Recommended Majors for Pre-Health Students & Respective Links:
Integrative Neuroscience (minimum science GPA of 3.2, and no less than B- in 4 or more credits)
*nevertheless, you are free to major in whatever you choose, as long as you complete pre-health requirements.
Pre-Health Requirements (courses required before matriculating to most medical schools)
Freshman Year:
Introductory Biology 1 + Lab (BISC 1403 + BISC 1404)
Introductory Biology 2 + Lab (BISC 1413 + BISC 1414)
General Chemistry 1 + Lab + Recitation (CHEM 1311 + CHEM 1321 + CHEM 1312)
General Chemistry 2 + Lab + Recitation (CHEM 1322 + CHEM 1331 + CHEM 1332)
Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1100)
Sophomore Year:
Organic Chemistry 1 + Lab + Recitation (CHEM 2511 + CHEM 2521 + CHEM 2512)
Organic Chemistry 2 + Lab + Recitation (CHEM 2522 + CHEM 2541 + CHEM 2542)
Calculus (MATH 1203 or MATH 1206)
Statistics (MATH 1205 or SOCI 2606 or ECON 2140 or PSYC 2000)
Foundations of Psychology (PSYC 1200)
Junior Year:
Physics 1 + Lab + Recitation (PHYS 1501 + PHYS 1503 + PHYS 1511)
Physics 2 + Lab + Recitation (PHYS 1502 + PHYS 1504 + PHYS 1512)
Biochemistry (BISC 3521)
Senior Year:
Electives/Major Requirements
*This timeline outlines the recommended course sequence for pre-health students, especially if you plan on taking the MCAT in the summer going into your senior year and want to ensure all requirements are completed before then. It is important to note that while this sequence is structured for those not taking a gap year, you can arrange your classes as you see fit based on your interests, schedule, and academic goals. However, following this recommended timeline will help ensure you are prepared for medical school applications and the MCAT. Lastly, it is important to emphasize that the courses listed here are only the required pre-health courses and do not include core courses, electives, or major requirements. You will need to plan your schedule to also include these additional courses to meet graduation requirements for your degree.*
Additional Courses for Pre-Health Students Preparing for Graduate School Applications
Genetics + Lab (BISC 2539 + BISC 2549)
Cell Biology (BISC 3754)
Microbiology + Lab (BISC 3643 + BISC 3653)
Human Anatomy + Lab (BISC 3221 + BISC 3231)
Human Physiology + Lab (BISC 3132 + BISC 3142)
Molecular Biology (BISC 3752)
Cancer Biology & signaling (BISC 4530)
Introduction to Virology (BISC 3893)
Introduction to Bioethics (THEO/CEED 3856)
Sociology of Health & Illness (SOCI 3114)
In addition to these courses, there are many other elective options available for pre-health students. Depending on your major, these courses may not be required but can still be beneficial for graduate school preparation.
"Many medical school admissions officers view a GPA of 3.8 as very competitive, and they like to see at least a GPA of 3.5 or above. These scores will be especially competitive if your major is related to medicine, and it’s even better if it’s a difficult science major like neuroscience or physics" (Med School Insider).
Office hours are crucial for academic success and building relationships with professors. Be sure to check the syllabus for each course to find specific office hours and take advantage of them for personalized support.
Office hours allow for better chances of receiving letters of recommendation as well, which is important for a well rounded medical school application.
Academic Awards and Honors
Summa cum laude (with highest honor) : cumulative GPA 3.800-4.000
Magna cum laude (with great honor) : 3.700-3.799
Cum laude (with praise) 3.600-3.699
Reverend Alan J. McCarthy, SJ, Memorial Award : presented to a senior in the biological sciences department who, in addition to demonstrating academic excellence, has contributed significantly to the department in service or research.
William Steinbugler Prize: presented to the senior who has the best record of achievement in biology for three or four years.
Fordham Chemists Award: granted to a senior who expects to make chemistry a lifetime profession, and recognizes leadership and excellence in scholarship and character.
Rev. Robert D. Cloney, SJ Memorial Award: given each year to an outstanding graduating Chemistry major. The award honors the memory of a beloved member of the Chemistry faculty and his dedication to undergraduate education.
Leo K. Yanowski Award: bestowed on a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in analytical chemistry.