BS Degree in Biology: Pre-Med Emphasis
BS Degree in Biology: Pre-Med Emphasis
journey today.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine provides students with the foundational coursework needed to pursue medical-related careers in the future. Graduates of this degree in biology: pre-med emphasis program at Grand Canyon University may be prepared to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and others, and continue their education at the graduate level.
Our biology emphasis offers a robust foundation in the biological sciences, essential for medical school. You can benefit from hands-on laboratory experiences and personalized mentoring, which can help enhance your understanding of complex concepts and support your preparation for rigorous medical training. Additionally, the program’s strong emphasis on research and critical thinking can equip future medical professionals with the skills needed in their future careers.
Take Pre-Med Courses on Campus
Taking pre-med classes on campus can provide direct access to knowledgeable faculty and laboratory facilities, enhancing your hands-on learning and academic engagement. The in-person experience fosters interactions with peers and professors, creating a supportive environment that can help prepare you for medical school.
The BS in Biology with a pre-med emphasis is designed to help equip you with essential knowledge, skills and tools for the healthcare field. This on-campus program emphasizes interpersonal communication and can prepare you to collaborate effectively with patients and other healthcare providers.
By covering advanced scientific concepts across the five key domains below, this program teaches comprehensive skills that support your future exams and medical coursework.
Science Foundations
A biology program with a medical focus includes foundational coursework in molecular biology, genetics and physiology. These core areas of study teach biological processes and systems critical for advanced medical education and practice.
Scientific Communication
This domain was developed to teach you how to effectively convey complex medical information to diverse audiences. This training can help enhance your ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals and engage in clear communication within clinical settings.
Professionalism and Ethics
The professionalism and ethics segment focuses on understanding ethical standards and professional conduct in healthcare. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you will be taught how to navigate ethical dilemmas and maintain integrity.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
You will be taught data analysis techniques, including statistical tools and software for evaluating research findings. These skills are essential for interpreting data and making evidence-based decisions in medical research and clinical practice.
Biomedical Concepts
You will explore advanced biomedical concepts including molecular genetics, pathophysiology and cellular mechanisms. Coursework involves detailed analysis of genetic disorders, disease processes and cellular interactions.
Graduates who pursue this emphasis can work toward a range of career options.
If you choose not to attend medical school, these are other career paths you may explore:
Biological scientist
Life scientist
Biological technician
Forensic science technician
Secondary school teacher
60%
Approximate percentage of future physicians and surgeons who chose biology as their undergraduate major.1,2
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Natural Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand the importance of feeling confident in your decision to pursue a medical career path. Therefore, to assist you in making an informed choice, we have compiled a selection of frequently asked questions about the program.
Yes, biology is a great major for those who want to pursue a medical career track. Biology is the study of life and all living organisms. By looking into the chemical makeup of humans, animals, plants and all environments, biology majors will be taught the skills necessary to pursue a graduate degree or career in medicine.
This biology degree can help provide you with many opportunities in a wide array of career fields. Depending on your career aspirations, a pre-med biology degree may allow you to work in fields such as lab sciences or the pharmaceutical industry. However, the primary intent of GCU’s pre-med program is to help prepare you for human-health-oriented graduate or professional schools.
Graduates with a bachelor’s in biology with a pre-med emphasis are specifically prepared for applying to programs such as medical or dental school, optometry school and veterinary school. Medical schools may have different requirements for admission, but courses in biology are a typical prerequisite for application.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical schools generally require students to have core knowledge of the life and physical sciences — including chemistry, physics and biology.3 However, you don’t have to be a science major to apply to medical school.4 To bolster your academic proficiency, it is recommended to successfully complete a comprehensive set of pre-med courses, including biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. These specific courses have been identified by medical schools as essential knowledge for aspiring pre-medicine biology majors.4
This biology pre-med emphasis program can help prepare you for the MCAT by covering essential topics such as cell biology, biochemistry and human anatomy.5 In addition, the program coursework includes numerous MCAT-like case studies and critical thinking exercises to help you prepare for the exam, as well as focused training in critical analysis and scientific reasoning to help you tackle complex problems and interpret data effectively.
Explore Emphasis Options
Discover additional BS in Biology emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
Start Your Pre-Med Journey With Biology
Embark on a medical field preparation path by building a strong foundation in biological sciences for future medical school candidates.
1 Murphy, B. (2021, May 27). Which Undergrad Majors Are Best for Med School? American Medical Association. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
2 Association of American Medical Colleges. (2022, Oct. 27). Table A-17: MCAT and GPAs for Applicants and Matriculants to U.S. MD-Granting Medical Schools by Primary Undergraduate Major, 2022-2023. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
3 Visit the “State Disclosures” section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
4 Chen, A. (2017, December). From Premed to Physician: Pursuing a Medical Career. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
5 Amiri, L. (n.d.). Applying to Medical School as a Nonscience Major. AAMC. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
6 Kaptest. (n.d.). Pre-Med Majors: Choosing a Specialty. Retrieved July 30, 2024.