Medical Studies, BS
Dive into human biology, disease, physiology, health systems and patient-centered care. Gain valuable exposure to the social, behavioral and systemic factors that influence how health and health care are delivered.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Medical Studies degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in medical studies enables you to meet the prerequisites for medical and professional school. This program also prepares you for required postgraduate entrance exams, including the revised MCAT.
You can customize the medical studies degree to meet the prerequisites of the health professions programs to which you intend to apply. In addition, you have the opportunity to learn directly from health care providers who are currently practicing in the field, and you can select clinically related internships or electives during your 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, if you are enrolled in this degree you 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.
Why study medical studies at ASU?
Housed within ASU's College of Health Solutions, you learn in a health-focused environment alongside faculty and peers exploring health care delivery, health technology, population health and clinical sciences. Choose online or campus-based options for the flexibility you need, backed by a curriculum built specifically for aspiring health professionals.
You can connect with fellow students through the American Medical Student Association.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| CHM 113 General Chemistry I |
| CHM 116 General Chemistry II |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- 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.
Apply the communication skills required to deliver effective patient-centered health care.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
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.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractor | 8.7% | $79,200 | Learn more |
| Dentist | 5.7% | $170,950 | Learn more |
| Medical Doctor (MD) | 4.0% | $256,560 | Learn more |
| Naturopathic Doctor | 5.5% | $115,210 | Learn more |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | 14.8% | $100,330 | Learn more |
| Optometrists | 9.5% | $136,570 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | Learn more |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | 21.1% | $135,880 | Learn more |
| Podiatrist | 2.0% | $160,300 | Learn more |
| Veterinarian (Vet) | 9.4% | $130,100 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed 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.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this medical studies degree prepares you for
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
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Clinical Health Sciences
|
HLTHN 401AA
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
