3+4 B.S. in Biology/Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M)
Build the scientific foundation and practical experience needed for medical, dental, and pharmacy programs while preparing for graduate admission exams.
Develop advanced science knowledge. Gain clinical exposure. Prepare for professional healthcare programs.
Degree: B.S. in Biology (Pre-Medical Professions Concentration)
Program Delivery: On Campus
Next Term: Fall 2026
Program Duration: Four years (with optional accelerated pathway)
Why Choose Pre-Medical Professions at MCLA?
MCLA’s Pre-Medical Professions concentration delivers the scientific foundation needed to prepare for professional programs and exams such as the MCAT and GRE. With personalized advising and access to clinical experiences, students build the knowledge, preparation, and confidence required for competitive admission.
Real-World Clinical Experience
Students can shadow physicians and dentists, train as medical scribes in local emergency rooms, and work as pharmacy technicians, gaining exposure to clinical environments and patient care settings.
Dedicated Advisory Support
Students meet regularly with faculty advisors and receive guidance from the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee, including application support, recommendation letters, and access to study materials for professional exams.
Accelerated Medical Pathways
Students may simultaneously complete their senior year at MCLA and their first year at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM), with credits counting toward the B.S. in Biology.
Career Outlook & Program Outcomes
Pre-medical students build a strong scientific foundation that supports careers in healthcare, research, and clinical practice.
Where This Degree Takes You
MCLA graduates are enrolled in competitive medical and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs or are gaining clinical experience in hospital settings.
Career Opportunities
- Physician (with graduate study)
- Dentist (with graduate study)
- Pharmacist (with graduate study)
- Medical Scribe
- Pharmacy Technician
- Undergraduate Researcher
Skills You Will Develop
Your Journey to the Medical Professions
The 63-credit concentration is structured to build from foundational sciences into advanced upper-level coursework, preparing students for professional programs in healthcare.
Year 1: Foundational Sciences & Early Exploration
Students begin with Introduction to Biology (Cells and Organisms) and Intro to Chemistry. Spring coursework may include electives that introduce clinical observation, medical terminology, or early research exposure.
Year 3: Heavy Sciences & Exam Readiness
Students complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II, General Physics I and II, and Biochemistry. These courses provide the scientific foundation required to prepare for exams such as the MCAT or DAT.
Year 2: Advanced Core & Organic Chemistry
Coursework progresses into key prerequisites such as Genetics and Microbiology, alongside the full Organic Chemistry I and II sequence, which forms a critical component of pre-medical preparation.
Year 4: Molecular Focus & Capstone Launch
Students complete Cell & Molecular Biology, upper-level electives, and finalize preparation for professional program applications.
Spotlight Courses
Faculty
Meet Your Mentors
Internships and Professional Experience
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through a variety of clinical and professional opportunities. They may shadow physicians and dentists at local hospitals, medical practices, and dental offices; train as medical scribes in emergency room settings; or prepare for employment as pharmacy technicians at local pharmacies. Internships can also be tailored to combine clinical observation with faculty-guided academic projects.
Students are encouraged to engage in research with faculty in the biology and chemistry departments and may pursue competitive off-campus opportunities, including Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs. High-achieving students may also be invited to serve as teaching assistants, leading tutorials and supporting laboratory instruction within the department.
Certification/Application Test
Students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy are prepared to take the appropriate professional school entrance examinations, including the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT), and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Students planning to attend graduate school are encouraged to take the GRE General Test and, when appropriate, the GRE Biology Subject Test. The Biology Department provides study materials and resources to help students prepare for these examinations.
FAQs
A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot and ankle. An M.D. provides broader medical training. Each path serves different professional goals.
No. A D.P.M. and an M.D. are separate professional degrees with different training pathways.
The program requires statistics rather than calculus, although additional math coursework may be recommended depending on career goals.
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