Premedicine

Return to: Interdepartmental Programs

Adviser: Deborah G. Duke, Ed.D.

Most schools of medicine require for admission a minimum of three years of college work with a strong GPA and relatively high scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT); preference is given to those who have a bachelor’s degree. Information regarding admissions procedures, the MCAT, and allopathic medical schools can be found at www.aamc.org. Information regarding osteopathic medical schools can be found at www.aacom.org. Details regarding the Texas medical schools are given at www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas.

Premedical students may elect any major. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is based on a science and verbal emphasis, and the program of study should be planned accordingly. Students who choose a bachelor of arts program may wish to also complete Harding’s second major in preprofessional health science studies.

Upon request, Harding will confer the bachelor of science degree with a major in general science on students who complete two years in an approved school of medicine and who complete Liberal Arts and premedical requirements at Harding.

Although students may choose any major, the following courses should be included in their academic plans for the first three years. These courses are necessary to prepare for the MCAT, which is usually taken near the completion of the spring semester of the junior year. Most medical schools require many, if not all, of these courses as prerequisites. Additional science electives are also recommended. Premedical students are encouraged to work closely with the premedical adviser as they plan their coursework and related activities.