Report an accessibility problem

Medical Studies ,BS

Medical Studies, BS


Biology, Chiropractic, Dentistry, Doctor, Family Practice, Health Advocacy, Health Policy, Medicine, Pharmacy, Pre-Med, healthcare administration, occupational therapy, optometry, pediatrics, premed

Develop a strong foundation in both science and health systems knowledge to gain an edge when applying to medical and professional schools, and be on your way to becoming a leader in health and health care.

Program description

The BS program in medical studies enables students to meet the prerequisites for medical and professional school. This program also prepares students for required postgraduate entrance exams, including the revised MCAT.

Students can customize the medical studies degree to meet the prerequisites of the health professions programs to which they intend to apply. In addition, students have the opportunity to learn directly from health care providers who are currently practicing in the field, and they can select clinically related internships or electives during their junior year.

This degree program integrates communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership --- all essential competencies for members of today's health care teams.

Because of the high volume of overlap in curriculum, students enrolled in this degree are not permitted to declare a concurrent degree combination with certain majors, such as the BS in biological sciences, including the following concentrations: biomedical sciences; genetics, cell and developmental biology; and neurobiology, physiology and behavior.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Professional health education is competitive. Fewer than half of students who apply to medical schools are admitted, and there are four applicants for every seat in physician assistant programs. Medical and professional school admissions increasingly focus on students who are dedicated to community service, so engaging in community activities and research abroad will help any student pursuing a health career to create a diverse, accomplished portfolio.

Students pursuing medical studies who study abroad can advance their cultural awareness, medical experience and global health understanding. Global Education programs expand students' knowledge of culturally specific health approaches while helping them develop strategies to adapt to unique social circumstances. Study abroad is a chance to fine-tune communication, critical thinking and leadership capabilities while taking advantage of opportunities for research, internships and service.

The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in medical studies.

Career opportunities

Graduates are academically prepared, well rounded and equipped with skills for a number of exciting careers in the allied health fields, education, government, health care industries and nonprofit organizations.

Opportunities include these positions:

  • community health worker
  • project coordinator
  • research assistant
  • sales or marketing representative (e.g., medical device or pharmaceutical industry)

They also are well prepared to pursue postgraduate health degrees in areas such as:

  • dentistry
  • medicine (MD, DO and naturopathic)
  • occupational therapy
  • optometry
  • pharmacy
  • physician assistant programs

Further study can result in a career as a:

  • chiropractor
  • dentist
  • naturopathic physician
  • optometrist
  • pharmacist
  • physician
  • physician assistant
  • podiatrist
  • public health professional

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.8%
$75,380
4.4%
$155,040
2.0%
$106,230
11.5%
$93,180
8.8%
$125,590
2.6%
$132,750
15.1%
$97,720
26.5%
$126,010
1.0%
$148,720
19.7%
$103,260
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

click back to top