Getting Started (Majors Guide)

College: CNS

 (Revised Spring 2018)  

Suggested Courses for First-Year Students

Students do not receive a degree in Pre-Med or Pre-Dental Studies. CNS provides specialized advising in preparation for these professional programs while students complete an undergraduate major of their choice.

Required prerequisites:

  • BIOLOGY 151, BIOLOGY 152 and BIOLOGY 153 lab
  • CHEM 111 and 112 (if eligible according to Math Placement Exam score)
  • MATH 127 or 131 (Some dental schools require 1-2 semesters. Calculus is not required by medical schools.)
  • Students should attend group advising with PreMed/PreHealth during their freshman year. 
  • To be competitive for medical/dental schools, students should strive for “A” grades.

Recommended General Education Courses

Psychology 100 and Sociology 110 are strongly recommended for the MCAT exam. Some dental schools recommend courses in the social sciences. Other relevant electives for pre-health professions majors include PHIL 164, NUTR 130 or 140, PUBHLTH 129 or 160, NURSING 210 or 312, CLASSICS 250.

Summary of Required Prerequisites for Medical/Dental School Admission

THIS IS NOT A MAJOR. Students should plan on selecting a major that interests them, bearing in mind that the following minimal requirements are necessary to apply to medical/dental school:

  • One year of Introductory Biology with lab: BIOLOGY 151, 152, 153
    (AP Biology transfers only as BIOLOGY 110)
  • One year of General Chemistry with lab: CHEM 111/112 or CHEM 121/122
    (AP Chemistry scores cannot be used for dental and most medical school admission)
  • One year of Organic Chemistry with lab: CHEM 261, 262, 269 or CHEM 265, 266, 267, 268
  • One year of Physics with lab: PHYSICS 131 and 132 or PHYSICS 151 and 152
    (AP Physics scores must be discussed with Pre-Med Advisor)
  • One year of Math — one semester of statistics is required by medical and many dental schools; one-two semesters of calculus is required by some dental schools.
    (AP scores are often acceptable for math reuirements)

For further information, contact:
Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Advising
220 Morrill Science II
(413) 545-3819
Website: www.cns.umass.edu/advising/pre-med-pre-health