Pre-med

Choosing a major

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is a flexible degree, allowing you to personalize it to your medical school aspirations. Most medical school prerequisites can be built into the degree, meaning you will only need to take an additional 16 credits to meet medical school requirements. And this number will be reduced if you begin your academic career with college credit.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health curriculum provides you with a well-rounded, broad foundation to solve the complicated health problems facing us today. Additionally, the program covers essential public health topics and competencies that align closely with the knowledge areas tested on the MCAT.

Students will delve into subjects such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and environmental health, which complement the MCAT's focus on biological, biochemical, and social sciences.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and an understanding of health disparities, all of which are integral to the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT.

View the Bachelor of Science in Public Health curriculum
Catherine Raciti

Understanding how diseases spread, the importance of health interventions at the population level, and the role of socio-economic factors in health outcomes has deepened my perspective on patient care.

Catherine Raciti
Read Catherine's story

Stand out in the medical school admissions process

The Fairbanks School of Public Health offers a wealth of opportunities for students to enhance their medical school applications through research, internships, and volunteer experiences.

Public health students regularly participate in the Life and Health Science Internship Program, gaining hands-on experience in clinical and research settings that are invaluable for aspiring medical professionals. Additionally, the Undergraduate Research Programs on campus provide students with the chance to engage in cutting-edge research projects, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills.

Volunteer opportunities, both within the community and through partnerships with local health organizations, allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, demonstrating their commitment to service and public health.

These experiences not only strengthen medical school applications but also prepare students for the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the medical field.

Faculty

You will have the opportunity to study with faculty across the school, learning from world-renowned researchers and practitioners, as you develop your expertise.

Meet our faculty