Academic Majors for Pre-Health Students
Pre-health students are encouraged to major in an area in which they have a genuine interest, and not what they think will impress a medical or other health professional school. While in the past it was customary for pre-health students to choose a major in the sciences, liberal arts majors are equally suitable for pre-health students; other liberal arts majors which have coursework in the natural sciences include Psychology and Anthropology. Medical schools welcome students from all disciplines. In selecting a major, pre-health students must feel that their major will enable them not only to excel academically but also to take advantage of distinctive academic opportunities which include honors work, independent study, or research.
Requirements for Liberal Studies Students Pursuing a Pre-Health Track at the NYU College of Arts and Science (CAS)
The requirements for pre-health students going from Liberal Studies to CAS are a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and an average of B or better in CAS electives taken while in Liberal Studies. However, the CAS Pre-Health Program advises students to strive for a GPA of 3.5 or better for successful admission to medical school.
Liberal Studies Curriculum Guidelines for Students Interested in Pre-Health
Students interested in pursuing a pre-health course of study at NYU will use their elective space in Liberal Studies to begin a pre-health curriculum. During the freshman year in Liberal Studies, students will take three required Liberal Studies courses and one elective each semester. During the sophomore year, students take three required Liberal Studies courses and several electives. Pre-health students will work closely with their advisor in choosing electives to help them make progress towards the pre-health curriculum. In addition to the coursework listed below, pre-health students are encouraged to engage the community as soon as possible, participating in extra-curricular activities which include volunteer projects, internships, student organizations, research projects and paid jobs.
Required Pre-Health Courses (offered at the College of Arts and Science)
| Calculus I |
4 points |
| General Chemistry I |
4 points |
| General Chemistry I Lab |
2 points |
| General Chemistry II |
4 points |
| General Chemistry II Lab |
2 points |
| Principles of Biology I |
4 points |
| Principles of Biology II |
4 points |
| Organic Chemistry I |
4 points |
| Organic Chemistry Lab I |
2 points |
| Organic Chemistry II |
4 points |
| Organic Chemistry Lab II |
2 points |
| General Physics I |
5 points |
| General Physics II |
5 points |
For more information about the pre-health program at NYU, please visit: www.nyu.edu/cas/prehealth
