Pre-Medicine

USD excels in undergraduate research opportunities and medical education, allowing us to offer an enriching experience for our pre-med students.

Research is an important consideration for medical school applications, but not all universities are able to support these opportunities for undergraduate students. At USD, we invest in undergraduate research so you can gain invaluable experience early on in your education. Even in your first or second year at USD, you can join research teams, earn mini-grants, present at national conferences or conduct your research at sites around the world.

USD is also home to South Dakota’s only medical school. This not only informs our pre-med recommended curriculum, but also opens unique opportunities to our undergraduate students. Undergraduate students may take classes taught by medical school faculty or conduct research in our state-of-the-art facilities. This proximity to a premier medical school is a great advantage as you position yourself for medical school applications.

USD’s medical biology program was specifically designed for undergraduate students preparing for medical school. The major curriculum aligns with the pre-medicine recommended coursework so that you can fulfill all pre-med requirements in three years.

Other programs in the sciences may also be a good fit for you. You can even choose from other majors beyond the science disciplines, though know that you may need to take more courses and extend your program of study to graduate with your major while also meeting the pre-med recommendations.

Learn More About the Medical Biology Program

Explore Undergraduate Programs

Meet with your advisor.

When you are first registering for classes, be sure you tell your academic advisor that you are interested in pre-med. Your advisor will help you register for classes that set you on the pre-med path, and they’ll connect you with a pre-med advisor who will work with you throughout your experience at USD.

Start pre-med coursework.

You will take courses in areas like anatomy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology and statistics as you prepare to meet the requirements for medical school.

Expand your academic experience. 

From getting involved in undergraduate research to participating in student organizations like Pre-Med Society, you’ll have many opportunities to enrich your academic experience beyond the classroom.

Study for and take the MCAT. 

After three years of coursework to fulfill the pre-med requirements, you will set aside time to prepare for and take the MCAT exam.

Apply to medical school. 

Many students begin applying for medical school during the summer before their senior undergraduate year.

Choose your path.

Medical school is very competitive. If you are accepted to medical school, you can continue on your path toward enrollment into your program. If you are not accepted into medical school, your advisor can discuss what path may be the right fit for you.

Graduate with your undergraduate degree.

You’ll graduate with your degree and a wide variety of skills and experiences that set you up for success in your next chapter in medical school, a graduate program or the workforce.

Your education will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. USD is a liberal arts university, meaning we provide you with a well-rounded education that gives you a variety of marketable skills. Whether you go on to medical school or find a different path, your USD education will help you find success. You may choose to enter the workforce or pursue graduate programs in physician assistant studies, physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy or research, to name a few.