Your path to a variety of healthcare careers starts in our flexible Biology: Pre-Medical Program.
As a Biology: Pre-Medical student, you’ll take a unique, comprehensive set of courses that focus not only on foundational concepts, but also on areas that develop social awareness, ethical decision making and the communication skills necessary to be well-rounded and successful. After two years of foundational coursework, you’ll choose an area of emphasis in Human Health or Global Health.
This diverse training prepares you to be a competitive applicant for:
Pursue your individual goals in an inclusive, flexible curriculum designed for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Foundation Courses
In the first two years, you'll take foundational courses in general biology, chemistry, physiology, cell and molecular biology, ecology and evolution, and biostatistics. Courses in psychology, sociology, public health and healthcare ethics are also required. You'll also enroll in professional development to help identify and guide your future career path.
Areas of Emphasis (AoE)
Biology: Pre-Medical majors must select an AoE, typically following of the foundational coursework. You can choose from:
Each area allows flexibility and choices of electives. Further, lab coursework provides hands-on experience that is a critical component for both Human Health and Global Health areas of emphasis.
Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:
Teaches students to effectively communicate about scientific discoveries and scientific issues in both written and oral forms to professional scientists, the public, the media and politicians. Students will learn to consider the knowledge, biases and goals of their intended audience to communicate thoughtfully and effectively.
A molecular genetic analysis of the mechanisms by which multicellular organisms develop from single cells.
Theoretical and practical knowledge in genetics as a field of study and as an approach for investigating biological problems.
Study of human morphology, with a focus on anatomical function and medical applications. Lecture integrates integument, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, digestive, urogenital, respiratory, and nervous system anatomy. The co-requisite lab parallels these lecture topics. This course is intended for students interested in the human health fields.
Review of literature, research, and application of topics including biodiversity, endangered species, population biology, extinction, invasive species, conservation, restoration, and sustainability.
The application of phylogenetics, microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology towards understanding the evolution of infectious diseases. Students will develop a fundamental understanding of the significance of evolution and ecology in infectious disease emergence and control.
Topics: Clinician- patient relationship, life-sustaining treatment, physician assisted death, physician-nurse conflicts, confidentiality, research, reproductive technology, abortion, maternal/fetal conflicts, genetics, rationing, and access.
Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:
Take advantage of special options related to this major:
Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students. Explore Honors
What sets this program apart from its competitors?
Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).
Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.
Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:
