Prerequisite courses

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses for D.O. schools, please see the DO Explorer. For M.D. schools, view the AAMC's Premed Course Requirements document or purchase a subscription to the Medical School Admission Requirements (usually not necessary until you’re closer to applying). Individual school websites will always have the most up-to-date information.

Complete these prerequisites prior to taking the MCAT: biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology and sociology.

What medical schools require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Organic chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Biochemistry: one semester, no lab

  • General physics: two semesters with lab

  • College math: two semesters

  • English: two semesters

Additional recommendations:

• • Introduction to Psychology

    • Because 16 percent of questions on the MCAT are on psychology topics, we recommend strong preparation in introductory psychology. While MCAT preparation does not have to come from a graded, for-credit course, more than 20 U.S. medical schools do require at least one course in the behavioral sciences (such as psychology).

  • Other valuable, but not required, courses include sociology and ethics, as well as courses with strong writing and speaking components.

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • For a second course: BIOL-200

  • Although medical schools typically require only two biology courses, in order to be effectively prepared for the MCAT and the first year of medical school, we strongly advise pre-medical students to complete at least four. 

  • For a third course: BIOL-210 or BIOL-220

  • For a fourth course there are many options. Select something interesting to you and relevant to human health. Options include, but are not limited to, BIOL-210, 220, 241, 307, 319, 327, 328, and 340.

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For all other courses: CHEM-202, 302 and 231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional.

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.

OR

• • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

College math:

• • Few medical schools require a specific course in mathematics or statistics, but nearly a quarter of them require one to two semesters of “college math.” Most students looking to complete two semesters of college math will find that a semester of statistics and a semester of calculus will be the right courses for their academic background and will fulfill most, if not all, medical school mathematics requirements. If you are considering different math courses, please speak with a pre-health advisor.

  • Statistics options: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234, or PSYCH-201

  • Calculus options: MATH-101, MATH-102, or MATH-203

  • If you have not completed pre-calculus, you may need to complete MATH-100QR before taking calculus.

English:

• • Two English, humanities, or writing intensive courses is a common requirement. Any writing intensive English courses will fulfill this requirement. Rarely, a course with a nonspecific prefix, such as FYS (First-Year Seminar), will also fulfill this requirement. Writing intensive courses in other disciplines are generally not recommended for meeting this requirement. Discuss questions and options with a pre-health advisor.

  • Below is a list of Mount Holyoke writing intensive English courses that have no prerequisite or require only a complete first-year seminar or ENGL-199. This may not be a complete list of all such courses:

    1. ENGL-104, ENGL-199, ENGL-209, ENGL-249, ENGL-201, ENGL-204, ENGL-213, ENGL-214LR, ENGL-214RE, ENGL-217GE, ENGL-279, ENGL-282

Psychology: PSYCH-100

Sociology: SOCI-123

Ethics: PHIL-181 (Medical Ethics) or another course with a substantial ethics component

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses, please see this chart from the American Dental Education Association and the ADEA Dental School Explorer.

Complete these prerequisites prior to taking the DAT: biology, general and organic chemistry and statistics. Because there are trigonometry topics on the DAT, if you did not complete trigonometry/pre-calculus in high school, it is recommended that you take pre-calculus before the DAT, as well.

What dental schools require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Organic chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Biochemistry: one semester, no lab

  • General physics: two semesters with lab

  • English: two semesters

Other frequent requirements include:

• • Microbiology: one semester, usually no lab

  • Anatomy: one semester, lab requirements vary

  • Physiology: one semester, lab requirements vary

  • College math: one to two semesters

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • For a second course: BIOL-200

  • For a third course:  BIOL-210 or BIOL-220 (select BIOL-220 if you plan to take BIOL-328)

    • Although dental schools may require only two biology courses, in order to be effectively prepared for the DAT and the first year of dental school, pre-dental students should plan to complete at least one of these courses.

  • Approximately 25% of dental schools additionally require one or more of: BIOL-241: Comparative Animal Physiology or BIOL-328: Human Physiology, BIOL-307: Vertebrate Anatomy, BIOL-327: Microbiology.

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For all other courses: CHEM-202, 302 and 231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional.

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics and are appropriate for pre-dental students. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.

OR

• • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

English:

• • Two English, humanities, or writing intensive courses is a common requirement. Any writing intensive English courses will fulfill this requirement. Rarely, a course with a nonspecific prefix, such as FYS (First-Year Seminar), will also fulfill this requirement. Writing intensive courses in other disciplines are generally not recommended for meeting this requirement. Discuss questions and options with a pre-health advisor.

  • Below is a list of Mount Holyoke writing intensive English courses that have no prerequisite or require only a complete first-year seminar or ENGL-199. This may not be a complete list of all such courses:

    • ENGL-104, ENGL-199, ENGL-209, ENGL-249, ENGL-201, ENGL-204, ENGL-213, ENGL-214LR, ENGL-214RE, ENGL-217GE, ENGL-279, ENGL-282

College math:

• • Few dental schools require a specific course in mathematics or statistics, but close to one third of them require some amount of “college math,” and trigonometry and statistics topics will appear on the DAT. Most students looking to complete two semesters of college math will find that a semester of statistics and a semester of calculus will be the right courses for their academic background and will fulfill most, if not all, dental school mathematics requirements. If you are considering different math courses, please speak with a pre-health advisor.

  • Statistics options: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234, or PSYCH-201

  • Calculus options: MATH-101, MATH-102, MATH-203

  • Pre-calculus: MATH-100QR

Programs for nurses, nurse-practitioner, certified nurse-midwives, and other advanced nursing specialties can vary significantly in their prerequisite courses. Students interested in pursuing nursing should look at nursing education programs early to ensure that they understand the prerequisites for different schools. The common requirements listed below are a good starting place.

What nursing programs require

Most common requirements for entering accelerated B.S.N. or direct-entry M.S.N. programs:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • General chemistry: one or two semesters with lab

  • Anatomy and physiology: two semesters with lab

  • Microbiology: one semester with lab

  • Nutrition: one semester

  • Statistics: one semester

Additional required courses may include one or more of:

• • Human growth and development across the lifespan

  • Introductory psychology

  • Organic chemistry I

  • Ethics

  • Courses in the humanities and social sciences

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145, BIOL-160 or NEURO-100. Please discuss options with a pre-health advisor.

  • For a second course: BIOL-200

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • Second course: CHEM-231 (Inorganic Chemistry) or CHEM-202 (Organic Chemistry I)

    • Biochemistry majors would take CHEM-223 instead of CHEM-231

  • Your choice of chemistry courses will depend on the requirements for specific nursing programs. Please discuss options with a pre-health advisor.

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

Introductory psychology: PSYCH-100

Ethics: PHIL-181 (Medical Ethics) or another ethics course

Microbiology:

• • BIOL-327 is appropriate for students who have completed BIOL-210 or BIOL-220.

  • For those who do not have the necessary prerequisites to take BIOL-327, please speak with a pre-health advisor.

Anatomy and physiology:

• • ESS 260 and 261 at Smith College or

  • KIN 270 and 272 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

  • BIOL-328 at MHC and ANTHRO-216: Anatomy of the Human Body at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

    • Some nursing programs will not accept ANTHRO-216 because it is in an anthropology department

Nutrition:

• • NUTRITN 130: Nutrition for a Healthy Lifestyle at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

  • ESS 250: Nutrition and Health at Smith College

Human growth and development across the lifespan:

• • PSY 264: Lifespan Development at Smith College (prerequisites include introduction to psychology, psychology statistics, and psychology research methods) or

  • Some nursing programs may accept PSYCH-230: Developmental Psychology instead of a "lifespan" course, but this is less common. Pre-nursing students wishing to pursue this option should first contact nursing programs of interest to ask about this option.

Courses in the humanities and social sciences:

• • There are many options for fulfilling such a requirement. What courses you select will depend in part on your interests and in part on each nursing school’s specific requirements. Many of the courses already listed above would fulfill this more general requirement.

Occupational therapy programs can vary significantly in their prerequisite courses, and even the most common prerequisites may not be universally required by schools. Students interested in pursuing a degree in occupational therapy should look at occupational therapy programs early to ensure that they understand the prerequisites for different schools. The common requirements listed below are a good starting place.

What occupational therapy programs require

Most common requirements for MOT or OTD programs (required by 80% or more of programs):

• Anatomy and physiology: two semesters with lab

• Statistics: one semester

• Introduction to psychology

• Abnormal psychology

• Developmental psychology: usually across the lifespan, e.g. birth to death

Additional recommendations (20-60% of programs):

• Sociology or anthropology

• Physics: one semester with lab

• Biology: one semester with lab

While these are relatively common additional courses, it is not an exhaustive list. Be sure to look at individual programs for school by school requirements.

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Anatomy and physiology:

• • ESS 260 and 261 at Smith College or

  • KIN 270 and 272 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

  • BIOL-328 at MHC and ANTHRO-216: Anatomy of the Human Body at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

    • Some OT programs will not accept ANTHRO-216 because it is in an anthropology department

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234, or PSYCH-201

Introduction to psychology: PSYCH-100

Abnormal psychology: PSYCH-222

Developmental psychology:

• • Most OT programs that require a developmental psychology course are looking for coursework that covers the full human lifespan, from birth to death. They may additionally require this coursework to be completed in a psychology department rather than nursing (where lifespan courses are often offered outside of Mount Holyoke). Discuss your options with a pre-health advisor.

  • PSY 264: Lifespan Development at Smith College (introductory psychology, statistics, and psychology research methods are prerequisites)

  • PSYCH-230: Developmental Psychology (this course does not over the full lifespan and will only be accepted by some OT programs)

Sociology or anthropology: SOC-123 or ANTHR-105

Physics: PHYS-100 or PHYS-110

Biology: BIOL-145, BIOL-160, or BIOL-200 (check with OT programs for specific biology requirements)

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses, please visit the Optometry Centralized Application Service.

Complete these prerequisites prior to taking the OAT: biology, anatomy and physiology, general and organic chemistry, physics, statistics.

What optometry schools require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • Microbiology: one semester with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Organic chemistry: one semester with lab

  • Biochemistry: one semester, no lab

  • General physics: two semesters with lab

  • Statistics: one semester

  • Calculus: one semester

  • English: two semesters

  • Psychology: one semester

Other frequent requirements:

• • Anatomy and physiology: two semesters, may or may not require lab

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • Additional courses: 

    • BIOL-200

    • BIOL-210 or BIOL-220 (select BIOL-220 if you plan to take BIOL-328)

  • For some students, BIOL-210/220 will be one biology course more than their optometry schools require. However, taking at least one of these courses is important in order to be effectively prepared for the OAT and the first year of optometry school. It is also a prerequisite for Mount Holyoke College’s microbiology and anatomy courses.

Microbiology:

• • BIOL-327

Anatomy and physiology:

• • ESS 260 and 261 at Smith College or

  • KIN 270 and 272 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

  • BIOL-328 at MHC and ANTHRO-216: Anatomy of the Human Body at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For all other courses: CHEM-202, 302 and 231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional.

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics and are appropriate for pre-optometry students. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.
    
    OR

  • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

English:

• • Two English, humanities, or writing intensive courses is a common requirement. Any writing intensive English courses will fulfill this requirement. Rarely, a course with a nonspecific prefix, such as FYS (First-Year Seminar), will also fulfill this requirement. Writing intensive courses in other disciplines are generally not recommended for meeting this requirement. Discuss questions and options with a pre-health advisor.

  • Below is a list of Mount Holyoke writing intensive English courses that have no prerequisite or require only a complete first-year seminar or ENGL-199. This may not be a complete list of all such courses:

    • ENGL-104, ENGL-199, ENGL-209, ENGL-249, ENGL-201, ENGL-204, ENGL-213, ENGL-214LR, ENGL-214RE, ENGL-217GE, ENGL-279, ENGL-282

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

Calculus: MATH-101, MATH-102 or MATH-203

Psychology: PSYCH-100

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses, please see the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s prerequisite course information.

Pharmacy schools no longer require the PCAT, and the test is no longer administered.

What pharmacy schools require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • Microbiology: one semester with lab

  • Anatomy and physiology: two semesters with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Organic chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • General physics: one semester with lab (a few schools require two semesters)

  • Statistics: one semester

  • Calculus: one semester

  • English: two semesters

Other common requirements (required by at least 30 percent of pharmacy programs):

• • Economics: one semester

  • Public speaking: one semester

  • Humanities: one to four semesters

  • General education/elective courses: one to four semesters

Also recommended:

• • Biochemistry: one semester

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • Additional courses: 

    • BIOL-200

    • BIOL-210 or BIOL-220 (select BIOL-220 if you plan to take BIOL-328)

  • While schools may not explicitly require Mount Holyoke College’s BIOL-210/220, taking at least one of these courses is important in order to be effectively prepared for pharmacy school. One or the other may also be a prerequisite for future biology courses. 

Microbiology:

• BIOL-327

Anatomy and physiology:

• • ESS 260 and 261 at Smith College or

  • KIN 270 and 272 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

  • BIOL-328 at MHC and ANTHRO-216: Anatomy of the Human Body at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For all other courses: CHEM-202, 302 and 231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional.

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics and are appropriate for pre-pharmacy students. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.
    
    OR

  • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

Calculus: MATH-101, MATH-102, or MATH-203

English:

• • Two English, humanities, or writing intensive courses is a common requirement. Any writing intensive English courses will fulfill this requirement. Rarely, a course with a nonspecific prefix, such as FYS (First-Year Seminar), will also fulfill this requirement. Writing intensive courses in other disciplines are generally not recommended for meeting this requirement. Discuss questions and options with a pre-health advisor.

  • Below is a list of Mount Holyoke writing intensive English courses that have no prerequisite or require only a complete first-year seminar or ENGL-199. This may not be a complete list of all such courses:

    • ENGL-104, ENGL-199, ENGL-209, ENGL-249, ENGL-201, ENGL-204, ENGL-213, ENGL-214LR, ENGL-214RE, ENGL-217GE, ENGL-279, ENGL-282

Economics: ECON-110

Public speaking:

• • ENGL-248: Effective Public Speaking - half semester 2 credit course, offered every other spring

  • COMM 260: Public Speaking at University of Massachusetts-Amherst - 3 credit course offered every semester

Humanities and general education/elective courses:

• • There are many options for fulfilling these requirements. What you select will depend in part on your interests and in part on each pharmacy school’s specific requirements. Mount Holyoke College distribution requirements, and many of the courses already listed above, would fulfill this more general requirement.

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses, please visit the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service Course Prerequisite Summary and the PTCAS List of Programs.

What physical therapy programs require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • Anatomy and physiology: two semesters with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • General physics: two semesters with lab

  • Psychology: one semester

  • Statistics: one semester

Other requirements (required by 15 to 20 percent of schools):

• • College math: one semester

  • Exercise physiology: one semester

  • Medical terminology: one semester

  • English composition/writing: one to two semesters

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • Second course: BIOL-200

  • Third course: BIOL-210 or BIOL-220 (select BIOL-220 if you plan to take BIOL-328)

    • While schools may only require two biology courses, we recommend completing BIOL-210 or BIOL-220 for the best preparation for programs in physical therapy. One or the other may also be a prerequisite for future biology courses.

Anatomy and physiology:

• • Physical therapy programs vary widely in the specific types of anatomy and physiology courses that they will accept. Some will take only human anatomy and physiology. Some will only accept these courses if they are taught within departments of biology, neuroscience, anatomy, or integrated physiology. To see specific requirements for each PT program, visit the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service to select a program by academic institution, then select “course prerequisites.” We recommend discussing your options with a pre-health advisor.

  • Options within the Five Colleges:

    • 1. ESS 260 and 261 at Smith College or

      2. KIN 270 and 272 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

      3. BIOL-328 or BIOL-241 paired with BIOL-307 or ANTHRO-216: Anatomy of the Human Body at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

General chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • Second course: CHEM-231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics and are appropriate for pre-PT students. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.
    
    OR

  • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

Psychology: PSYCH-100

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

College math: MATH-100QR, MATH-101, MATH-102, or MATH-203

English composition/writing:

• • Select courses that are writing intensive. Rarely, a course with a nonspecific prefix such as FYS (First-Year Seminar) will fulfill this requirement. Discuss questions and options with a pre-health advisor.

Exercise physiology:

• • ESS-315: Physiology of Exercise at Smith College

  • KIN-470: Exercise Physiology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Medical terminology: CLASSICS-250 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Physician Assistant programs can vary significantly in their prerequisite courses. Students interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant should look at the Physician Assistant Education Association’s program directory early to ensure that they understand the prerequisites for different schools. The common requirements listed below are a good starting place.

What physician assistant programs require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • Microbiology: one semester with lab

  • Anatomy: one semester with lab

  • Physiology: one semester with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

Additional comments: Prerequisites for physician assistant programs vary widely by school. In addition to the courses listed above, many schools may require one or more of:

• • Genetics: one semester with lab

  • Organic chemistry: one to two semesters with lab

  • Biochemistry: one semester, may or may not require lab

  • Statistics

  • Psychology

  • Ethics

  • Medical terminology

  • Humanities and/or writing-intensive courses

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • Second course: BIOL-200

  • Third course: BIOL-210 and/or BIOL-220

  • While schools may not explicitly require BIOL-210 or BIOL-220, there are reasons to take one or both:

    • Many schools require genetics (BIOL-210)

    • Other Mount Holyoke biology courses, such as microbiology, anatomy, and physiology, will require one or the other as a prerequisite.

    • These courses are valuable preparation for PA programs in general.

Microbiology

• • • BIOL-327

Anatomy and physiology:

• • ESS-260 and 261 at Smith College or

  • KIN-270 and 272 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst or

  • BIOL-328 or BIOL-241 paired with BIOL-307 or ANTHRO-216: Anatomy of the Human Body at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For a second course to fulfill the requirement of a second semester of general chemistry: CHEM-231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

  • If your schools require one to two semesters of organic chemistry: CHEM-202 and CHEM-302

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional.

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

Psychology: PSYCH-100

Ethics: PHIL-181 (Medical Ethics) or another ethics course

Medical terminology: CLASSICS-250 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Humanities and/or writing-intensive courses:

• • There are many options for fulfilling these requirements. What you select will depend in part on your interests and in part on each PA school’s specific requirements. Mount Holyoke College distribution requirements and many of the courses already listed above would fulfill this more general requirement.

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses, please visit the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine.

Complete these prerequisites prior to taking the MCAT: biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology and sociology.

What podiatry schools require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab (one school requires a third course)

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Organic chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • General physics: two semesters with lab

  • English: two semesters

Additional recommendations:

• • In addition to the specific prerequisite courses for podiatry schools, the pre-health office recommends that pre-podiatry students take the following courses in preparation for the MCAT, which is the entrance examination required for podiatry schools:

    • Cell biology and/or genetics

    • A fourth biology course

    • Biochemistry: one semester, no lab

    • Introductory psychology: one semester

    • Also useful may be sociology, statistics and ethics

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • For a second course: BIOL-200

  • For third and fourth courses, consider choosing from among: BIOL-210, 220, 241, 307, 319, 327, 328, and 340. 

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For all other courses: CHEM-202, 302 and 231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional.

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.
    
    OR

  • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

English:

• • Two English, humanities, or writing intensive courses is a common requirement. Any writing intensive English courses will fulfill this requirement. Rarely, a course with a nonspecific prefix, such as FYS (First-Year Seminar), will also fulfill this requirement. Writing intensive courses in other disciplines are generally not recommended for meeting this requirement. Discuss questions and options with a pre-health advisor.

  • Below is a list of Mount Holyoke writing intensive English courses that have no prerequisite or require only a complete first-year seminar or ENGL-199. This may not be a complete list of all such courses:

    • ENGL-104, ENGL-199, ENGL-209, ENGL-249, ENGL-201, ENGL-204, ENGL-213, ENGL-214LR, ENGL-214RE, ENGL-217GE, ENGL-279, ENGL-282
      
      

Statistics: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

Psychology: PSYCH-100

Sociology: SOCI-123

Ethics: PHIL-181 (Medical Ethics) or another course with a substantial ethics component

Programs in public health typically do not have set lists of prerequisite courses. Instead, they look for background in the areas most relevant to their particular area of focus. More information about public health programs and their requirements is available on the ASPPH Program Finder. The ASPPH's page on Common Areas of Study within public health is a good resource for learning more about public health academic and professional concentrations.

If you are preparing to pursue a degree in public health, you may major in whatever you choose. Take courses across a range of disciplines that are relevant to your interests, and begin to explore programs in public health early in your college years to form a comprehensive academic plan. The individual programs will provide some guidance on how their applicants can be best prepared. All aspiring students of public health should build strong oral and written communication skills. 

Those preparing for programs in biostatistics are generally expected to complete about 4 semesters of college mathematics courses and may also be expected to have some background in computer programming and/or biological sciences. Prerequisite information from a small sampling of biostatistics programs is available here.

A great list of health-related courses across the Five Colleges is available from the Five College Program in Culture, Health and Science.

For school-specific information on prerequisite courses, please visit the Veterinary Medical College Application Service Summary of Course Prerequisites and the Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements database (VMSAR).

While there is consistency among veterinary medical colleges for the most common requirements, less common requirements can vary significantly. It can be helpful for pre-vet students to start exploring individual vet schools very early, in order to understand how the requirements for various schools may fit together into the student's individualized program of study.

What veterinary schools require

Most common requirements:

• • Biology: two semesters with lab

  • Genetics: one semester with lab

  • General chemistry: two semesters with lab

  • Organic chemistry: one semester with lab

  • Biochemistry: one semester, no lab

  • General physics: two semesters with lab

  • College math: two semesters

  • English: two semesters

  • Humanities: two semesters

  • Social sciences: two semesters

Other common requirements (required by about 40 percent of U.S. veterinary schools):

• • Microbiology: one semester with lab

  • Organic chemistry II with lab

  • Upper division biomedical science electives: three semesters

Less common requirements (required by 4-7 U.S. veterinary schools):

• • Physiology: one semester, lab usually not required

  • Public speaking: one semester

  • Animal nutrition: one semester

Recommended (required by 3):

• • Cell biology: one semester

Fulfilling requirements at Mount Holyoke College

Biology courses:

• • For a first course: BIOL-145 or BIOL-160 or NEURO-100

  • For a second course: BIOL-200 

  • Other commonly required or recommended biology courses:

    • Genetics: BIOL-210 and/or BIOL-340

    • Cell biology: BIOL-220

    • Physiology: BIOL-241 or BIOL-328

    • Microbiology: BIOL-327

  • Options for upper division biomedical science electives:

    • BIOL-307: Vertebrate Anatomy

    • BIOL-319: Immunology

    • Other options may include BIOL-327, 328, or 340 if those courses are not being used to fulfill other vet school requirements. BIOL-333 may also be an option, as well as other courses with approval from the veterinary medical college itself.

Chemistry:

• • For a first course: CHEM-150 or CHEM-160

  • For other most commonly required courses: CHEM-202 and 231 (biochemistry majors will take 223 instead of 231)

  • Organic chemistry II: CHEM-302

Biochemistry:

• • Biochemistry majors will take BIOL-311 and BIOL-314.

  • Non-biochemistry majors will take CHEM-312/BIOCH-312. The lab, BIOCH-318, is optional at Mount Holyoke and required by only 1 veterinary school.

General physics:

• • PHYS-100 and PHYS-150 are algebra-based physics courses designed for pre-health students. They follow MCAT physics topics and are appropriate for pre-vet students. Most pre-health students take these courses to complete their physics requirement.
    
    OR

  • Students majoring or minoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics, pursuing the engineering Nexus, or who otherwise have a strong background in mathematics and/or a strong interest in physics, may need or choose to take PHYS-110 and PHYS-201. These courses are calculus-based. The first semester requires Calculus I as a prerequisite, and the second semester requires Calculus II.

College math:

• • Few vet schools require a semester of calculus, but 40% require a semester of statistics, and another 10% require one to two semesters of “college math.” Most students looking to complete these requirements for a broad group of veterinary schools will find that a semester of statistics and a semester of calculus will be the right courses. If you are considering different math courses, please speak with a pre-health advisor.

  • Statistics options: STAT-140, STAT-242, BIOL-234 or PSYCH-201

  • Calculus options: MATH-101, MATH-102, or MATH-203

  • Pre-calculus (acceptable for several vet programs): MATH-100QR

English:

• • Nearly all vet schools will require 1-2 English or writing intensive courses. We recommend completing this requirement by taking two writing intensive English courses, as they will meet the requirement for any program. 

  • Below is a list of Mount Holyoke writing intensive English courses that have no prerequisite or require only a complete first-year seminar or ENGL-199. This may not be a complete list of all such courses:

    • ENGL-104, ENGL-199, ENGL-209, ENGL-249, ENGL-201, ENGL-204, ENGL-213, ENGL-214LR, ENGL-214RE, ENGL-217GE, ENGL-279, ENGL-282
      
      

Humanities and social sciences:

• • There are many options and much flexibility for fulfilling these requirements. Look for courses designated as humanities and social sciences that are of interest to you.

Public speaking:

• • COMM 260: Public Speaking at University of Massachusetts-Amherst - 3 credit course offered every semester

  • ENGL-248: Effective Public Speaking - half semester 2 credit course, offered every other spring -- most programs will not accept this course because it is only 2 credits.

Animal nutrition:

• • ANIMLSCI-332: Basic Animal Nutrition & Feeding at University of Massachusetts-Amherst