Pre-Medicine
The outlook for allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) physicians in the United States has never been better! The American Association of Medical Colleges estimates our health care system will experience a shortage of between 38,000 and 124,000 physicians by 2034. Even greater need for physicians exist in Illinois' rural communities, including right here in southern Illinois.
Pre-medicine is not a major at SIU. As a pre-med student, you are indicating your intention to apply to medical schools. Students will need to select a major in which to earn a degree at SIU. The most popular majors are Biological Science, Biochemistry, and Physiology. Pre-medical students have also selected Microbiology, Psychology, and Public Health. Double majors are also an option.
At SIU, our faculty and advisors are invested in meeting the need for future physicians. Research opportunities are available to interested pre-medical students. We offer academic support for nearly all of the pre-requisite courses required for medical school. At SIU, you will receive the education and experiences necessary to become a competitive medical school applicant.
View SIU's Pre-Medical Curriculum.
Current Pre-Med Students
- AACOM Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges
- AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)
- Choose DO
- AAMC's The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam
- SIU's Alumni Association Extern Program
- SIH Employment Opportunities
- SIU Tutoring through the Center for Learning Support Services
- Morris Library: Reserve a Study Room
- Volunteer Match Carbondale
From Undergraduate Study to Medical School
At SIU, Pre-Medicine is a professional track rather than an academic major. This designation is a way for you to formally indicate your intention to apply to medical school, allowing our specialized support services to be tailored to your specific journey. Because "Pre-Med" is a track, you have the academic freedom to choose a major that aligns with your personal interests while we help to ensure you meet all medical school prerequisites.
As a student on the Pre-Medicine track, you will build the scientific expertise and interpersonal skills required for a distinguished career in healthcare. While physicians dedicate their lives to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human disease, our undergraduate tracks provide the essential scientific foundation required to reach that goal.
Beyond the classroom, we emphasize the importance of gaining diverse experience through clinical shadowing, patient care, and community service to ensure a competitive application. Whether your interest is in Allopathic Medicine (MD), Osteopathic Medicine (DO), or specialized surgical and primary care, the Pre-Health Professions Office is dedicated to helping you reach your full academic and professional development potential.
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- Minority Student Resources
- Postbaccaluraeate Premedical Programs
- SIU Master of Biomedical Sciences Bridge Program
- Timetable for Premedical Students
Choose Your Path to Medicine at SIU
While Pre-Medicine is not a major, it is a professional track that indicates your intention to apply to medical school while allowing you the flexibility to pursue any field of study that inspires you. As a Pre-Medicine student, you have the freedom to choose any major in which to earn your degree at SIU, provided you carefully align your curriculum with the admission requirements of your intended medical programs. Medical schools do not require a specific degree; instead, they value proficiency in the core sciences and a well-rounded academic background. You may view the popular major choices below to see how these pathways naturally integrate your prerequisites, or if you are still undecided, you can visit our Choosing a Major page to weigh your options and find the best fit for your personal and professional goals.
Biochemistry
School of Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences
Studies the structures and interactions of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids to provide a molecular-level understanding of the chemical processes within biological systems.
Biological Sciences (Biomedical Science)
School of Biological Sciences
Provides a broad foundation in life sciences, with a specialization in Biomedical Science designed for pre-health students.
Microbiology
School of Biological Sciences
Explores the world of microscopic organisms, offering excellent preparation for understanding infectious diseases and immunology.
Physiology
Department of Physiology
Offers a deep dive into the functions of living systems, providing essential preparation for understanding human anatomy and the systemic biological functions of the human body.Offers a deep dive into the functions of living systems, providing essential preparation for understanding human anatomy and the systemic biological functions of the human body.
