Guide to Psychology as a Pre-Med Degree

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Updated April 17, 2024 · 3 Min Read

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Learn how earning a bachelor's in psychology can prepare you to get into medical school. Get the answers you need to impress psychology pre-med admissions offices.

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In 2020, over 22,000 students started their first year of medical school, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). And while many entered medical school with a background in biology, social sciences degrees like psychology were among the most common majors for pre-med students.

Psychology majors bring unique strengths to med school, including a focus on behavioral science and applied research. Learn more about psychology as a pre-med degree.

Popular Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Is Psychology a Good Pre-Med Major?

Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology can be a good choice for students heading to medical school. During a psychology program, you'll strengthen critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. You’ll also explore human behavior, behavioral science, and psychological disorders.

In fact, psych majors may have a head start when studying for the MCAT. The med school entrance exam includes a section on the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior. This section tests your understanding of psychology, research methods, and human behavior.

Medical schools do not require specific majors. Instead, they admit applicants from a variety of undergraduate disciplines. According to the AMA, an undergraduate major in biological sciences is the most popular choice for future med students, followed by physical sciences. However, social sciences like psychology come in third, making them one of the most popular fields for pre-med students.

Psychology Classes for Pre-Med Students

As a pre-med psych major, you must meet med school admission requirements. The most common required courses for pre-meds include biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, and social sciences.

Many psychology classes can also prepare you for med school. Courses in research methods, neuropsychology, and applied behavioral science can help you study for the MCAT and get into med school.

  • Applied Behavioral Science

    Explore human behavior and research methods in courses on applied behavioral science. You’ll analyze cognitive development, intervention approaches, and evidence-based treatment while strengthening qualitative research skills. This course helps prepare you for the behavioral science section on the MCAT and med school.

  • Neuropsychology

    Examine the relationship between the nervous system and cognition. Courses in neuropsychology strengthen your understanding of neurology and psychiatry while building an understanding of cognitive and neurological disorders. In addition to examining clinical cases and research, you’ll explore applied interventions. This course strengthens analytical and diagnostic skills for med school.

  • Psychological Conditions

    Discover common psychological disorders and their treatment, including therapeutic and pharmaceutical interventions. You’ll learn about the assessment process and approaches to categorizing psychological conditions. The course provides a background in mental health disorders that graduates apply during their med school courses.

Applying to Medical School

How can you strengthen your medical school application as a psychology pre-med major? First, you’ll need to review the coursework requirements for different med schools to ensure you check off the required classes. Next, make sure you’re prepared for the MCAT. Practice tests, study guides, and exam prep courses can help you get ready.

You can also prepare for med school by pursuing extracurricular activities. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that 90% of medical school applicants volunteer in healthcare, while 54% hold laboratory research experience.

According to the AAMC, common medical school requirements include:

Many med schools also conduct interviews as part of the admissions process. During your interview, explain how your psychology degree makes you a strong candidate for medical school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is psychology a good pre-med degree?

Yes, psychology is a good pre-med degree. You'll strengthen research and analytical skills while exploring human behavior, diagnosis, and treatment methods.

As long as you complete the prerequisite requirements, you can get into med school with any major. You'll need courses in math and science, so many pre-med students major in biology or related fields. The social sciences are also a popular option.

Some schools list psychology as a prerequisite for medical school. Further, the MCAT includes a section on psychology and behavior, so taking psychology classes can help you get into med school.

Yes, psychology is a good minor for pre-med students. You'll explore behavioral science and strengthen your research skills as a psychology major, which offers strong preparation for med school.

Page last reviewed on April 3, 2024

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