Choosing a Major for Health Professional Schools

To be able to earn a bachelor’s degree, students need to declare a major. While majors do not grant acceptance into or make applicants more competitive in their careers, majors provide the foundation for future careers, reflect who students are, and demonstrate students' understanding of particular subjects. 

For more resources, check out PAC's Essential Websites.

The following are some questions you may want to consider when deciding on a major:

What major does my field require/prefer?

Professional schools do not have any preference for a specific major. Any major can enter almost any field. Statistical evidence shows no advantage of one major over the other. Health professional schools admit students from all majors; therefore you should choose whatever suits you.

  • Some pre-medicine students major in biology.
    • Many prerequisites for medical school overlap with the requirements for a biology degree here at UHM.
  • Some pre-pharmacy students major in chemistry.
    • Coursework is relevant to what they will learn in the professional school in which they are interested.
  • Many professional schools also wish to see applicants pursue their own interests and passions by declaring a non-traditional major to diversify their studies! To name a few, some majors to consider include: 

What are your strengths?

Many upper-division courses are completed within the major and will significantly impact GPA, so choose a major in which you will excel academically.

What are your interests?

Students often perform better in courses in which they have a vested interest. For professional schools, your major can also be an insight into your interests and talents.

How will you balance your degree?

Look at the “Experience and Personal Development” section on the webpage of the professional field you are interested.

  • How does your degree fit in with the whole picture?
  • What part of your degree demonstrates other aspects of you such as your capability in the natural sciences, social sciences, or your interests and talents?

What will you do with your major if you do not attend professional school?

Unfortunately, not all students who begin their undergraduate careers with the intent to go to professional school are admitted or they may change their goals.

  • It is important to choose a major that will be useful in the job market and will be rewarding for you no matter what the circumstances are.

Should you choose B.A. or B.S.?

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees each require a total of 120 credits in core, major, and elective requirements. The number of core credits is also similar for both a B.S. and a B.A. degree.

  • B.S. requires more credits in the chosen major.
  • B.A. requires more credits in elective courses.
  • Choosing one degree over the other does not grant you acceptance into or make you more competitive in your health career field.
    • Statistical evidence shows no advantage of earning a B.S. or a B.A. degree.