Bachelors in computer science vs do

[Riser4321]

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Is it possible to go the route of getting a bachelors in the field like computer sciences etc. and have what you’d need to apply for medical school?
Or would one simply have to stick to the chemistry biology science side etc.?
Thanks

 

[KiddCo]

Well you need to take the mcat which requires knowledge in certain areas like biology, chemistry, physics, etc. It is possible to self study these topics, but probably not recommended.

Also, some schools require that you've take certain courses like physics with lab, chemistry, etc. So if you've not taken them to get your degree, you would need to do a post bac.

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[Campana]

Are you asking if you can major in something besides Biology and still go to medical school?

If so, the answer is an unequivocal Yes. You can always take classes beyond those required for your bachelors degree. Many medical schools require that you have taken specific coursework, though not all. And ask other posters said, you will need to know that material for the MCAT anyhow. Even as Biology major, you have to ensure you take the required labs, chemistries, etc. that may not be mandatory for a degree in biology. Majoring in something besides a pre-med science may also help make you a more well rounded person, give you some possible padding in your GPA, expose you to non-science people, etc.

If you're asking if a computer science degree will include the courses needed for medical school, it's highly unlikely. I'm not aware of a basic computer science engineering major that would include the amount of chemistry and biology needed for MCAT and pre-requisites.

You can major in anything and also take the courses needed for medical school.

 

[Palmyra]

I have a degree in math and took a fair bit of computer science. Not quite the same path but similar. In my experience, your UGrad degree doesn't really matter as long as you have the prerequisites. AAMC I think has a list of prereqs to consider and each school has their own, but from what I can remember you'll be looking at something along the lines of a year each of bio, chem, ochem, physics, and then a semester each of psych and soc. +/- a few things here and there. I did the very bare minimum and I had I think 12-15 credits of bio, a year of chem and phys, 12 credits of ochem and no psych or soc. but I had some similar classes that counted as prereqs so I just self-studied for the MCAT. Ended up doing fine for DO. They were really interested in my background and honestly I think it's really really good to bring people into medicine who aren't the straight pre-med track. You will have a lot to offer your patients and your employers in terms of your understanding of them and your unique skills. A lot of medical people aren't the most tech savvy. (But some are!)

 

[Blanky]

Your degree does not matter.
Having said that your gpa will be competing with the “fluff” majors. While you are struggling with those course they will be laughing, hitting the gym, building ECs for med apps, and studying for the MCAT.

 

[hamiltonnyc]

I think for some schools (not many, just a few) a computer science degree can be seen as a positive because it is unique and adds to diversity. It won't compensate for a bad GPA, but if your GPA and MCAT are within range, I think it does stand out a bit.

This might be wishful thinking, but if the schools are really looking for diversity they should include diversity of skill set and education as well.