Information

Students desiring to enter a health profession – whether as a physician, veterinarian, physical therapist, podiatrist, or optometrist – are encouraged to major in a subject of interest to them.* For example, SMU alumni who have or are attending medical schools throughout the United States have chosen majors in: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Health & Society, Business, Chemistry, Economics, History, Engineering, History, Psychology, Spanish, as well as other majors among the many offered at SMU. You may want to consider a major in Earth Sciences, Philosophy, Medieval Studies, or Applied Physiology and Health Management (APHM).

During the first year at SMU, a student has opportunities to work with his or her academic advisor to tailor a degree plan that meets individual needs such as: study abroad; incorporating minors like Biomedical Anthropology, Human Rights, and Women’s Studies; or, factoring in dual credit and/or AP credit.

Requirements for health professions schools vary; prerequisites are most similar among medical and dental schools. The suggested plan is not, however, a substitute for checking requirements for the health professions schools to which students intend to apply. Please schedule an appointment with the Director of Pre-Health Advising for more information.

*Note: Taking only the minimum science pre-requisites can reduce an applicant's competitiveness. Furthermore, while not actually requiring that students major in Biological Sciences, some dental programs highly recommend students take classes toward fulfillment of a Biological Sciences major or additional upper-level Biology courses. SMU pre-dental students should consider taking at least two of the following classes in addition to those listed on the suggested plan: Histology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Biochemistry II (Metabolism).