November 4, 2026.
4. American Dental Education Association (ADEA), GoDental. College Major. https://www.adea.org/godental/Apply/tips-for-preparing-to-enter-dental-school/preparing-for-dental-school/college-major. no edition stated (footer © 2026). Checked November 4, 2026.
5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Dentists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked November 4, 2026.
6. PharmCAS, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Pre-Pharmacy Prep. https://www.pharmcas.org/helpful-resources/pre-pharmacy-prep. no edition stated (footer © 2026 PharmCAS). Checked November 4, 2026.
7. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Become a PA (one-page handout). https://paeaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Become-a-PA-one-page.pdf. no date shown in the document (PDF; the link redirects to PAEA’s file host). Checked November 4, 2026.
8. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Occupational Therapists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked November 4, 2026.
9. Cornell University, Health Professions Advising Center. Academic Preparation. https://prehealthadvising.cornell.edu/academic-preparation. no edition stated (footer © 2026; refers to course changes effective Fall 2026). Checked November 4, 2026.
10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Biology Major, B.S.. https://catalog.unc.edu/undergraduate/programs-study/biology-major-bs/. 2026–2027 Academic Catalog. Checked November 4, 2026.
11. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chemistry Major, B.S.. https://catalog.unc.edu/undergraduate/programs-study/chemistry-major-bs/. 2026–2027 Academic Catalog. Checked November 4, 2026.
12. The Pennsylvania State University. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/eberly-science/biochemistry-molecular-biology-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
13. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Neuroscience Major, B.S.. https://catalog.unc.edu/undergraduate/programs-study/neuroscience-major-bs/. 2026–2027 Academic Catalog. Checked November 4, 2026.
14. The Pennsylvania State University. Kinesiology, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/health-human-development/kinesiology-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
15. University of New Hampshire. Health Sciences Major (B.S.). https://catalog.unh.edu/undergraduate/health-human-services/programs-study/health-sciences/health-sciences-major-bs/. no year shown on this page (the Health Sciences department page shows Academic Year 2026–2027). Checked November 4, 2026.
16. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Psychology Major, B.S.. https://catalog.unc.edu/undergraduate/programs-study/psychology-major-bs/. 2026–2027 Academic Catalog. Checked November 4, 2026.
17. The Pennsylvania State University. Nutritional Sciences, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/health-human-development/nutritional-sciences-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
18. The Pennsylvania State University. Mechanical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/mechanical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
19. The Pennsylvania State University. Civil Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/civil-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
20. The Pennsylvania State University. Aerospace Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/aerospace-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
21. The Pennsylvania State University. Electrical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/electrical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
22. The Pennsylvania State University. Chemical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/chemical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
23. The Pennsylvania State University. Biomedical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/biomedical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
24. The Pennsylvania State University. Computer Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/computer-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
25. The Pennsylvania State University. Industrial Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/industrial-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
26. The Pennsylvania State University. Environmental Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/environmental-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
27. The Pennsylvania State University. Materials Science and Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/earth-mineral-sciences/materials-science-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
28. The Pennsylvania State University. Physics, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/eberly-science/physics-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
29. The Pennsylvania State University. Earth Science and Policy, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/earth-mineral-sciences/earth-science-policy-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
30. The Pennsylvania State University. Astronomy and Astrophysics, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/eberly-science/astronomy-astrophysics-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
31. The Pennsylvania State University. Computer Science, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/computer-science-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
32. The Pennsylvania State University. Data Sciences, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/data-sciences-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
33. The Pennsylvania State University. Information Sciences and Technology, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/information-sciences-technology/information-sciences-technology-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
34. The Pennsylvania State University. Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/information-sciences-technology/cybersecurity-analytics-operations-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
35. The Pennsylvania State University. Mathematics, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/eberly-science/mathematics-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
36. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). SIAM Education Committee Report on Undergraduate Degree Programs in Applied Mathematics. https://www.siam.org/media/uhxkshs4/undergraduate_degree_programs_math.pdf. May 2014. Checked November 4, 2026.
37. The Pennsylvania State University. Statistics, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/eberly-science/statistics-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.
38. The Pennsylvania State University. Actuarial Science, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/smeal-business/actuarial-science-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked November 4, 2026.

Format: Publisher. Page title. URL. Edition or catalog year. Checked date.