Biology, BS - Area 6: Pre-Med / Pre-Dental / Pre-Vet

What you will study

Together, our core Biology courses and Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental program electives ready you for advanced studies in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, dentistry, optometry or chiropractic medicine.

Start with a foundation of core courses in the Biology BS, including cellular and molecular processes, chemistry, physics, mathematics, microbiology and genetics. Then, choose your area of specialization. 

Electives allow you to explore different fields in biology while strengthening your grasp of animal and human biological systems. You can choose from topics for Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental majors such as:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Serology Laboratory
• Hematology/Virology

Throughout your coursework in UCM’s Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs, you’ll master the basics of the scientific method and practice these tools and techniques in lab-based classes.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs

Hands-on classes, research projects, fieldwork and student support prepare you for medical school in Missouri or another state. 

• Faculty mentoring: You’ll receive one-on-one attention in an active learning format to prepare you to work in any lab setting. Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental majors work directly with Ph.D.-level faculty in face-to-face, lab-based courses and on cocurricular research studies. 
• Cocurricular research projects: As true teacher-scholars, program faculty lead biology service clubs and honor societies. They also involve undergraduate students in grant-funded research and grant writing, providing experience in scientific writing and presentations at professional meetings. These experiences can help you gain competitive advantages in the job market or when you apply to grad school. 
• Case study-based labs: Many of the biology classes are hands on, too. For example, in Human Physiology, you’ll collect biological data from your classmates to compare with responses in disease case studies. This direct application of the scientific method lays a solid foundation for you to truly understand physiology.
• Senior projects and internships: Learn to work in a team and make connections with public- and private-sector professionals during internships. These experiences will help you stand out in a field of professional school applicants. Your senior project in your chosen specialty area and the close collaborations you’ll have with UCM faculty and GAs will help you define your future goals.
• Partnership with A.T. Still University: Our strategic partnership with A.T. Still University, a nationally recognized leader in whole person healthcare, allows UCM Biology majors to have streamlined access to advanced study in health sciences. Students interested in pursuing careers in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences and orthodontics are provided with unique advantages through this program, which also works to address Missouri's shortage of healthcare providers. Interested students should contact the Biology department at 660-543-4933 or email Dr. Scott Lankford at lankford@ucmo.edu for more information. 

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med, Pre-Dental or Pre-Vet from UCM?

Biology majors have a number of job options. If you want to make a significant contribution to human or animal health, your Biology BS will open up career pathways such as:

• Medical doctor
• Veterinarian
• Dental surgeon
• Pharmacist
• Ophthamologist

Explore your career options for medical school in Missouri and across the United States

Many Biology Pre-Med program graduates pursue advanced degrees. Your studies at the University of Central Missouri prepare you to pass the MCAT entrance exams if you plan to attend medical school. 

Use the interactive tool below to explore potential salaries and career pathways with a Bachelor of Science degree focused on Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs.

 

 

Financial assistance options for your Pre-Med, Pre-Dental or Pre-Vet degree

As a Biology major at the University of Central Missouri, you may qualify for university scholarships and awards, including UCM-sponsored Honors College Scholars and McNair Scholarships. You could also explore several other resources for financing your undergraduate education. This can help keep your college costs and student debt low before you start medical school in Missouri or throughout the United States. 

You may also be eligible for scholarships specifically for Biology majors, including those studying in Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs. These are just a few examples

• John Hess Health Professions Scholarship
• Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
• Charles Hinerman Memorial Scholarship
• Kathryn Eydt Payne Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.