Medicine is the science and practice of establishing the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Medicine encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness. Contemporary medicine applies various disciplines to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury and disease, typically through pharmaceuticals or surgery, but also through therapies as diverse as psychotherapy, external splints and traction, ionizing radiation, and others.
Marshall University offers a pre-medicine program designed to prepare students for admission to medical schools. The program provides:
- Coursework that fulfills medical school prerequisites
- A strong foundation in the biological and physical sciences
- Clinical and volunteer work in healthcare settings
- Preparation for the challenges of medical school as well as possible exams required
- Dedicated pre-medicine advisors who help with course selection, application processes, and preparing for medical school entrance exams
Prerequisites in the pre-medicine program at Marshall University typically includes a combination of science, mathematics, and general education courses. Here is an overview of what you might expect:
- Core Science Courses: Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, which often include lab components.
- Introductory Physics courses
- Biochemistry
- Additional mathematics or social sciences, depending on medical school requirements
Refer to the Marshall University Undergraduate Catalog for accurate course offerings.
At Marshall University, there are several student clubs and organizations focused on medical professions. Some of these clubs include:
- Pre-Medical Society: Offers resources, networking opportunities, and guest speakers in the field of medicine.
- Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA): Focuses on health professions, providing leadership and educational opportunities
Explore various student clubs and organizations related to pre-medicine on HerdLink
West Virginia has three medical schools.
- The Joan C Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University
- (Graduate program leading to an MD)
- The West Virginia School of Medicine (Morgantown, WV)
- (Graduate program leading to an MD)
- The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
- (Graduate program leading to a DO)
Other options close by include:
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine – (Columbus, OH)
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Lexington, KY)
These schools have varying admission requirements, so it’s essential to review their specific prerequisites and application procedures as well as possible exams required.
The MD Early Assurance Program at Marshall University and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is a program with the goal of preparing undergraduate students for success in the MD program. Benefits of the program may include not being required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and acceptance into the School of Medicine upon completion program requirements.
The requirements for being able to apply to medical school early assurance include:
- Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident visas
- Apply during the spring semester of their second undergraduate year at Marshall University.
- Have successfully completed two years of full-time study at Marshall University at the time of acceptance into the program, and be currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student.
- Have completed the following MD prerequisites by the end of summer semester of their second undergraduate year at Marshall University: one year each of general biology or zoology, general chemistry and organic chemistry, and all associated labs.
- Have a minimum composite ACT of 24 or composite SAT of 1160 from a test taken in high school. This program does not accept Superscores. Composite score must be from one test date.
- Have a minimum 3.7 overall Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math (BCPM) GPA and 3.5 overall cumulative undergraduate GPA at the conclusion of the summer semester of their application year.
Please visit the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine MD Early Assurance Program for more information.
Start Your Pathway (PDF)
If you have questions about the pre-medicine program or need guidance, you can reach out to The Medical Professions Pathways advisor in the College of Science:
