7 Best Majors for the Medical Field

If you’re considering a career in medicine, your first step is getting into medical school—and that starts with earning the right undergraduate degree. Luckily, there are plenty of bachelor’s degrees that can set you up for success in medical school and beyond. By exploring the best majors for the medical field, you can make informed decisions about which undergraduate program aligns with your goals.

In this blog, you’ll discover why picking the right major is so important, explore a list of seven of the best majors for the medical field, and get practical tips to help you choose the program that’s perfect for you. Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to your dream career in healthcare!

• What Are the Best Majors for Medical Field?
• How to Choose the Right Major for Medicine
• Top 5 Medical Schools in the US
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Majors for Medical Field?

Choosing a college major as a pre-med can feel overwhelming—there are so many options, and the stakes are undeniably high. While many pre-meds gravitate toward biology or other science-related majors, there’s nothing wrong with exploring fields like English or foreign languages. In fact, as medical schools increasingly value well-rounded applicants, humanities majors are becoming more popular. 

At your college, nearly every field of study is open to you as a pre-med. Even so, most students aiming for a career in healthcare tend to pick from a more focused list. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve highlighted the top 7. Let’s take a closer look at the best majors for the medical field:

1. Biology

Biology is one of the most popular choices for students pursuing a medical career, especially if you’re aspiring to become a physician or surgeon. In fact, nearly half of all physicians and surgeons employed in 2015 majored in biology during undergrad.

The trend continues, with over half of all 2021-2022 medical school applicants holding degrees in biology or biological sciences. It’s no surprise that biology often tops the list of the best majors for the medical field.

Choosing biology as your major ensures you’ll cover essential science courses and labs that most medical schools require. You’ll dive into fascinating topics like human biology, anatomy, physiology, and genetics. But don’t forget to balance your education with non-science courses to develop the well-rounded perspective medical schools are looking for.

Some of the typical courses you can expect as a biology major include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Biochemistry
• Biology I and II
• Biology labs
• Calculus
• Evolutionary biology
• Genetics
• Organic chemistry

2. Nursing

Earning an undergraduate degree in nursing can help you become a registered nurse and even lead to you seeking more advanced careers in nursing, such as becoming a nurse practitioner. It can also be a great pathway to medical school.

Many nursing programs include some prerequisite courses for medical school, though you may need to take extra courses. Your nursing degree will also likely require you to complete internships in a hospital or clinical setting, giving you some hands-on experience for the future and helping you develop your bedside manner.  

Earning your nursing degree also gives you a backup. Perhaps you decide to take some time off before going to medical school—you can work as a registered nurse during that time. If you choose to advance your medical career, you’ll have clinical experience under your belt.

Courses you may encounter as a nursing student include:  

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Anatomy and physiology
• Nursing ethics
• Health assessment
• Clinical theory
• Pharmacology
• Patient care practices
• Sociology
• Psychology

3. Psychology

Social science majors like psychology aren’t just great options for future doctors—they can actually give you an edge when applying to medical school. By majoring in psychology, you’ll set yourself apart from the crowd of biology and chemistry majors, bringing diversity to your graduating class.

Plus, you’ll develop essential workplace skills like empathy, communication, critical thinking, and resilience, which are invaluable in a medical career. It’s no wonder psychology is considered one of the best majors for the medical field, with about 6.6% of employed doctors and surgeons holding psychology degrees.

Many psychology programs let you specialize in areas that match your interests, and some schools also offer psychology summer programs and pre-med tracks to ensure you complete the required science, math, and English courses for medical school.. This way, you’ll be prepared academically while building a strong foundation in human behavior and mental health.

As a psychology major, you’ll likely take courses such as:

• General psychology
• Statistics
• Psychiatry
• Developmental psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Neuroscience
• Social psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Educational psychology
• Psychological disorders

4. Public health

If you’re interested in tackling health challenges on a broader scale, a public health degree could be one of the best majors for the medical school. This undergraduate program gives you a solid foundation in preventative health, health statistics, and understanding trends related to diseases or medical conditions.

With a public health degree, you’ll not only prepare for medical school but also open doors to careers like epidemiology, where you can help manage and prevent outbreaks.

As a public health major, you’ll take coursework designed to give you a deep understanding of health systems, community health, and data analysis. Some common classes include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Epidemiology
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Statistics
• Biostatistics
• Public Health Practices
• Community Health Management
• Occupational Health Management

5. Biochemistry

If you’re looking for a major that dives into the intersection of biology and chemistry, biochemistry could be one of the best majors for the medical field. 

Like biology majors, biochemistry students study living organisms, but they also focus on the chemical processes that drive life itself. It’s a popular choice for students planning to attend medical school and build a strong foundation in science.

As a biochemistry major, you’ll take plenty of science courses and labs, particularly in biology and chemistry. However, you’ll also dive deeper into math and physics compared to most biology majors. A typical course load might include:

• Organic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Biology I and II
• Biology and chemistry labs
• Microbiology
• Calculus
• Physics
• Molecular biology
• Genetics

6. Biomedical engineering

If you’re passionate about technology and medicine, a biomedical engineering degree might be one of the best majors for the medical field. This program teaches you how technology, science, and medicine work together to improve healthcare through innovative devices and solutions.

From constructing biomedical devices like heart monitors and X-ray machines to designing artificial organs and tissues, biomedical engineering prepares you to make a real difference in patient care.

As a biomedical engineering major, you’ll take a mix of science and engineering courses that combine theory with hands-on lab projects. Some of the classes you can expect include:

• Biology
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biomolecular Engineering
• Medical Diagnostics
• Biomechanics
• Bioelectrics

7. Math and statistics

If you’re strong in numbers and problem-solving, a math or statistics major could be one of the best majors for the medical field. While it’s no secret that math classes can be challenging, many doctors say the hard work they put in as undergraduates prepared them for the rigor of medical school.

Plus, the critical thinking and analytical skills you’ll develop as a math major are invaluable for a career in medicine.

Math also hones the precision and attention to detail required to become a doctor or surgeon. As a math or statistics major, your coursework might include:

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Probability
• Geometry
• Foundations of Math
• Computer Science
• Analysis

How to Choose the Right Major for Medicine

When you’re choosing an undergraduate degree to help you prepare for medical school, it’s important to think strategically about your options. To make the best decision, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Figure out your career goals.

Medical school opens the door for you to pursue a variety of career paths, from general physician roles to specialized fields like pediatrics, anesthesiology, endocrinology, or sports medicine. But your journey starts with the right undergraduate degree, which can lay the groundwork for your future specialty.

For example, if you’re dreaming of becoming an internal medicine doctor, a degree in biology or nursing could be the perfect way to build a strong foundation for your career.

2. Check med school requirements.

If you already have a few medical schools in mind, take some time to review their application requirements. Check to see if they list any specific prerequisite courses or recommend certain undergraduate majors. This can be a great way to narrow down your options and figure out which programs align best with your goals.

By doing your research, you can choose one of the best majors for the medical field that not only meets the schools’ expectations but also gives you the biggest advantage on your journey to becoming a doctor.

3. Think about your strengths and interests.

Becoming a medical professional takes serious commitment and perseverance. Along the way, you might face challenges like early burnout or even losing the passion that first inspired you to pursue med school.

That’s why it’s so important to choose one of the best majors for the medical field—something you’re genuinely excited about—so you’re not stuck spending four years studying something that doesn’t spark your interest.

If biology or chemistry gets you fired up, then your choice might be easy. But for many of you, it’s not so simple. Take the time to make an informed decision that aligns with your personal passions and interests

 Choosing a subject you truly enjoy can make your undergraduate years more fulfilling and help keep your passion alive, fueling you for the long journey through medical school and beyond.

4. Consider your GPA.

Does GPA matter? Absolutely. Admissions officers at top medical schools want to ensure they’re admitting students who can handle the academic rigors ahead. And like it or not, the data suggests a strong correlation between GPA and success in medical school.

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), GPA is one of the top criteria for admissions, right up there with your MCAT scores. However, there’s more to it than just your overall GPA—your grades in the most relevant and challenging science courses may carry even more weight.

So, as you explore the best majors for medical field preparation, think strategically. Choose a major that allows you to tackle rigorous coursework to showcase your academic strengths while maintaining top grades, not just in your pre-med classes but also in your non-science courses. Your choice of major can play a big role in demonstrating your readiness for the challenges ahead.

5. Look out for internship or research opportunities.

Getting involved in hands-on activities is a great way to develop the skills you’ll need to thrive in medical school and as a practicing physician. These experiences can also help you figure out the kind of doctor you want to be. For example, do you see yourself working in a bustling emergency room, a quiet private practice, or maybe even an athletic venue?

By exploring these opportunities early on, you’ll gain clarity about the type of people you’d like to serve, the services you want to provide, and the setting that feels right for you. Pairing these experiences with one of the best majors for the medical field can help you build a well-rounded foundation, both academically and personally, for your future in medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to major in biology or chemistry to get into medical school?

No, you don’t have to major in biology or chemistry to get into medical school. While many students choose these paths, medical schools accept students from a variety of undergraduate majors. As long as you complete the necessary pre-med coursework (such as biology, chemistry, physics, and math), you can choose a major that aligns with your interests.

2.  Can you go to med school with any degree?

Yes, you can go to medical school with almost any undergraduate degree, as long as you complete the necessary pre-med coursework. While many students choose degrees in fields like biology or chemistry, medical schools do not require a specific major.

3. What is the MCAT?

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized test required for admission to most medical schools. It assesses your knowledge in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology, and tests your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Takeaways

• Choosing the best major for the medical field depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals.
• Some of the best majors to consider include Biology, Nursing, and Psychology.
• Regardless of the path you choose, it’s essential to ensure you complete the necessary pre-med coursework and gain relevant experience to make your application stand out.
• If you’re unsure which major to choose or need guidance on your path to medical school, AdmissionSight is here to help. With our personalized coaching services, we can assist you in selecting the best major for your medical school aspirations, help you craft a compelling application, and guide you every step of the way.