Prerequisites

The Medical School encourages people from a variety of academic fields and backgrounds to consider applying. To successfully study medicine, however, certain courses are required—the prerequisites listed below—and others are highly recommended.

The MCAT and a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university are required.

Required Courses Semesters Quarters

Biology (with lab)
Biological sciences coursework with emphasis on general principles, cell biology and/or physiology.

1

1

Chemistry (with lab)
General or Organic Chemistry

1

1

Life Sciences (additional courses)
Biology, genetics, zoology, botany, parasitology, biochemistry, chemistry (general or organic, but must be in addition to the general or organic chemistry listed above), physics, etc. At least two must be upper-level courses.)

4

4

Humanities or Social Sciences
One upper-level course in the humanities or the social sciences, with an intensive writing requirement

1

1
Recommended Courses    

Biochemistry
Ethics
Genetics
Psychology
Statistics
Foreign language
Independent learning courses
Seminar-type courses involving small group discussions
Social and behavioral sciences and humanities

Note:

  • All prerequisite courses must be completed and bachelor's degree earned by July 1st of the year of matriculation
  • These course requirements CANNOT be fulfilled with CLEP credits.
  • These course requirements CANNOT be fulfilled by AP credits. Those who received AP credit for courses such as general chemistry or biology still will need one semester of chemistry and biology with labs.  This can be an advanced chemistry, organic chemistry, or any advanced biology course.  Do not re-take coursework for which you already received AP credit.
  • International applicants should refer to the Policy for International Applicants for specific information on degree and course requirements.
  • At the University of Minnesota upper level courses are those with a course number of 3000 or higher.