Medical Studies ,BS
Biology, Chiropractic, Dentistry, Doctor, Family Practice, Health Advocacy, Health Policy, Medicine, Pharmacy, Pre-Med, approved for STEM-OPT extension, healthcare administration, occupational therapy, optometry, pediatrics, premed
Develop a strong foundation in both science and health systems knowledge to gain an edge when applying to medical and professional schools, and be on your way to becoming a leader in health and health care.
The Bachelor of Science program in medical studies enables students to meet the prerequisites for medical and professional school. This program also prepares students for required postgraduate entrance exams, including the revised MCAT.
Students can customize the medical studies degree to meet the prerequisites of the health professions programs to which they intend to apply. In addition, students have the opportunity to learn directly from health care providers who are currently practicing in the field, and they can select clinically related internships or electives during their junior year.
This degree program integrates evidence-based research, communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership --- all essential competencies for members of today's health care teams.
Because of the high volume of overlap in curriculum, students enrolled in this degree are not permitted to declare a concurrent degree combination with certain majors, such as the BS in biological sciences, including the following concentrations: biomedical sciences; genetics, cell and developmental biology; and neurobiology, physiology and behavior.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Health Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, West Valley or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
- Math
intensity: Moderate
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year
| Transfer
| International
| Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:
- Apply the communication skills required to deliver effective patient-centered health care.
- Formulate decisions in accordance with ethical, legal, and philosophical principles of the healthcare profession in assigned projects.
- Analyze the health consequences of chronic disease, social determinants of health, and the overall impact on population health.
- Create a portfolio representing their experience and accomplishments in preparation for employment or graduate studies.
Professional health education is competitive. Fewer than half of students who apply to medical schools are admitted, and there are four applicants for every seat in physician assistant programs. Medical and professional school admissions increasingly focus on students who are dedicated to community service, so engaging in community activities and research abroad will help any student pursuing a health career to create a diverse, accomplished portfolio.
Students pursuing medical studies who study abroad can advance their cultural awareness, medical experience and global health understanding. Global Education programs expand students' knowledge of culturally specific health approaches while helping them develop strategies to adapt to distinct social circumstances. Study abroad is a chance to fine-tune communication, critical thinking and leadership capabilities while taking advantage of opportunities for research, internships and service.
The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in medical studies.
Graduates are equipped with a diverse set of applicable skills for a number of exciting careers in the allied health fields, education, government, health care industries and nonprofit organizations.
Opportunities include these positions:
- community health worker
- project coordinator
- research assistant
- sales or marketing representative (e.g., medical device or pharmaceutical industry)
Graduates also are well prepared to pursue postgraduate health degrees in areas such as:
- dentistry
- medicine (Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and naturopathic)
- occupational therapy
- optometry
- pharmacy
- physician assistant training
Further study can result in a career as a:
- chiropractor
- dentist
- naturopathic physician
- optometrist
- pharmacist
- physician
- physician assistant
- podiatrist
- public health professional
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
8.8%
|
$75,380
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$155,040
|
|
|
2.5%
|
$214,460
|
|
|
2.0%
|
$106,230
|
|
|
11.5%
|
$93,180
|
|
|
8.8%
|
$125,590
|
|
|
2.6%
|
$132,750
|
|
|
26.5%
|
$126,010
|
|
|
1.0%
|
$148,720
|
|
|
19.7%
|
$103,260
|
College of Health Solutions
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
