Program Overview

---

Pre-Medicine

Develop a solid foundation for specialized study in the field of medicine, as well as for a wide range of natural science disciplines.

Types

Pre-Professional

Location

On-Campus

Credits

53*

Cost

$9,875

Overview

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

Average Salary

3%

Industry Growth

12+

STEM Work-Study Positions

16:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Programs & Requirements

General Education 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.

Pre-Professional Health Curriculum

• Biology Courses (18 hours)
  • BIOL 331 - Vertebrate Embryology
  • BIOL 342 - Parasitology
  • BIOL 345 - Microbiology
  • BIOL 346 - Biochemistry
  • BIOL 436 - Medical Biochemistry
  • BIOL 441 - Immunology
  • BIOL 442 - Comparative Anatomy
  • BIOL 443 - General Physiology
  • BIOL 445 - Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 446 - Advanced Cell Biology
  • BIOL 447 - Histology
• Chemistry (35 hours)
  • 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 with Laboratory
  • CHEM 434 - Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 490 - Senior Research Project
  • CHEM 491 - Selected Topics in Chemistry
• Bachelor of Arts (12 hours)
  • 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

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.

• Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
• Effectively use informational resources, perform research, and interpret data.
• Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
• Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Begin learning the basics of medicine – including the emotional care of patients.

Pre-Medicine Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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 assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities.

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

Surgeons help treat patients' illnesses and injuries by performing surgical procedures that are often times lifesaving.

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Common Questions

What is a pre-medicine degree?

A pre-medicine degree is a preparatory program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to apply to medical school. It focuses on core subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, along with courses in social sciences and humanities, essential for a well-rounded medical education.

How long does a pre-medicine degree take?

A pre-medicine degree typically takes four years to complete as an undergraduate program. It is usually pursued alongside a major in a related field such as biology or chemistry, with coursework tailored to meet medical school admission requirements.

Can I get a pre-medicine degree online?

While some general education and science courses may be available online, pre-medicine programs often require in-person lab work and hands-on experiences that are difficult to replicate in an online format. Therefore, the full degree is rarely offered entirely online.

Is a pre-medicine degree worth it?

A pre-medicine degree is worth it for students committed to pursuing a career in medicine. It helps prepare for medical school admissions and provides a strong foundation for various healthcare careers. However, the path to becoming a doctor is long and challenging, so it’s important to be dedicated to this field.

Will a pre-med degree from UC help prepare me for medical school?

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.

What can I do with a pre-medicine degree?

While the primary goal of a pre-medicine degree is to prepare students for medical school, graduates can also pursue other careers in healthcare, such as medical assistant, clinical researcher, physician assistant, or even non-medical fields like natural sciences management.

How to get a pre-medicine degree?

To get a pre-medicine degree, apply to a university that offers a pre-med program or a related major like biology or chemistry with a pre-med emphasis. Complete the necessary coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math, and prepare for the MCAT, which is required for medical school applications.

Is majoring in pre-med hard?

Majoring in pre-med is challenging due to the rigorous science coursework and the pressure of maintaining a high GPA for medical school admissions. Students must also prepare for the MCAT and participate in extracurricular activities, such as shadowing doctors or volunteering, to strengthen their medical school applications.

Faculty Experts in Pre-Medicine

Learn more about your future pre-med professors.

Ms. Kara Stanley

Adjunct Professor

Biology

Dr. Leif Deyrup

Assistant Professor

Biology

Dr. Joan Hembree

Associate Professor / Adjunct Professor

Biology