Pre-Medical Science, B.S.
Improve the quality of life for others.
The pre-medical science major provides you with an understanding of select areas of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, most specifically related to career preparation in some medical fields, including Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy.
The major is designed to guide you through the optimal coursework required for the majority of medical schools. However, it is not necessary to choose the major to be eligible for medical school. In fact, most medical school students are initially graduates with majors in biology or chemistry. The pre-medical science major also meets the undergraduate course requirements of most dental, veterinarian and other health profession schools.
Please note that the pre-medical science major is not the same as the medical studies major.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.S. in Pre-Medical Science degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Science degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Learning Inside & Outside the Classroom
In addition to extensive laboratory experience through all of the biology courses, there are many opportunities for pre-medical science students to learn and develop skills inside and outside of the classroom.
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Research & Scholarship
As a major, you are required to complete an independent research project — performing all aspects of scientific discovery from data collection and observation to experimentation and evaluation — and present your findings to faculty and peers.
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Student Activities & Organizations
The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosts the Steelman Lecture Series through which renowned scientists and scientific writers are invited to speak to the campus and surrounding community.
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Internships, Careers & Graduate Study
You may choose to participate in an internship available through area hospitals, laboratories, physician and dental offices, veterinarian clinics, as well as science centers. Work-study opportunities are also available on campus, through which you can gain valuable experience serving as lab and/or faculty assistant.
Career and graduate school nights are also held annually. These events feature former students and respected professionals in the field who speak with current students, offering information and guidance about various career options.
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It can be overwhelming and intimidating in STEM, but our College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is dedicated to the success of students. The energy and people are amazing.
Major Requirements
Lenoir-Rhyne University's Pre-Medical Science major provides students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics-disciplines essential for success in the health professions. This Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is specifically designed to fulfill the prerequisite coursework required by most medical, dental and physician assistant programs, as well as other graduate-level health professional schools. The curriculum emphasizes scientific knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills while preparing students for the academic rigor of professional school entrance exams such as the MCAT or GRE. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for continued study in: Medicine (M.D. or D.O.), Dentistry, Physician Assistant Studies, Optometry, Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Research and Health Sciences. With a focus on academic excellence and preparation for advanced study, the Pre-Medical Science major equips students to take the next step toward a career in healthcare and medical science.
Honors
Students majoring in Pre Medical Science judged qualified by the faculty may, upon invitation, pursue honors work in Biology. To graduate "With Honors in Biology," students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum major GPA of 3.2. They must complete BIO 390 and BIO 391 in the junior year and BIO 498 and BIO 499 in the senior year with a minimum grade of "B" in each course. In addition, they must present the research at a seminar before the Biology faculty. BIO 390, BIO 391, BIO 498 and BIO 499 may count for BIO 400 and 4hrs of general elective for the B.S. degree.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
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Technical Requirements (3-4 Hours)
- Additional MAT elective beyond course taken for general education requirement (excluding MAT 105) Hours: 3-4
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Major Requirements (63 Hours)
- BIO 121 - Principles of Biology I
- BIO 122 - Principles of Biology II
- BIO 200 - Biology Seminar
- BIO 240 - Cell Biology
- BIO 245 - Plant Anatomy and Physiology
- BIO 305 - Genetics
- BIO 310 - General Ecology
- BIO 400 - Research Problems
- CHE 103 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I
- CHE 103L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory I
- CHE 104 - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II
- CHE 104L - General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis Laboratory II
- CHE 201 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 201L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- CHE 202 - Organic Chemistry
- CHE 202L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology
- BIO elective course (excluding BIO 110, BIO 220, BIO 281, BIO 282, BIO 471-BIO 473) Hours: 3
- BIO or CHE elective course Hours: 4
Choose one PHY sequence
- PHY 121 - General Physics I
- PHY 122 - General Physics II
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- PHY 211 - Analytical Physics I
- PHY 212 - Analytical Physics II
- Other Requirements
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General Elective
General Electives (12-13 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
News & Events
One scholarship. Full tuition. A job after graduation. Michael Gerbitz ’27 just unlocked one of the best deals in higher education: the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship.
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Four new members bring leadership and experience to the Lenoir-Rhyne University Board of Trustees, as the university also honors the dedicated service of those concluding their terms.
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