Pre-Professional Pathways
Know What You Want to Become. We’ll Help You Find the Path.
Start With Where You Want to Go
You may already know what you want to become—a physician, pharmacist, dentist, veterinarian, physical therapist, attorney, athletic trainer, minister, or another professional. What you may not know, is which undergraduate major will get you there.
We hear it all the time:
“I know what I want to become, but I don’t know how to get there. How do I know which degree is right for me?”
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Start with the career you want, and we’ll help you connect that goal to the undergraduate degree, coursework, and experiences that can prepare you for what comes next.
How Do I Choose the Right Undergraduate Major?
Start with the career you want to pursue, then work backwards.
Reverse engineering your journey is our speciality. Ask Yourself:
“What do I want to become?” → “What do I need to study?” → “How do I get there?”
At Manchester, your academic advisor and other pre-professional resources can help you connect these pieces. You do not have to figure out the entire path on your own.
What Is a Pre-Professional Pathway?
A pre-professional pathway is an undergraduate course of study designed to prepare you for admission to aprofessional or graduate program.
For some careers, that means completing specific science prerequisites before applying to medical, dental,pharmacy, veterinary, optometry, physician assistant, or physical therapy programs. For others, such as law,there may be greater flexibility in the undergraduate major you choose.
Your pathway may include:
- An undergraduate degree aligned with your interests and goals
- Required prerequisite courses
- Research, internships, clinical exposure, service, or other relevant experiences
- Academic and pre-professional advising
- Preparation for professional-school applications
- Opportunities to explore the profession before committing to your next degree
The right pathway depends on where you want to go, not simply on the name of your undergraduate major.
Do I Need a "Pre-Professional" Major?
Not necessarily. Many professional schools do not require a specific undergraduate major. Instead, they require applicants to complete particular prerequisite courses and demonstrate academic and professional preparation.
Translation: You get to choose an undergraduate major you’re interested in while still completing the courses that are required for your future.
For example, a student interested in law does not need to major in a program called “pre-law.” A student interested in medicine does not necessarily need a major called “pre-medicine.” Your major is your undergraduate degree. Your pre-professional pathway is the preparation that connects that degree to your professional goal.
The Right Question
The important question isn’t simply “What should I major in?” It’s “What do I need to accomplish during my undergraduate education to be ready for the next step?”
Discover Your Path by Knowing Your Career Goals
AVAILABLE PATHWAYS AT MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY
What Do You Want to Become?
Choose your career goal below. We’ll show you the path to get there.
- Physician — Medicine
- Pharmacist — Pharmacy
- Pharmacogenomics
- Dentist — Dentistry
- Optometrist — Optometry
- Veterinarian — Veterinary Medicine
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Athletic Trainer
- Lawyer — Pre-Law
- Ministry & Faith Leadership
Health Professions
Pre-Medicine
Want to become a physician? You can prepare for medical school through an undergraduate education that builds a strong foundation in the sciences and prepares you for the specific requirements of the medical schools you hope to attend.
Manchester’s pre-medicine pathway supports students pursuing both major types of medical education:
- Allopathic medicine (M.D.)
- Osteopathic medicine (D.O.)
Manchester’s Biology-Chemistry major is one undergraduate route for students interested in medical school.
What should I major in if I want to become a doctor?
There is no single undergraduate major required for medical school. Students can come from a variety of academic backgrounds as long as they complete the prerequisite coursework required by the medical schools to which they apply.
At Manchester, Biology-Chemistry provides a strong science-focused option for students preparing for medical school.
What is the difference between M.D. and D.O.?
Both M.D. and D.O. physicians are fully licensed medical doctors. Students pursuing either path complete rigorous medical education and prepare to diagnose and treat patients. Manchester students interested in either allopathic or osteopathic medicine can use their undergraduate education to prepare for the admission requirements of the medical schools they plan to pursue.
Ready to Get Started?
Take the next step toward your personal or professional goals with a certificate from Manchester University.