Premedical Education
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is required to enter the University of Utah School of Medicine. Applicants must complete their schooling in a United States or Canadian college or university accredited by one of the following: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Accepted students will be required to provide transcripts for each college attended. The degree must be posted prior to matriculation.
Undergraduate Majors
The University of Utah School of Medicine does not recommend or require any specific undergraduate academic major. We recommend that students choose a major field for which they have enthusiasm and interest.
Required Premedical Course Work
The following course work from a fully accredited institution (see Bachelor's Degree) is required prior to matriculation to medical school. Advanced Placement, CLEP credit, independent study, and correspondence courses do not satisfy these requirements except as noted.
Courses in mathematics, statistics, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, human behavior, research methods and computer literacy are recommended, but are not required.
Applicants should seek out courses that will help develop skills in independent thinking and decision-making. Physicians need to be able to read and understand scientific literature. They must also communicate effectively and possess skills to express their thoughts and ideas. Computer literacy has become an essential skill. Courses that demand active involvement and activities such as research and independent study projects will foster these attributes. It is important to develop and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Applicants should contact the premedical advisor at their institution for assistance in planning the specific course work that meets our requirements, expectations, and criteria.
Chemistry: 2 years that should include both a general chemistry series including all applicable laboratories (incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analysis) and an organic chemistry series that includes all applicable laboratories. Advanced Placement credit earned with a score of 4 or 5 satisfies 1 semester of this requirement. Applicants must complete the applicable laboratories.
Physics: 1 year with all applicable laboratories.
Writing/Speech: 1 year of courses that emphasize written and/or verbal communication.
Biology: 2 courses. 1 course must be in cellular biology or biochemistry.
Social Science: 1 course. (History, Economics, Anthropology, Psychology, etc.)
Humanities: 1 course. (Art, Music, Drama, Literature, etc.)
Diversity: 1 course that focuses on the culture or current circumstances of a non-dominant population group in the United States. Diversity course(s) taken to fulfill requirements of the degree granting undergraduate institution are acceptable.
Continuing Education During The Year Prior to Application
Medical school is an intense and demanding academic experience. Students who have been away from the educational environment for a significant period of time often struggle to keep pace with those who have not interrupted their studies. For this reason, we strongly encourage applicants to be actively involved in learning pursuits during the year prior to application and during the period between application and matriculation, even it they have already completed all of the required premedical course work.