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Biology, BS - Area 6: Pre-Med / Pre-Dental / Pre-Vet
Biology Pre-Med Pre-Dental Pre-Vet
Why Choose UCM for your Pre-Med/Pre-Dental/Pre-Vet BS?
The Bachelor of Science in Biology (Area 6: Pre-Med / Pre-Dental / Pre-Vet) at the University of Central Missouri delivers rigorous preparation for students aiming to care for human or animal health. Offered on campus in Warrensburg, this comprehensive pre-professional program combines core cellular, molecular and biological studies with hands-on research in modern laboratories. Taught in small classes by Ph.D.-level faculty rather than graduate assistants, our courses provide the academic foundation and laboratory experience needed to prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT and gain admission to competitive professional schools. Start your journey toward becoming a physician, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist or allied health professional.
UCM's Biology BS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Warrensburg
- Small class sizes and personalized faculty mentoring
- Facilities include a necropsy lab and advanced cellular and molecular research labs
- Streamlined access to medical and dental programs through A.T. Still University partnership
ContactDr. Scott Lankford |
What will you learn in UCM's Pre-Med/Pre-Dental/Pre-Vet program?
The program integrates foundational science coursework with specialized electives that cover both human and animal biological systems. You'll learn to master the scientific method through direct, lab-based applications.
Foundational Coursework
- Cellular and Molecular Processes: Study fundamental unit functions and molecular genetics.
- Microbiology & Genetics: Explore microorganisms, inheritance patterns and biological structures.
- Supporting Sciences: Complete essential coursework in chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Specialized Pre-Professional Electives
- Immunology: Examine immune system functions and responses to disease.
- Endocrinology: Study hormone systems and glandular function.
- Serology Laboratory: Practice diagnostic testing and serum analysis.
- Hematology & Virology: Analyze blood physiology and viral pathogens.
- Human Physiology: Collect biological data and evaluate disease case studies.
Unique learning opportunities in UCM's Pre-Med/ Pre-Dental/ Pre-Vet program
- A.T. Still University Partnership: Benefit from a strategic pathway offering streamlined access to advanced studies in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences and orthodontics.
- Faculty-Led Instruction: Participate in face-to-face laboratory courses taught entirely by Ph.D.-level faculty rather than graduate teaching assistants.
- Modern Research Facilities: Conduct hands-on experiments in cellular and molecular research laboratories.
- Cocurricular Research & Grant Writing: Collaborate with faculty on grant-funded research projects, gaining direct experience in scientific writing and professional conference presentations.
- Team Internships & Senior Projects: Complete a senior project in your specialty and build industry connections through practical internship placements.
Fast facts about UCM's Pre-Med/Pre-Dental/Pre-Vet program
- Location: Warrensburg campus.
- Faculty-Led Labs: All laboratory courses conducted by Ph.D.-level faculty, not graduate assistants
- Class Environment: Small class sizes that foster close faculty-student interaction and personalized mentoring
- Advanced Facilities: Access to a necropsy lab and cellular and molecular research laboratories
- Healthcare Pathway Partnership: Direct linkage with A.T. Still University to address healthcare provider shortages in Missouri
Talk to an Admissions Representative
Financial Aid and Scholarships for UCM's Biology BS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid advisor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. UCM offers university-wide awards to keep undergraduate debt low before entering professional school.
Program-Specific Scholarships:
- John Hess Health Professions Scholarship
- Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
- Charles Hinerman Memorial Scholarship
- Kathryn Eydt Payne Scholarship
Explore complete eligibility requirements through the UCM Scholarship Finder and consult your financial aid advisor to build your aid package.
The next steps to your Biology BS degree:
① Request information about Biology at UCM.
② Schedule a visit or Connect virtually with a UCM admissions rep.
Career opportunities and outcomes for a Pre-Med/Pre-Dental/Pre-Vet BS
A Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Pre-Med, Pre-Dental or Pre-Vet concentration prepares you for direct application to professional healthcare programs or graduate studies across Missouri and nationwide.
Target Career Pathways:
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- Medical Doctor (MD / DO)
- Veterinarian
- Dental Surgeon
- Pharmacist
- Ophthalmologist
- Physician Assistant
- Optometrist
- Chiropractor
Apply to UCM's Biology program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Take your degree further.
Pre-Med, Pre-Vet or Pre-Dental majors can consider increasing the value of a Biology BS by continuing studies and earning a master’s degree from UCM.
Make yourself more marketable.
If you’re planning to open your own medical, dental or veterinary practice after attending medical school in Missouri or another state, you might benefit from adding a minor to your Biology BS:
Explore programs related to pre-medicine, pre-dentistry or pre-veterinary medicine.
If you haven’t decided what you’d like to major in, explore programs in related fields of study, such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study core biological sciences — including cellular processes, genetics, microbiology, chemistry and physics — alongside advanced electives such as immunology, endocrinology, hematology and human physiology. Coursework includes hands-on laboratory experiences and case studies.
Yes. The program's core coursework and laboratory training prepare students to take eligibility entrance exams, such as the MCAT, required for admission to medical school and other professional healthcare programs.
Yes. Students participate in case study-based labs, faculty-mentored research projects, cellular and molecular lab work, senior capstone projects and team internships with public- and private-sector organizations.
UCM maintains a strategic partnership with A.T. Still University that offers UCM Biology majors streamlined access to advanced programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences and orthodontics.
Yes. Students can access university awards, as well as biology-specific funds like the John Hess Health Professions Scholarship and the Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship.
