Pre-Health Track
Lehigh's Pre-Health Track in the College of Health
Prepare for a future in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other health professions when you pursue a pre-health plan.
Students interested in pursuing a clinical career will be prepared with the required coursework and academic and real-world experience needed for graduate or professional school in clinical health.
Lehigh Pre-Health Track
Students in the College of Health benefit from a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach.
- The BS and BA programs are designed to allow students to take the recommended classes to prepare for entrance exams such as the MCAT, DAT, or GRE.
- Coursework includes experiential learning, helping future medical professionals apply data-driven approaches to real health challenges.
- Students develop a strong understanding of health policy and how the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age affect their health and quality of life, which helps them stand out from other medical school applicants.
- As an R1 research university, Lehigh offers undergraduates the opportunity to work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects—developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills that strengthen their professional school applications.
See the full course schedule here.
What Other Careers Are There in Pre-Health Professions?
Students on the Pre-Health track explore a wide range of graduate and professional pathways, including:
- Allopathic (M.D.) and Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine
- Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
- Veterinary Medicine
- Physician Assistant (PA) Studies
- Pharmacy
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
Pre-Health vs. Pre-Med
Many students planning for medical, veterinary, or dental school ask: Is pre-med a major? The answer is no. “Pre-med” or “pre-health” refers to an academic plan, not a standalone major.
At Lehigh, Pre-Health students complete the prerequisite courses for medical, dental, veterinary, or other health programs while majoring in a field that interests them most. You can pursue any major, from biology or chemistry to integrated business & health, or population health, while fulfilling your pre-health requirements.
Does your Undergrad Major Matter for Medical School?
Medical, dental, and veterinary schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major. What matters most is completing the required science coursework and demonstrating strong academic performance.
Lehigh students are encouraged to major in a field they’re passionate about while fulfilling pre-health requirements.
Preparing for the MCAT
Students interested in pursuing a clinical path receive guidance in creating a study plan and identifying resources for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and other professional school entrance exams.
Core coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology provides a strong foundation for the exam, while advisors assist with timing, prep materials, and mock interviews for professional school admission. Read more about our professional school preparation.
Admission Process & Affording College
Visit our Undergraduate Admission page to learn about next steps, application requirements, deadlines, and tips for submitting a strong application.
For details on tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, visit Lehigh’s Tuition and Financial Aid page to explore funding opportunities that make a Lehigh education accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Pre-Health Track
No, pre-med is not a major but a track that guides your coursework and experiences toward admission to medical, dental, or veterinary school.
There’s no single “best” major. Choose a field you enjoy and can excel in. Strong grades, relevant science courses, and meaningful experiences are what matter most.
Absolutely. Many successful applicants major in a variety of majors outside the traditional sciences while completing the required pre-med courses.
Yes. The pre-health advising team helps students choose courses, find shadowing or research opportunities, and prepare for the application process to professional schools.
Medical and professional schools look for well-rounded candidates with experience in clinical settings, community service, research, and leadership—opportunities available at Lehigh.
While specific prerequisites vary by school, most professional health programs expect:
- 2 semesters of Biochemistry with lab
- 2 semesters of General Chemistry with lab
- 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry with lab
- 2 semesters of Physics with lab
- 2 semesters of English or writing-intensive courses
- 1 semester of Calculus or Statistics
- Social science coursework (such as psychology or sociology)
Lehigh advisors will help you plan your schedule to meet these requirements and stay on track for entrance exams and applications.
For even more information, visit our Health Professions Advising FAQs.