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Biology, BS - Area 6: Pre-Med / Pre-Dental / Pre-Vet

Biology Pre-Med Pre-Dental Pre-Vet

Prepare for an in-demand, high-salary career as a medical professional. The University of Central Missouri offers the Biology BS degree, with concentrations in Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental Medicine and Pre-Veterinary Medicine, to help you decide if you want to specialize in caring for humans or animals. 

Our comprehensive Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet or Pre-Dental programs cover core biology studies and provides a pathway for Biology majors who want to become pharmacists, ophthamologists or physician’s assistants or plan to enter into related medical careers.

UCM prepares undergrads for medical school in Missouri and beyond

Our Biology Pre-Med program courses will help prepare you for the eligibility exams for acceptance to medical school. Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental majors are similarly well-prepared for graduate program admission.

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Contact

Dr. Scott Lankford
Chair, School of Natural Sciences
W.C. Morris Science Building, Room 306A
Warrensburg, MO
Tel: 660-543-4933
lankford@ucmo.edu

College of Health, Science and Technology

Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences


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Many undergrad research opportunities

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New cellular and molecular research labs

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Labs conducted by faculty, not GAs

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Hengshui University exchange program

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Small classes, close faculty interaction

What you will study

Together, our core Biology courses and Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental program electives ready you for advanced studies in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, dentistry, optometry or chiropractic medicine.

Start with a foundation of core courses in the Biology BS, including cellular and molecular processes, chemistry, physics, mathematics, microbiology and genetics. Then, choose your area of specialization. 

Electives allow you to explore different fields in biology while strengthening your grasp of animal and human biological systems. You can choose from topics for Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental majors such as:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Serology Laboratory
  • Hematology/Virology

Throughout your coursework in UCM’s Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs, you’ll master the basics of the scientific method and practice these tools and techniques in lab-based classes.

 

Excellence in Biology

  • Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)

 

Unique learning opportunities in Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs

Hands-on classes, research projects, fieldwork and student support prepare you for medical school in Missouri or another state. 

  • Faculty mentoring: You’ll receive one-on-one attention in an active learning format to prepare you to work in any lab setting. Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental majors work directly with Ph.D.-level faculty in face-to-face, lab-based courses and on cocurricular research studies. 
  • Cocurricular research projects: As true teacher-scholars, program faculty lead biology service clubs and honor societies. They also involve undergraduate students in grant-funded research and grant writing, providing experience in scientific writing and presentations at professional meetings. These experiences can help you gain competitive advantages in the job market or when you apply to grad school. 
  • Case study-based labs: Many of the biology classes are hands on, too. For example, in Human Physiology, you’ll collect biological data from your classmates to predict responses in disease case studies. This direct application of the scientific method lays a solid foundation for you to develop analysis and research skills.
  • Senior projects and internships: Learn to work in a team and make connections with public- and private-sector professionals during internships. These experiences will help to pave the way for research careers and graduate school opportunities. Your senior project in your chosen specialty area and the close collaborations you’ll have with UCM faculty and GAs will help you define your future goals.

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med, Pre-Dental or Pre-Vet from UCM?

Biology majors have a number of job options. If you want to make a significant contribution to human or animal health, your Biology BS will open up career pathways such as:

  • Medical doctor
  • Veterinarian
  • Dental surgeon
  • Pharmacist
  • Ophthamologist

Explore your career options for medical school in Missouri and across the United States

Many Biology Pre-Med program graduates pursue advanced degrees. Your studies at the University of Central Missouri prepare you to pass the MCAT entrance exams if you plan to attend medical school. 

Use the interactive tool below to explore potential salaries and career pathways with a Bachelor of Science degree focused on Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Pre-Med, Pre-Dental or Pre-Vet degree

As a Biology major at the University of Central Missouri, you may qualify for university scholarships and awards, including UCM-sponsored Honors College Scholars and McNair Scholarships. You could also explore several other resources for financing your undergraduate education. This can help keep your college costs and student debt low before you start medical school in Missouri or throughout the United States. 

You may also be eligible for scholarships specifically for Biology majors, including those studying in Biology Pre-Med, Pre-Vet and Pre-Dental programs. These are just a few examples

  • John Hess Health Professions Scholarship
  • Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
  • Charles Hinerman Memorial Scholarship
  • Kathryn Eydt Payne Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Take your degree further.

Pre-Med, Pre-Vet or Pre-Dental majors can consider increasing the value of a Biology BS by continuing studies and earning a master’s degree from UCM.

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Make yourself more marketable.

If you’re planning to open your own medical, dental or veterinary practice after attending medical school in Missouri or another state, you might benefit from adding a minor to your Biology BS:

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Explore programs related to pre-medicine, pre-dentistry or pre-veterinary medicine.

If you haven’t decided what you’d like to major in, explore programs in related fields of study, such as:

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

 

 

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