Bachelor of Science in Biology • Minor
Pre-Health
The CSM Pre-Health program prepares students for admission to medical, dental, PA, and other health professional programs. Students build a strong science foundation while receiving personalized guidance, hands-on experience, and support throughout the application process.
Dig Deeper Into the program
Explore coursework, advising, and preparation strategies designed to help you succeed in competitive health professional school applications.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelors & Minor
Start Terms
- Fall or Spring
Program Format
- On-campus
- Select classes available online to provide added flexibility for students
Credit Hours & Timeline
- Total credits required: 120
- Typical completion time: 4 years
- Credits for minor: 18
The Pre-Health curriculum combines rigorous science coursework with hands-on experiences, preparing you to be a competitive, confident applicant for medical, dental, PA and other health professions graduate programs.
- Comprehensive biology, chemistry and foundational science courses
- Hands-on lab and research experiences
- Pre-professional advising and application preparation
- Clinical, volunteer and shadowing opportunities
- Preparation for graduate-level health programs
Applicants for admission are evaluated based on the following criteria to gain full admission.
- High school record of cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant for a degree program must have graduated or will have graduated with 16 high school units from an accredited high school. The college preparatory program is strongly recommended to high school students. Ordinarily this program includes four years of English and two years of social studies, science, and mathematics.
- College/university record of cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applicable.
Applicants who do not meet the following criteria and show potential for success may be reviewed for an alternate admissions pathway.
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development Test (GED) and have not accumulated at least 12 collegiate level semester hours credit at a regionally accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or better will follow the Alternate Admissions Pathway.
Applications open July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.
The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.
Tuition & Aid
Investing in your education is a big decision, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Every admitted full-time undergraduate student is guaranteed a merit scholarship, and CSM offers additional aid and personalized guidance to make your degree attainable. Our team will walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Graduate School Pathways
If a professional degree in the healthcare field is your goal, this pathway gives you the preparation and guidance to get there.
- Medical School (MD or DO)
- Physician Assistant Programs
- Dental or Pharmacy School
- Physical or Occupational Therapy Programs
- Public Health or Healthcare-Related Graduate Study
Your Roadmap to Admission
From application to enrollment, we guide you through each step with clarity and personal support so you can focus on what matters most and take the next step toward your future.
Why Choose CSM?
Personalized Pre-Health Advising
Work closely with faculty to plan coursework, prepare applications, and stay on track.
Strong Track Record of Graduate School Preparation
Build a competitive application for medical, dental, PA, and other programs.
Hands-On Experience Opportunities
Gain real-world exposure through healthcare settings, labs, and experiential learning.
Supportive, Women-Centered Environment
Grow in confidence and leadership while preparing for demanding healthcare careers.
My favorite part of the classes was when we were doing applications to clinical case studies or clinical lab results. I was able to see myself learning in biology classes and see how it would tie into medical school.
Kaya Pleiss, Biology
Pre-Health By The Numbers
4+ Pathways
Med, PA, Dental, & Pharmacy
Create an academic plan aligned with your healthcare career goals.
Year 1
Early Preparation
Begin building your pre-health profile from your first semester.
1:1 Advising
Dedicated Pre-Health Advisor
Receive one-on-one support for course planning and applications.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
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Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.