Pre-Med
Keystone College offers excellent undergraduate preparation for medical school and other health-related professional schools with our pre-med degree program, a concentration in biology. Students interested in the pre-medical professional program usually enroll as a four-year biology major, however, they are permitted to choose any undergraduate major in any field of study. Professional schools look for students that are well-rounded academically, socially and value service to others, and portray professional competence.
The American Association of Medical Colleges recommends that students interested in a pre-med degree, regardless of the major chosen, should select courses that emphasize the skills of verbal and written comprehension, a critical understanding of human values, and the power of creative thinking.
The MCAT2015 includes questions in the areas of sociology, psychology, and the biological basis of behavior, in addition to the traditional verbal reasoning, physical and biological sciences sections.
Pre-medical students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and perform a minimum of 160 hours of community/pre-medical clinical service.
Students wishing to apply to medical school must do so through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) typically during the spring of their junior year or in the summer after their junior year. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.4/4.0 plus an MCAT score of at least 30/45 is highly desirable.
Articulation Agreements
Chiropractic College 3+3 Agreements:
Logan University
New York Chiropractic College
Parker University
DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs:
Thomas Jefferson University, Keystone Course Equivalency Guide
SUNY Upstate Medical University
PA, Physicians Assistant Program:
Kings College, M.S. Physician Assistant
Pharm. D., Doctor of Pharmacy:
Wilkes University, Nesbitt College of Pharmacy
Internships and Experiential Learning
Not all education happens in the classroom. Certain lessons can only be learned through direct hands-on experiences outside of the classroom with real world experiences in the field. Internships and other field experiences give students the opportunity to connect one-on-one with faculty, fellow students and other professionals. Students will acquire leadership and management skills, professional growth and personal fulfillment that can’t be gained in the classroom.
The pre-medical professional advisor offers advice and suggestions for your summer cooperative work and internship.
Careers
Students who receive this strong foundation in science can attend Medical, Veterinary or Graduate studies in pursuit of a career in any of the following medical professions:
- Medicine/Physician Assistant
- Dentistry
- Chiropractic
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Veterinary Medicine
Curriculum Guide
Curriculum Guide for the Biology (Pre-Medical) B.S. Degree
In addition to the General Education requirements and the Institutional Learning Outcomes for all majors, the following courses are a sampling of what is required for graduation for Pre-Medical, a concentration in biology:
Semester 1
- Scientific Literacy: Gen Biology I
- Gen Chemistry I
- College Writing I
- First Year Seminar
- Tech Elective
- Critical Reading
Semester 2
- Gen Biology II
- Gen Chemistry II
- Speech Communications
- College Writing II
- Gen Ed Elective: Calculus I
Semester 3
- Botany
- Organic Chemistry I
- Moral Reasoning: Bioethics
- Quantitative: Statistics
Semester 4
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry II
- Molecular/Cellular Elective
- Social & Cultural Elective
Semester 5
- Field Biology
- Biochemistry I
- System Biology Elective:
- Molecular/Cellular Elective
Semester 6
- Field Biology
- Biochemistry II
- System Biology Elective
- Multi-organismal Biology
- Gen Ed Elective
Semester 7
- A&H Elective:
- PHYS 2110 Gen Physics I
- BIOL 4810 Biology Seminar & Research
- Multiorganismal Biology
- Social & Cultural Elective
Semester 8
- Arts & Humanities Elective:
- Capstone or Curricular 3000+
- Gen Physics II
- Free Elective 3000+
- Free Elective 3000+ (If needed)
Updated: 10/2017
Disclaimer: The courses listed above are a sampling for marketing purposes only. Students should consult the College catalog and their academic advisor for course selection and degree progress. Students will work closely with an academic advisor to select courses and/or academic minors that fit their interests, as well as with Career Services for career goals. While the academic advisor assists the student in planning his/her curriculum, the student is ultimately responsible for meeting the requirements of the curriculum selected.
College Catalog
See the official college catalog for all course descriptions and degree requirements.
Projects & Research
Students have the opportunity to participate in a mentored research experience in conjunction with faculty mentors and community partners at any time. All students participate in the senior seminar and research course and capstone research projects, and present their work at the annual research symposium. Students and mentors also have the opportunity to present work at regional and national conferences.
Hands on Experience
Study Abroad
You can explore your academic goals in an international setting and global environment. The experience of living in a new country will build your self-confidence, add valuable skills to your tool box, and will alter how you view yourself, the world, and your own country.
Internships and Field Experiences
Not all education happens in the classroom. Internships and other field experiences give students the opportunity to learn through direct hands-on experiences outside of the classroom with a real world experience in the field.
Undergraduate Research
The process of research and discovery while working with a faculty mentor enriches the learning process and creates positive attributes which will last a lifetime. Undergraduate research encompasses both traditional research and creative endeavors.