Biology, Pre-Medical Concentration, B.S.

CURCA Celebration featuring a student wearing navy WSU sweatshirt presenting their research to a biology faculty member.

Forge Your Path to Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, or Veterinary with a Pre-Medical Concentration

Discover the pathway to your medical aspirations with our Pre-Medical Concentration. Crafted with your success in mind, our curriculum offers a dynamic blend of humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and sciences, providing a holistic foundation for your medical journey. Take courses in English composition, psychology, sociology, and foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the medical field. Explore upper-division biology courses exploring evolution, ecology, and cellular biology, while electives grant you the freedom to tailor your education to your interests. Join us for a transformative educational journey towards a fulfilling career in healthcare. Your pathway begins here at Westfield State University.

Program Highlights

  • Diverse curriculum: blend humanities, sciences, and specialized biology courses.
  • Hands-on preparation: gain practical skills through seminars and research.
  • Courses are tailored to fulfill the prerequisites needed for most dental, veterinary, and medical schools as well as other healthcare professions.

Launch your journey towards a rewarding career.

Are you ready to begin your Pre-Medical Concentration?

A concentration in pre-medical designed to meet the specialized needs of aspiring healthcare professionals.

  • Nettie Stevens Science Center on a sunny day with blue skies and a light pole with WSU flag.

    Comprehensive Preparation

    Westfield State's Pre-Medical Concentration offers a well-rounded curriculum, equipping students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in dental, veterinary, and medical fields.

  • Student wearing blue lab protection gear working with advisor Dr. Mao-Lun Weng in one of the labs in the Nettie Stevens Science Center.

    Supportive Environment

    With dedicated faculty and resources, Westfield State provides personalized guidance and mentorship to help students navigate their pre-medical journey with confidence.

  • Biology student studying how micro-organisims consume microplastics, and potential ways go prevent them from doing so.

    Hands-On Experience

    Through research opportunities and experiential learning, students gain invaluable practical skills, ensuring they are fully prepared for a health-related career.

What jobs can you get with a Pre-Medical Concentration?

A Pre-Medical Concentration opens doors to a range of impactful roles within healthcare, including opportunities in dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary fields. From aiding in patient care to conducting medical research, the possibilities are vast. Let's explore the diverse array of professional opportunities awaiting those upon graduation.

  • Advanced Studies: continue education into graduate school, including medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and PA (Physician Assistant) programs
  • Clinical research coordinator
  • Healthcare administrator
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Medical research assistant
  • Medical scribe
Two students in classroom splinting exercise with blue scrubs and long hair.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

This Pre-Medical Concentration provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing medical school, dental school, or veterinary school. It includes courses that fulfill a biology major and the required and recommended prerequisites for these professional schools. Students will be assigned pre-medical advisors to guide them through the concentration. 

Requirements for the Pre-Medical Concentration - 97 Credits

General Education and Common Core Courses

BIOL 0102 - Environmental Biology for a Changing World, BIOL 0104 - Human Biology, and BIOL 0106 - Practical Biology for the World Today each satisfy General Education and Common Core requirements, however they DO NOT satisfy requirements for the Biology Major and should not be taken by students within the major. MATH 0105 - Calculus I and MATH 0108 - Elementary Statistics each satisfy General Education and Common Core requirements. BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 0278 - Biostatistics each satisfy Common Core requirements, but do not satisfy General Education requirements. Courses should be selected with guidance from faculty advisor.

Introductory Sequence

Math Requirement

Two of the following courses:

Chemistry

Physics

Required Biology Courses

Additional Required General Education Courses

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get big-school features with small-school advantages.

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a welcoming campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You’ll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 24-hour access to labs

    For independent researchers

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries 

Accessible faculty and personalized attention

Westfield State University’s Biology B.S. program is led by a group of highly experienced faculty who come from a variety of biology disciplines. Our diverse faculty provide exposure to different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, small class sizes allow students to build strong relationships within their classes and receive individualized feedback. 

Faculty directory

Biology department faculty and staff sitting and standing smiling outside for group photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University accredited?

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Our educator preparation programs are also approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).   

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university. 

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost — with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

What scholarships are available?

The S-STEM Scholarship is available to incoming full-time first year​​​​ students with low-income status defined as Pell Grant eligible. Learn more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements here.

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Biology, Pre-Medical Concentration, B.S.