Academic Roadmaps
Pre-med is NOT a major course of study. It is simply your stated intention to follow a path toward a health profession. Our Pre-Health Professions program is a supplemental support system to facilitate your admission to health professions programs.
You are undertaking a serious and rigorous journey. Grades are important not only for a strong GPA, but also to demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of specific concepts that are important for admissions tests and are foundations of medical education. You should take advantage of extra-curricular opportunities such as research, shadowing, summer programs, or internships. You should have some patient contact experiences—to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the individual demands placed on health professionals and that you have the demeanor to be a caring health provider. You will need individual letters of recommendation, and you will write many essays. The Pre-Health committee and advisors will guide you though the application process and prepare the committee recommendation for submission with your program application.
Your most significant number of undergraduate credits will be your degree requirements, including 30-33 credits of general education coursework. Next will be the pre-requisites for your chosen profession. Health programs do have some common requirements. Finally, there are content courses that are not necessarily required, but may be important for an entrance exam (Biochemistry for the MCAT as an example). Other content-rich courses include Developmental Psychology (PSY 355) and Nature and Needs of Individuals with Special Needs (EXE 100). EXE 100 is a very relevant content course for anyone considering a health profession. Additionally, it satisfies your Buffalo State diversity general education requirement.
Academic Roadmaps
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- General Education course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
- Major course
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: At least one course in General Chemistry is required. Check with your intended programs
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Nutrition (NSF 102)
- Lifespan Development (PSY 355) -Pre-requisite for this course is PSY 101
- Statistics (MAT311)
- Major course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Microbiology (BIO 316) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 211, 213 and CHE 111/ 113
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Statistics is the preferred Mathematics course.
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 311) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Genetics (BIO 303) - Pre-requisite for this course is Bio 211, Bio 213
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Generally, physics is not required. Genetics is required for a few programs Check with your intended programs.
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Univ. at Buffalo program requires Applied physiology and Pharmacology
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- General Education course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
- Major course
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: Follow the Chemistry sequence through CHE 470
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Organic Chemistry I + Lab CHE (201/203) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 112/114
- GE 23 Math (311)
- Major course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Microbiology (BIO 316) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 211, 213 and CHE 111/ 113
- Organic Chemistry II + Lab (CHE 202/204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 201/203
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Meet with your pre-health advisor. Investigate Dental Schools
While generally not required check your programs for calculus requirement. Applied Calculus I (MAT 126) (prerequisites are MAT 114 and MAT 124) and Applied Calculus II (MAT 127)
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Biochemistry (CHE 470) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 202/204
- College Physics I or University Physics II (PHY 107 or PHY 111)
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 355)- Pre-requisite for this course is PSY 101
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Genetics (BIO 303) - Pre-requisite for this course is Bio 211, Bio 213
- College Physics II or University Physics II (PHY 108 or PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Biochemistry (CHE 470) - If not previously taken
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- Math (114)
- General Education Course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
- Major course
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: Follow the Chemistry sequence through CHE 470
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) or Organic Chemistry I + Lab CHE (201/203) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113 or CHE 112/114
- Statistics (311)
- General Education course(s)
- Major course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Microbiology (BIO 316) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 211, 213 and CHE 111/ 113
- Organic Chemistry I + lab (CHE 201/203) or Organic Chemistry II + Lab (CHE 202/204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 112/114 or CHE 201/203
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Participate in research on campus. Investigate summer opportunities for research, shadowing and patient contact experiences
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Organic Chemistry II + lab (CHE 202/204) or Biochemistry (CHE 470) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 201/203 or CHE 202/204
- College Physics I or University Physics II (PHY 107 or PHY 111)
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 355)- Pre-requisite for this course is PSY 101
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Genetics (BIO 303) - Pre-requisite for this course is Bio 211, Bio 213
- College Physics II or University Physics II (PHY 108 or PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- General Education course(s)
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Biochemistry (CHE 470) - If not previously taken
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) Link
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Ethics for Scientists (PHY 111)
- General Education Course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
- Major course
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Math (MAT 114)
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: Chemistry is generally not required for Occupational therapy. Check with your program
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Lifespan Development (PSY 355)
- Statistics (311)
- General Education course(s)
- Major course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Abnormal Psychology (PSY 392)
- General Education course(s)
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Statistics is the preferred Mathematics course. Check with your program for Organic or Biochemistry requirements
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 311)
- College Physics I (PHY 107)- Algebra based
- General Education course(s)- Sociology or Anthropology
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- General Education course(s)
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Generally, only 1 course of physics is required
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Exercise Physiology (HEW 306)
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Kinesiology (HEW 301)
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Additional social science courses are recommended: ANT 100, SOC 100
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- General Education course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
- Major course
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113)
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: Follow the Chemistry sequence through Organic I (CHE 201/203) or Biochemistry (CHE 470).
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Functions and Modeling (MAT 114)
- Lifespan Development (PSY 355)
- Major Course(s)
- General Education course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Microbiology (BIO 316) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 211, 213 and CHE 111/ 113
- Organic Chemistry I + lab (CHE 201/203) or Organic Chemistry II + lab (CHE 202/ 204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 112/ 114 or CHE 201/ 203
- Functions and Modeling II (MAT 124)- Pre-requisite for this course is MAT 114
- Major course(s) - By advisement
- General education
Notes: Statistics (MAT 311) and Calculus (MAT 126) are often both required. Check with your program for Organic and Biochemistry requirements.
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Organic Chemistry II+ lab (CHE 202/204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 201/ 203
- College Physics I (PHY 107) or University Physics I (PHY 111) - Pre-requisite for this course is algebra or calculus
- Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 311) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- College Physics II (PHY 108) or University Physics II (PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Applied Calculus (MAT 126) - Pre-requisite for this course is MAT 124
- Major course(s)
- General education
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Biochemistry (CHE 470) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 202/204
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes:
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- Math requirement (MAT 114)
- General Education course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
- Major course
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) or Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Math (MAT 124) - Pre-requisite for this course is calculus
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: Follow the Chemistry sequence through CHE 470. You will need Statistics (MAT 311). Applied Calculus I (MAT 126) is commonly required, pre-requisites are MAT 114 and Mat 124. Check your programs
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) or Organic Chemistry 1+ Lab (CHE 201/203) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113 or CHE 112/114
- Applied Calculus I (MAT 126)
- Major Course(s)
- General Education course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Microbiology (BIO 316) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 211, 213 and CHE 111/ 113
- Organic Chemistry I + lab (CHE 201/203) or Organic Chemistry II + lab (CHE 202/ 204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 112/ 114 or CHE 201/ 203
- Applied Calculus II (MAT 127) - Pre-requisite for this course is MAT 126
- Major course(s) - By advisement
- General education
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Organic Chemistry II+ lab (CHE 202/204) or Biochemistry (CHE 470) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 201/ 203 or CHE 202/ 204
- College Physics I (PHY 107) or University Physics I (PHY 111) - Pre-requisite for this course is algebra or calculus
- Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 311) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111
- Major course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Genetics (BIO 303)
- College Physics II (PHY 108) or University Physics II (PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 355) - Pre-requisite for this course is PSY 101
- Major course(s)
- General education
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Biochemistry (CHE 470) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 202/204
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes:
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- Math requirement (MAT 114)
- General Education course (suggestion is PSY 101)
- College Writing I (suggestion is CWP 101)
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) or Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab or Organic Chemistry 1+ Lab (CHE 112/114 or CHE 201/203) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113 or CHE 112/114
- Lifespan Development (PSY355) - Pre-requisite for this course is PSY 101
- Major Course(s)
- General Education course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Major course(s) - By advisement
- Major course(s) - By advisement
- Major course(s) - By advisement
- Statistics (MAT 311)
- General education
Notes: Statistics is the preferred mathematics course. Check with your program for Organic or Biochemistry requirements (generally not required)
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- College Physics I (PHY 107) or University Physics I (PHY 111) - Pre-requisite for this course is algebra or calculus
- Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 311) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- College Physics II (PHY 108) or University Physics II (PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Note: Physics is generally required. Check your programs
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Exercise Physiology (HEW 304) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- Math requirement (MAT 114)
- General Education course (suggestion is PSY 101)
- College Writing I (suggestion is CWP 101)
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) or Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113
- Major course
- General Education Diversity (EXE 100)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab or Organic Chemistry 1+ Lab (CHE 112/114 or CHE 201/203) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113 or CHE 112/114
- Lifespan Development (PSY355) - Pre-requisite for this course is PSY 101
- Major Course(s)
- General Education course(s)
Fourth Semester:
- Organic Chemistry 1 + Lab or Organic Chemistry 2 + Lab (CHE 201/203 or CHE 202/204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 112/114 or CHE 201/203
- Major course(s)
- Statistics (MAT 311)
- General education
Notes: Statistics is the preferred mathematics course. Programs and pre-requisites
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Genetics (Bio 303) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111, 211, 213 and CHE 111/113, CHE 112/114
- Anatomy and Physiology I (BIO 311) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111
- Organic Chemistry II + lab (CHE202 or 204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 201/203
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 312) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Notes: Health care and patient care experiences are required. AAPA
Physics is not a pre-requisite for many PA programs. Check your program’s website!
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- College Physics I (PHY 107) or University Physics I (PHY 111) - Pre-requisite for this course is algebra or calculus
- Biochemistry (CHE 470) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 202/204
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- College Physics II (PHY 108) or University Physics II (PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- Exercise Physiology (HEW 304) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 311
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Freshman Year:
First Semester:
- Principles of Biology (BIO 111)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/113) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency
- Major course
- General Education course (PSY 101)
- College Writing I (CWP 101)
Second Semester
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry I + lab (CHE 111/ 113) or Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) - Pre-requisite for this course is HS Math competency or CHE 111/113
- Major course
- General Education course(s)
- College Writing II (CWP 102)
Notes: Follow the Chemistry sequence through Biochemistry: CHE 470 (taught only in fall). Mathematics: Statistics: MAT 311. If calculus is required by your program - Applied Calculus: MAT 126 (pre-requisites are MAT 114 and MAT 124).
Sophomore Year:
Third Semester:
- Introductory Biology Series (BIO 211 or 213) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111 (C or better)
- Fundamentals of Chemistry II + lab (CHE 112/114) or Organic Chemistry 1+ Lab (CHE 201/203) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 111/113 or CHE 112/114
- Major Course(s)
- General Education course(s)
- Courses selected by advisement
Fourth Semester:
- Microbiology BIO 316 - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 211, 213 and CHE 111/113
- Organic Chemistry 1 + Lab (CHE 201/203) or Organic Chemistry 2 + Lab (CHE 202/204) - Pre-requisite for this course is CHE 112/114 or CHE 201/203
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Junior Year:
Fifth Semester:
- Organic Chemistry II + lab (CHE202/ 204) or Biochemistry (CHE 470)
- College Physics I (PHY 107) or University Physics II (PHY 111) - Pre-requisite for this course is Algebra based or Calculus
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Sixth Semester:
- Genetics (Bio 303) - Pre-requisite for this course is BIO 111, BIO211, 213, CHE 11/113, CHE112/114
- College Physics II (PHY 108) or University Physics II (PHY 112) - Pre-requisite for this course is PHY 107 or PHY 111
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Senior Year:
Seventh Semester:
- Biochemistry (CHE 470)
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Eighth Semester:
- Major course(s)
- General education
- Courses selected by advisement
Directory of veterinary schools
Veterinary Roadmap (Printable PDF)