Explore the complexities of the human body so you can help people heal.
Our pre-med students develop knowledge and skill in the natural sciences, social studies, and humanities – areas that medical school programs consider essential. Your coursework will prepare you to take on the challenges of the medical world. Medicine is an understandably difficult field to grasp. That’s where University of the Cumberlands’ pre-med program can make all the difference in your future.
By the Numbers
$208,000
3%
12+
16:1
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Pre-Medicine Degree - Biology Track
Whether you're interested in diagnosing and treating patients, conducting research as a scientist, supervising other scientists and projects, or performing lifesaving surgeries, earning a pre-med degree at UC will help ensure your future success in a variety of scientific fields, paving the way to a successful and rewarding career. By completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Pre-Professional Emphasis, you'll have a strong foundation in biology and a broad understanding of other key subjects that medical schools look for.
The courses you’ll take while studying in our pre-med degree program will give you robust preparation in varied sciences, particularly those relevant to the human body and its functions. You’ll be equipped with the medical knowledge and skills needed to enter into – and excel at – medical school. Whether you choose a chemistry or biology degree track for your pre-medicine program at Cumberlands, we've got you covered with advisors who can help guide you academically in both disciplines. It's all the support you need in a rigorous program, all focused on our main goal: your success.
Course Requirements
BIOL 111 Becoming a Successful Biologist
BIOL 113 Introduction to Population Biology Laboratory
BIOL 114 Introduction to Cellular Biology Laboratory
BIOL 133 Introduction to Population Biology
BIOL 134 Introduction to Cellular Biology
BIOL 210 Introduction to Biological Literature
BIOL 246 Biodiversity
BIOL 340 Genetics
BIOL 495 Senior Seminar OR BIOL 498 Senior Thesis
Required Allied Math and Science Courses: (18 hours)
MATH 132 College Algebra (or higher math course)
CHEM 132 General College Chemistry I
CHEM 111 General College Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 232 General College Chemistry II
CHEM 211 General College Chemistry II Laboratory
Select 18 credit hours' worth from the following:
BIOL 331 Vertebrate Embryology
BIOL 342 Parasitology
BIOL 345 Microbiology*
BIOL 346 Biochemistry*
BIOL 436 Medical Biochemistry
BIOL 441 Immunology
BIOL 442 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy*
BIOL 443 General Physiology*
BIOL 445 Molecular Biology
BIOL 446 Cell Biology in Health and Disease
BIOL 447 Histology
Select from the following:
PHYS 241 Physics I
PHYS 242 Physics II
PHYS 137 Physical Science
PHYS 117 Physical Science Laboratory
BIOL 231 Environmental Science
BIOL 116 Environmental Science Laboratory
A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.
FREN 131 Elementary French I
FREN 132 Elementary French II
FREN 231 Intermediate French I
FREN 232 Intermediate French II
SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry Track
Officially, this program is a "Bachelor of Science with a Major in Chemistry - Pre-Professional Emphasis." This option is recommended for students entering a “blended” area such as pre-professional medically related areas (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapist, etc.), chemistry/business, and chemistry/biology.
Course Requirements
CHEM 132 General College Chemistry I
CHEM 111 General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 232 General College Chemistry II
CHEM 211 General Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 336 Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 328 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 441 Physical Chemistry I lab included (4 hours)
CHEM 434 Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 490 Senior Research Project, Capstone in Chemistry (2 hours required)
CHEM 491 Selected Topics or BIOL 346 Biochemistry
NOTE: MATH 140, MATH 240, PHYS 241, and PHYS 242 are prerequisites for some upper-level chemistry courses.
A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.
FREN 131 Elementary French I
FREN 132 Elementary French II
FREN 231 Intermediate French I
FREN 232 Intermediate French II
SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
Take the Next Step
Mission and Goals
The mission of the pre-medicine program at University of the Cumberlands is to provide the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for medical school and help you succeed in various fields of service in healthcare and related sciences.
Pre-Medicine Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doctor: $208,000
Doctor: $208,000
As a doctor you’ll have the rewarding experience of diagnosing and treating patients’ injuries and illnesses.
Medical Assistant: $37,190
Medical Assistant: $37,190
Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities.
Physician Assistant: $126,010
Physician Assistant: $126,010
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Surgeon: $208,000
Surgeon: $208,000
Surgeons help treat patients' illnesses and injuries by performing surgical procedures that are often times lifesaving.
Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900
Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.
Clinical Researcher: $95,310
Clinical Researcher: $95,310
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Common Questions
Pre-medicine is an emphasis for Cumberlands students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in either biology or chemistry. As a pre-med student, you will be provided with a solid foundation of information and experiences across a variety of sciences, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to be accepted into the medical school of your choice.
Many who aspire to practice medicine launch their medical studies on a pre-med platform, but this foundation can also equip graduates to go on to roles in other scientific fields. Whether you're interested in supervising other scientists, conducting your own research as a chemist or material scientist, or treating patients who are sick or injured, you will be able to find a specialty you're passionate about.
We think so! Some benefits of pursuing your pre-med degree at University of the Cumberlands include expanded career opportunities, dedicated advisors, and meeting medical school requirements early. Even if you decide not to pursue medical school, the critical thinking, time management, research, teamwork, and communication skills you learn through the program will benefit your chosen career and your life as a whole.
As a pre-med student, you’ll choose a specialized focus in either biology or chemistry. Depending on your area of focus, you’ll take a set number of credit hours from core science classes in either biology or chemistry, along with courses in math, physics, environmental science, and pre-professional health.
A pre-med degree obtained at University of the Cumberlands could help you meet certain academic requirements for entry to medical school, while also equipping you with knowledge and skills that will be vital to success as a med school student. Our advisors understand the challenging process of applying to – and getting accepted into – top-notch medical schools, so they will be great resources for you when you begin that admissions journey. While medical school is challenging no matter who you are, being prepared makes a big difference.
All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.
Faculty Experts in Pre-Medicine
Learn more about your future pre-med professors.
Emily Garland
Emily Brown
Dr. Leif Deyrup
Dr. Leif Deyrup
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