Do pre-medical students have to pursue a science major?
Absolutely not. Pre-medical students can major in ANY discipline, science or non-science. Medical schools do not prefer a particular course of study but they do look for candidates who have shown intellectual curiosity and passion, along with success in their premedical requirements. Medicine is an interdisciplinary field which requires a sophisticated understanding of the natural sciences, but also an ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with others. Furthermore, in the practice of medicine physicians encounter many situations requiring sound judgment and a strong ethical compass. Majors in the humanities or social sciences may help students develop in these areas. Those who do not major in a science, however, should take a couple of extra upper-level science courses to enhance their preparation for medical school, e.g. biochemistry, genetics, biostatistics, etc.
