Pre-Med Majors and Degree Programs
What Is Pre-Med?
Pre-med is an undergraduate academic pathway for students who intend to pursue medical school, referring to a course of study that allows you to complete science coursework and other academic preparation relevant to medical school admission. Medical schools establish their own prerequisite and admission requirements, so these requirements can vary by institution.
At GCU, you can choose from pre-med majors that combine medical school preparation with study in a specific academic discipline, such as a biology or biomedical engineering bachelor’s with pre-medicine emphases. As you compare pre-med programs, consider your academic interests, career goals and the admission requirements of medical schools you may want to pursue.
Pre-Med Degree Programs at GCU
How To Choose the Right Pre-Med Degree
To choose a pre-med degree, consider your academic interests, preferred learning approach and long-term goals, while making sure you can complete the prerequisite courses required by the medical schools you may apply to. Medical schools do not require one specific undergraduate major, so you can choose a field that interests you while planning for individual medical school admission requirements.
When comparing pre-med degrees, consider which academic focus and learning approach best match your interests. A biology pre-med emphasis centers more heavily on biological and biomedical sciences, while a biomedical engineering pre-med emphasis combines science preparation with engineering, mathematics and healthcare technology. Regardless of your major, review the prerequisite requirements of the medical schools you may apply to.
Hear From a Pre-Med Graduate
"The opportunities that I've had through GCU have just really pushed me to be at the top of my field, but also to experience everything that's around me, like mission trips and spending time with people and forming relationships, and I'm really excited to apply that to medicine later on."
"The opportunities that I've had through GCU have just really pushed me to be at the top of my field, but also to experience everything that's around me, like mission trips and spending time with people and forming relationships, and I'm really excited to apply that to medicine later on."
What Can You Do With a Pre-Med Degree?
Pre-med programs are designed to provide undergraduate preparation for students who intend to pursue medical school, but your bachelor’s degree can also provide a foundation for other science and healthcare career paths. The opportunities available to you can depend on the pre-med major you choose, your experience and the education or credentials required for a particular occupation.
Potential career outcomes by degree program include:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Pre-medicine
Graduates of this biology-focused pre-med program may pursue career opportunities in scientific research, laboratory analysis and the natural sciences. Potential career paths include natural sciences managers and biological scientists. Some positions, particularly management and advanced research roles, may require additional education or professional experience.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Pre-medicine
Graduates of the engineering-focused pre-med program can explore careers that combine engineering principles with biological and medical sciences. Potential career paths include bioengineers and biomedical engineers, who help develop medical devices and healthcare technologies, as well as architectural and engineering managers. Management positions typically require additional professional experience.
Median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers as of May 2025(See disclaimer 1)
Projected job growth for bioengineers and biomedical engineers from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 2)
Complete Pre-Med Courses on Campus
Pursue your pre-med studies on GCU’s campus in Phoenix, where you can engage with science, mathematics and other discipline-specific coursework as part of your undergraduate degree. Depending on the pre-med major you choose, your studies may include laboratory-based science courses, research and analysis or engineering design and applied projects.
As an on-campus student, you can engage with faculty and classmates while taking pre-med courses and other classes within your major. You can also experience the broader campus community through student organizations, events, recreation and other opportunities outside the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Med Majors
Review answers to common questions about pre-med majors, coursework, medical school preparation and career options as you consider your undergraduate path.
Is pre-med a major?
What do pre-med students study?
Is a pre-med program worth it?
Do pre-med programs help prepare you for the MCAT(See disclaimer ®)?
What can you do with a pre-med degree if you don't go to medical school?
What is the difference between pre-med and pre-health?
What is the best major for pre-med?
Is pre-med hard?
What To Expect From a Pre-Med Degree Program
Pre-med programs can provide a rigorous undergraduate experience centered on scientific inquiry, critical thinking and preparation for your next academic or professional step. GCU is an institutionally accredited university that offers pre-med pathways in biology and biomedical engineering. While your experience will vary by degree, both programs emphasize foundational sciences and opportunities to develop analytical competencies. You can also explore your field through the lens of GCU’s Christian worldview, including ethical decision-making, service and purpose.
You can expect the following in pre-med programs:
Pre-med coursework and topics
Study topics within the biological and physical sciences while completing coursework specific to your chosen major. Depending on your degree, your studies may also explore areas such as genetics, biochemistry, physiology, engineering, programming and biomedical applications.
Skills you can build in a pre-med program
Develop competencies in scientific reasoning, data analysis, research and problem-solving. Your specific degree may also provide opportunities to build laboratory or engineering design competencies as you apply concepts from your coursework.
Pre-med student support resources
Access academic resources designed to support you throughout your undergraduate studies, including faculty guidance, tutoring and other student support services as you progress through your degree.
Accreditation and pre-med program quality
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Institutional accreditation evaluates a university as a whole and provides assurance that it meets established standards for areas such as academic quality, teaching and learning and institutional effectiveness.
Pre-Med Degree Cost, Tuition and Savings
As you plan for your pre-med studies, understanding the cost of your undergraduate education can help you make informed financial decisions. GCU provides information about tuition, scholarships and other financial aid opportunities that may be available to eligible students.
Discover Your Financial Options
Explore current tuition information and resources that can help you understand the potential costs of earning your pre-med degree at GCU.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Pre-Med Programs?
GCU offers a streamlined admission process with no application fee, personal statement or essay required. High school students may qualify for admission by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or minimum SAT or ACT test score requirements. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program, so please review the requirements for your chosen program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Read More About Pre-Med
Explore more about pre-med majors, preparing for medical school and choosing an undergraduate degree that aligns with your academic and career goals.
Build a foundation for medical school preparation with a pre-med degree that aligns with your academic interests and career goals. Explore GCU’s pre-med programs and take the next step toward your future in medicine.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as bioengineers and biomedical engineers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers, retrieved September 2026.
- Association of American Medical Colleges. (2026). MCAT(See disclaimer ®) FAQs. Retrieved September 2026.
- Association of American Medical Colleges. (n.d.). How To Choose the Best Premed Major. Retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences on Oct. 16, 2026.