Chemistry — the study of matter — is the basis of everything. And it’s also an excellent foundation for medical school.
Chemistry is one of the most valuable undergraduate majors for future med school students, and for good reason. It’s closely linked to other scientific disciplines and is central to understanding all aspects of the natural world.
A pre-med chem program offers a comprehensive background in inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry. The experimentation and problem-solving skills you will hone in this major also align well with fast-growing, innovative fields such biotechnology, forensic science and medicinal chemistry — preparation suitable for immediate hire or graduate programs.
The University of Saint Francis has a strong reputation for preparing our graduates to serve others as compassionate, socially responsible healthcare professionals. Our comprehensive, rigorous pre-med curriculum, along with enriching hands-on experiences and one-on-one advising, will prepare you well for the MCATs and medical school admissions.
National median salary for physicians and surgeons (BLS, 2019)
best-paying job in the United States (U.S News & World Report, 2020)
best job in healthcare (U.S News & World Report, 2020)
USF’s pre-med chem program offers students several opportunities for accelerated admission to graduate and professional school.
A sister Franciscan institution, the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Marian University Indianapolis offers a faith-based approach to physician training. Our partnership offers two options:
View admissions requirements.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx), also known as personalized medicine, is one of the fastest-growing scientific disciplines. A master’s degree in PGx prepares you for careers in medicinal chemistry, genetic testing and pharmaceuticals, and for medical school and Ph.D. programs.
View admissions requirements.
USF’s pre-med chem program offers one-on-one advising from a medical school admissions expert, who will help:
Pre-med students interested in research, medicine, pharmaceuticals and medicinal chemistry get hands-on experience in professional settings through internships and on- and off-campus research.
Internship sites include research labs, medical device manufacturers and healthcare facilities throughout the region, including:
And pre-med chem program students have conducted research with faculty scientists at USF, as well as through fellowship at off-site labs:
Research Spotlight:
Lead Paint Project Bringing Meaning to Lab Work
Since 2017, USF chemistry majors have teamed up with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health to test and analyze area homes for lead-based paint.This community-based project opportunity connects chemistry to public health, medicine and environmental science. Read the full story.
Inside the Achatz Hall of Science, a Distinction Winner in Spaces4Learning’s 2020 Educational Design Showcase, you will learn, experiment and discover in state-of-the-art chemistry labs equipped with high-tech equipment, tools and instrumentation.
Your dedicated pre-med professors have a diverse range of research interests and professional experience:
You will also learn and work with instructors and lab staff who are active practitioners, clinicians, technicians and healthcare business professionals who bring up-to-date skills, research and best practices to the classroom.
USF students will find many ways to get involved on campus and in the community. Organizations that might appeal to pre-med and chemistry majors include:
Our chemistry pre-med students have been accepted at into medical programs at institutions such as:
I worked on faculty research one summer and did an internship at a national lab another, both because of Dr. Geyer’s support. Now that I’ve pursued a Ph.D. at a large university, I see how much I was given as an undergraduate and the difference it makes.
Talitha Frecker ’13, earned a Ph.D. in chemistry at Vanderbilt University
Associate director of technology development at Lanther Sensors
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