Pre-Med / Health Track

The Medical/Pre-Health track can be a long one, but with good planning, a passion for the field, and persistence, it is attainable. There is a common misperception that students must be declared in a field like biology in order to pursue a career in the health professions.  In reality, many students who major in Psychology successfully pursue a career in medicine. The Psychology Student Services team aims to support students in their future career pursuits and this site was created to help students navigate the psychology major with a track geared towards the medicine or health field.

For more information please contact: psychsso@berkeley.edu

  • Pre-Med Coursework
    • Biology - 3 semesters with lab
      • Most schools require at least 2 semesters of biology; however, it is recommended to take more than the 1 year-minimum
        • Bio 1A/AL and 1B
        • Additional upper-division biology course (not including MCB 102)
    • General (Inorganic) Chemistry & Organic Chemistry - 4 semesters with lab
      • 2 semesters of general chemistry with lab and 2 semesters of organic chemistry with lab
        • Chem 1A/1AL, Chem 3A/3AL, and Chem 3B/3BL
        • PLUS MCB 102 or Chem 135 or MCB 100A/Chem C130 or BioE 103 (for BioE majors only)
    • Physics - 2 semesters with lab
      • Various Series to choose from:
        • Physics 8A and 8B
        • Physics 7A and 7B
        • Physics 7A and 8B
    • Mathematics and Statistics - 2 or 3 semesters
      • Various Series to choose from:
        • Math 1A & 1B
        • Math 10A & 10B (satisfies both math AND stats req for med school)
        • Math 16A & 16B
        • Math 53 & 54
        • Stats: 2, 20, 131A, Public Health 142
    • English & Composition - 2 semesters
      • R&C courses at Cal satisfy this requirement
    • Behavioral and Social Sciences - not required but recommended
      • Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology and other similar departments. These courses can also serve as a foundation when preparing for the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT.
      • Psych 1, Sociology 1 and Anthro 1 or 3/AC can be used to satisfy some psychology major prerequisites
  • Clinical + Research Experience
  • Advising
  • Resources
  • Sample Plans