What is your opinion on non traditional undergrad degrees?

[KingNothing]

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I am currently enrolled in Computer Science at Auburn University and have decided, after much soul searching over the past few months, that I would like to enter into emergency medicine. I realize that I am going to have to take some classes that do not fit into my major (Biology and Chemistry), but that is fine with me. However, I am worried that having a degree that is not in Chemistry, Biology, or other "common" undergraduate degrees for doctors might hurt my chances of being accepted to a medical school.

Also, what are you thoughts on the necessity of taking Biochemistry and Genetics? I've noticed that many schools recommend the classes but do not require them for entry into their medical programs.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I am currently enrolled in Computer Science at Auburn University and have decided, after much soul searching over the past few months, that I would like to enter into emergency medicine. I realize that I am going to have to take some classes that do not fit into my major (Biology and Chemistry), but that is fine with me. However, I am worried that having a degree that is not in Chemistry, Biology, or other "common" undergraduate degrees for doctors might hurt my chances of being accepted to a medical school.

Also, what are you thoughts on the necessity of taking Biochemistry and Genetics? I've noticed that many schools recommend the classes but do not require them for entry into their medical programs.

Conventional wisdom (and my opinion as well) is that your undergrad major makes NO significant difference when it comes to medical school acceptance. Most med students have a major in one of the biological sciences but that it either because it is of interest, or because its easier because you complete most of the med school pre-reqs via that route.

As long as you complete the pre-reqs for entry into medical school, complete your studies in Computer Science if that's what really interests you. You can major in anything you wish and it may make you a more interesting candidate.

Biochemistry, while not required by most US medical schools, would be the one undergrad course outside of the pre-reqs worth taking. Medical school Biochem is taught at such a fast pace it can be beneficial to have some extra background in it. I do not feel strongly about Genetics - a basic knowledge is useful but you will gain that in most Intro Bio courses anyway; an upper level course is not necessary and would only be recommended if you had some special interest, No detailed knowledge of genetics is required for the MCAT or medical school beyond basic stuff.

BTW, did you mean to post this in the International Forum? If not, I'll gladly move it for you.

 

[KingNothing]

Conventional wisdom (and my opinion as well) is that your undergrad major makes NO significant difference when it comes to medical school acceptance. Most med students have a major in one of the biological sciences but that it either because it is of interest, or because its easier because you complete most of the med school pre-reqs via that route.

As long as you complete the pre-reqs for entry into medical school, complete your studies in Computer Science if that's what really interests you. You can major in anything you wish and it may make you a more interesting candidate.

Biochemistry, while not required by most US medical schools, would be the one undergrad course outside of the pre-reqs worth taking. Medical school Biochem is taught at such a fast pace it can be beneficial to have some extra background in it. I do not feel strongly about Genetics - a basic knowledge is useful but you will gain that in most Intro Bio courses anyway; an upper level course is not necessary and would only be recommended if you had some special interest, No detailed knowledge of genetics is required for the MCAT or medical school beyond basic stuff.

BTW, did you mean to post this in the International Forum? If not, I'll gladly move it for you.

Oh, whoops. I don't know how I posted this here... I meant to put it in the Emergency Medicine or the general forum.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'll move it for you, but I think Pre-Allo is the best place for it, because the topic has little impact on medical school acceptance and even less on residency placement (which the EM and Gen Residency forums are for).

 

[dr.z]

I think its good as long as you do well on pre-reqs. Med school wants to diversify as well so they won't have anything against your decision. Do what you like and enjoy. Good luck!

 

[Emergency!]

Man - can we make a "No, your major does not matter" sticky? There are at least three of these threads on the first page today!!! 🙂

In answer to your question, do not change your major to biology or chemistry just because that's what all of your pre-med friends are majoring in. Pre-meds major in bio and chem for three main reasons:1 - they really like science and 2 - many of the pre-med classes will count toward a degree for them and 3 - they think they have to major in one of the two in order to get into med school.

Whether or not you will be able to graduate in four years with a Computer Science degree and the necessary medical school pre-reqs depends on a lot of factors. How many of the pre-med courses can you use as electives in your Comp. Science major? How heavy of a load do you want to take? Are you going to take summer courses? Will you need to repeat any of them?

Upper level science courses generally are not necessary unless you have poor grades in the lower level courses. Medical schools want to see that you can handle advanced science coursework.

If a lot of the schools you are interested in list certain courses as being strongly recommended, you may want to consider taking them if you have time. The only class that I think would have helped me out on the MCAT that I didn't have would be physiology. Most of the genetics on the MCAT should be covered in intro level bio.

More and more, medical schools want to see well rounded individuals. They like to see individuals who can offer something unique to their student population.

Good luck!

 

[2badr]

Man - can we make a "No, your major does not matter" sticky? There are at least three of these threads on the first page today!!! 🙂

More and more, medical schools want to see well rounded individuals. They like to see individuals who can offer something unique to their student population.

I think the sticky for "No matter what your major is..." is a good idea. 😉

 

[sidewalkman]

I think the sticky for "No matter what your major is..." is a good idea. 😉

I also agree 🙂

 

[KingNothing]

Whether or not you will be able to graduate in four years with a Computer Science degree and the necessary medical school pre-reqs depends on a lot of factors. How many of the pre-med courses can you use as electives in your Comp. Science major? How heavy of a load do you want to take? Are you going to take summer courses? Will you need to repeat any of them?
Good luck!

I'm not sure how many pre-med courses I can use as electives. I'm not going to graduate for another three years, and I plan on taking classes in the summers. I'm sort of a non-traditional student, but as long as the Comp Sci major isn't going to hurt me, I should be fine.

Thanks for the info. 🙂