From psychology to neuroscience, there are many uncommon undergraduate degree paths that can help strengthen your medical school application and provide a solid foundation for a future in health care.
If you’re planning to pursue a career in medicine, earning a college degree is typically the first major step. However, there’s no single required major or predetermined route to success. Whether you hope to become a physician, nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, dentist, physical therapist, pharmacist, or another type of health care professional, you have multiple academic options.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), around 60 percent of undergraduates who take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) major in biological sciences. Still, many students choose degrees in other sciences, math, business, social sciences, humanities, or the arts, and successfully gain entry into medical careers.
Below are some unpopular undergraduate majors that can help prepare you for a future in health care.
QUICK QUESTION: Is “pre-med” considered a major?
Not exactly. Pre-med is a structured academic track rather than a degree itself. It ensures you complete coursework required for medical school admission, especially science labs, while pursuing any major of your choice. It’s also a highly effective way to prepare for the MCAT.
1. Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering integrates science, technology, and engineering principles to improve medical devices, systems, and treatments.
Many graduates pursue careers in:
- Medical device innovation
- Clinical engineering
- Diagnostic technology development
It can also serve as a pathway into medical school, providing unique expertise with tools used in clinical care.
Common courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomolecular engineering
- Medical diagnostics
- Biomechanics
- Bioelectrics
2. Nursing
A nursing degree prepares you to become a registered nurse and can lead to advanced practice roles but it can also serve as a stepping-stone to medical school.
Nursing students gain hands-on clinical experience early on, strengthening communication skills and bedside manner. If you delay medical school or change direction, a nursing license provides a secure and rewarding career option.
Example coursework:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
- Physics
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
- Clinical theory
- Patient care practices
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Nursing ethics
3. Psychology
Majoring in psychology can make you a competitive medical school candidate, especially for roles requiring strong emotional intelligence and communication skills.
Social science majors are valued because they help future doctors approach patient care with empathy and cultural awareness. AAMC data shows that approximately 9% of 2023–24 applicants majored in social sciences.
Common psychology course options:
- General psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Social psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience
- Statistics
- Educational psychology
- Psychological disorders
4. Public Health
Public health programs focus on promoting community wellness, disease prevention, and analyzing health trends.
This degree opens the door to careers in:
- Epidemiology
- Public policy
- Community health education
Many schools offer a pre-med option as well.
Sample public health courses:
- Epidemiology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nutrition
- Biostatistics
- Public health practices
- Community health
- Occupational health management
5. Exercise Science
Exercise science is ideal if you’re drawn to sports medicine, athletic training, rehabilitation, or physical therapy. Many programs include pre-med tracks.
Example courses:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nutrition
- Kinesiology
- Foundations of exercise science
So, what undergrad degree should you choose for med school?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to major in biology to get into medical school. AAMC data shows that in 2021, 40 percent of applicants majored outside of biological sciences.
Admissions committees evaluate:
- Overall academic performance (GPA)
- MCAT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Interviews
- Research and clinical experience
- Coursework alignment with medical school prerequisites
- Extracurricular involvement and personal background
Students majoring in non-science fields may simply need to complete additional lab science courses.
Review medical school requirements
If medical school is your goal, Justin Pincar, Managing Director of Achievable, recommended that you should check prerequisites early for the programs you are interested in. Keeping regular communication with your academic advisor can help ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
Most medical schools expect:
- Science courses with labs
- Math requirements
- Some humanities and social sciences
Consider majors aligned with your passions and goals
While preparing for medical school is important, choosing a subject you genuinely enjoy is equally crucial. If you thrive in psychology more than biology, that passion can shape a stronger application and set you apart from thousands of biology majors.
Your degree can also support your long-term goals:
- Interested in community health? → Public health or economics
- Drawn to athletics and rehabilitation? → Exercise science
- Curious about mental health care? → Psychology
Even though many students discover their medical specialty later, your major can still provide valuable background knowledge.
The importance of choosing the right medical major
You don’t need a “pre-med major” to become a health care professional. Medical schools value well-rounded students who combine scientific knowledge with human connection.
While science coursework is critical, physicians also rely on skills such as empathy, cultural awareness, collaboration, and critical thinking which can be nurtured through a wide range of majors.
Ultimately, choose a major that:
✔ Satisfies medical school requirements
✔ Matches your academic strengths
✔ Inspires and excites you
A degree that keeps you motivated will serve you far better than one chosen solely out of obligation.
