Students pursuing admission to professional schools often are required to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students at Boise State who have pursued careers in the health professions have chosen majors from over 195 areas.
You can major in anything. (Don’t believe us? Six Boise State music majors have gone on to medical school.)
There is no right or wrong degree for your pathway.
It is okay to change your mind.
When deciding on a major think about what you believe to be:
Efficient – How much of my major requirements and electives do I want to count towards my pathway?
Passion and Academic Strength – What do I love to do? Where do you excel academically and in what subject areas do you feel most confident?
Parallel Plan – What if my opinions about my pathway change?
Important factors when selecting a major for a pre-health pathway
An ‘efficient degree’ is one where your undergraduate degree requirements overlap with admission requirements for professional programs.
For example, a Health Studies major has course requirements common prerequisites to professional schools. The courses are also relevant for someone pursuing a health career.
Students are encouraged to conduct a thorough review of interested professional program admission requirements, this can help determine which major is most efficient.
It’s important to choose a major you are interested in.
Because you have the flexibility of choosing any major, choose one you love and enjoy.
You tend to excel at what you are most interested in.
It is natural and okay for an individual to change their opinion about their career path. When considering a major, think about a career that you would do instead.
Example: I really love building things but I really want to be a physician, maybe you choose an engineering major.
Ask the following questions:
What if I woke up tomorrow and there was no such thing as physical therapy. What would I want to do instead?
What if I shadow a dentist and find a career less desirable? What do I enjoy doing instead?
What if I am not as competitive as I need to be successful to get into my career path? What am I good at that is a strong second?
Your Pre-Health advisors will be able to support and assist you in meeting your degree requirements and Pre-Health requirements for both goals.