Whatever health career you choose, you'll have an excellent foundation based on courses in science, communication and leadership. Customize this degree program according to your goals, prepare for exams like the MCAT and develop professional competencies for your career.
The BS in medical studies program provides students with the opportunity to meet the prerequisites for medical and professional school, including medicine (MD, DO and naturopathic), dentistry, physician assistant programs, pharmacy, occupational therapy, optometry and others, and prepares the student 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 for which they intend to apply. 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 communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership, all of which are essential competencies for members of today's health care teams.
At A Glance
Medical Studies, BS
- Offered by: College of Health Solutions
- Location: Downtown, Polytechnic, West
- First Required Math Course: MAT 170 - Precalculus
- Math Intensity: Moderate
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
Graduates are academically prepared, well-rounded and adept in skills for a number of exciting careers in the allied health fields, dentistry or medicine, education, government, health care industries or nonprofit organizations.
Positions could include:
- community health worker
- project coordinator
- research assistant
- sales or marketing representative (e.g., medical device or pharmaceutical industry)
They also are well prepared to pursue postgraduate health degrees, resulting in a career as a:
- chiropractor
- dentist
- naturopathic physician
- optometrist
- pharmacist
- physician
- physician assistant
- podiatrist
- public health professional
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chiropractors | 4.5% | $70,720 |
| Dentists, General | 2.8% | $158,940 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | -0.6% | # |
| Naturopathic Physicians | ||
| Occupational Therapists | 15.9% | $86,280 |
| Optometrists | 4.3% | $118,050 |
| Pharmacists | -3.3% | $128,710 |
| Physical Therapists | 18.2% | $91,010 |
| Physician Assistants | 31.3% | $115,390 |
| Podiatrists | 0.2% | $134,300 |
| Physicians and Surgeons, All Other |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation