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PRE-MEDICAL ACADEMIC COURSEWORK

Medical schools desire a strong foundation in the natural sciences and have established minimum course requirements for admission.

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The following courses are typically the minimum required by most medical schools. Note that each sequence requires two semesters. General Chemistry is a prerequisite for Organic Chemistry. The list below is not comprehensive. Each medical school may have slightly different requirements and it is the responsibility of the student to take prerequisite courses according to the schools they plan to apply to. 

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COURSEWORK OUTLINE​
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​Intro Biology I with Lab (4 credit hours)

  • BIO 200 and 201

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​Intro Biology II with Lab (4 credit hours)

  • BIO 202 and 203

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Physics I with Lab (4-5 credit hours)

  • PHY 231 or PHY 221*

 

Physics II with Lab (4-5 credit hours)

  • PHY 232 or PHY 222*

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General Chemistry I with Lab (4 credit hours)

  • CHM 261/266**

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General Chemistry II with Lab (4 credit hours)

  • CHM 262/267**

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Organic Chemistry I with Lab (4 credit hours)

  • CHM 331/336

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Organic Chemistry II with Lab (3 credit hours)

  • CHM 332/337

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Biochemistry (4 credit hours)

  • BIO 306 or CHM 402, with the option of CHM 403

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English (6 credit hours)

  • ENG 101/102​

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Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)

  • PSY 101

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Sociology (3 credit hours)

  • SOC 101 or 201 or 210

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Mathematics (6-7 credit hours)

  • Generally, two math courses are required or suggested. A sequence according to your major or STA 147/347 OR STA 147 and MTH 181 is preferable.

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Note:
* University Physics (240 series) can satisfy the Physics requirement. However, Calculus is required for University Physics.
** A placement exam is required in order to enroll in the General Chemistry courses.

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ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED COURSES FOR SOME SCHOOLS

Some additional courses that can better prepare you for medical school are as follows:

  • BIO 308 – Cell Biology

  • BIO 310 – Genetics

  • BIO 416 – Microbiology

  • BIO 418 – Histology

  • BIO 412 – Immunology

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For course descriptions or more information about course prerequisites, refer to the Cleveland State Undergraduate Catalog.

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A WORD ABOUT GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)

Professional school admissions are competitive and a strong GPA certainly gives you an edge.  GPA requirements are not equal among schools, but one above 3.50, especially in the natural sciences, is highly desired.  Medical schools evaluate your science GPA and your non-science GPA.  GPAs do not signify intelligence, but are a long-term indicator of your performance as a student. Having a strong GPA demonstrates motivation, discipline, and commitment to academic excellence.

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Your Cleveland State GPA may very well differ from your professional school application GPA.  You can calculate your GPA, both non-science and BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math) by using this GPA Calculator.

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A student is a lot more than just a GPA. On the other hand, it would also be a big mistake to ignore completely the significance of a grade point average. Both low and high grades are earned over a period of time. 

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Dental, veterinary, pharmacy and medical schools are looking for intelligent problem-solvers, so don't let a problem transcript stand in your way. Focus on earning good grades one semester at a time.

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