Bachelor of Science Degree, Natural Sciences Major

See also Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Physical Therapy

Learn to change lives through medicine

The purpose of the pre-medicine emphasis is to encompass a broad, liberal arts education from a Christian perspective and to provide a strong background in science and mathematics, as well as to prepare students for admission to and successful completion in medical school.

Additional Learning Outcome: Graduates of the pre-medicine emphasis will also be able to perform satisfactorily on health professions entrance exams.

The pre-medicine emphasis is designed to encompass a broad, liberal arts education and establish a strong background in science. Students should acquire other basic skills and attitudes such as reading with comprehension and retention, understanding concepts and drawing logical conclusions, and adapting quickly to new and different circumstances.

Admission to medical school in the United States is very selective, admitting only students with excellent grades and admission test scores and skills necessary to excel in the profession of medicine. Personal qualities and commitment are also important. Entrance requirements vary from one medical school to another, so students are urged to consult the catalog of the medical school of their interest early in their undergraduate enrollment in order to be informed of exact entrance requirements.

High School Preparation
Preparation for medical school demands much specific high school preparation. Ideally, the pre-medicine student should have a good understanding of the basic physical sciences, a highly developed ability in mathematics, and the competence to read rapidly and with comprehension. The minimum adequate preparation includes 2 units of algebra, 1 unit each of plane geometry, advanced mathematics (trigonometry and analytical geometry or precalculus), chemistry, and physics.

Students not prepared to enter directly into the pre-medicine curriculum will be able to make up certain deficiencies. In this case, time required to complete the pre-medicine degree could be expected to increase.

Academic Requirements Students must have at least a “B” in all biology, chemistry, and physics courses (seniors may appeal any particular course to the Chair of Natural Sciences). Natural sciences majors with a pre-medicine emphasis do not have to complete a minor. Chemistry may be claimed as a minor by completing 6 additional hours of 300- or 400-level chemistry courses. Biology may be claimed as a minor by completing 6 additional hours of 300- or 400-level biology courses. Science cannot be claimed as a minor.

Academic Program Fee $180 per semester or $45 per payment