Choose a Major That Supports Your Health Career Goals
At Keene State College, students interested in careers in healthcare and medicine can choose from a range of majors that align with their interests and the graduate or professional programs they hope to pursue.
There’s no single “best major” for a career in health. What matters most is choosing a major that you enjoy and that allows you to complete the prerequisites for your intended graduate program.
Common Majors for Pre-Health Students at Keene State
Students preparing for medical, dental, PA, nursing, PT, OT, public health, and related fields often major in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Exercise Science
- Health Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Which Major Is Right for You?
Different health career paths benefit from different academic strengths. Here’s how to choose the one that aligns with your goals:
Health Sciences
An excellent fit for students pursuing nursing, physician assistant (PA), occupational therapy (OT), naturopathic medicine, radiologic or ultrasound technology, public health, or other wellness-focused careers. Health Science provides a solid foundation in the life sciences, complemented by coursework in health and wellness, behavior, and population health.
Exercise Science
A good option for students interested in health professions such as PA, OT, and nursing, but especially well-suited for students aiming for careers in physical therapy (PT), athletic training, or rehabilitation science. This major is an excellent fit for students who are interested in movement science.
Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Psychology
A good fit for students planning to apply to medical school, physician assistant school, dental school, veterinary school, or other rigorous clinical graduate programs. These majors provide the rigorous scientific foundation, critical thinking skills, and prerequisites needed for many medical schools.
Core Courses for Pre-Health Students
Plan Your Prerequisites Based on Your Career Goals
Graduate and professional schools have specific admission requirements, but most expect a strong background in science, math, and the social sciences. Keene State offers the key prerequisites for a range of health professions:
Accelerated Nursing (BSN or MSN), Radiography, and Ultrasound (Sonography)
Common prerequisites:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Lifespan or Developmental Psychology
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- Intro to Psychology
- Sociology
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Common prerequisites:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
- Intro to Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Lifespan or Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Medical Terminology (sometimes)
Physical Therapy (PT)
Common prerequisites:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
- Biology I and II (with lab)
- General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- General Physics I and II (with lab)
- Statistics
- Intro to Psychology
- Human Development or Lifespan Psychology
- Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology
Physician Assistant (PA)
Common prerequisites:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Biology I and II (with lab)
- General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry (varies by program)
- Lifespan Psychology
- Statistics
- Medical Terminology (sometimes)
Medical School (MD or DO)
Typical prerequisites:
- Biology I and II (with lab)
- General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- Biochemistry
- General Physics I and II (with lab)
- One year of English or writing-intensive courses
- Calculus and/or Statistics
- Psychology and Sociology
Reminder: Always check the requirements of your target programs early. Work closely with your academic advisor to build a personalized course plan that aligns with your major and your graduate school goals.
Beyond the Classroom
Build a Competitive Application
Health programs value well-rounded students who combine academic achievement with real-world experience. You’ll strengthen your application through:
- Shadowing or clinical observation
- Volunteering in healthcare or community settings
- Research projects
- Direct patient care
- Leadership in campus or community activities
Keene State offers robust opportunities for hands-on experience through:
- Faculty-mentored research
- NH-INBRE Biomedical Research Network
- The Center for Creative Inquiry
- Health Professions Club, a student-run organization for all health career interests
- Internships and Practicum Experience
- Job Shadowing opportunities at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Your Next Step
Already declared in a health-related major? Talk with your academic advisor to map out your pre-health plan.
In a different major or just getting started? Contact a department chair or pre-health advisor—we’ll help you find the path that fits your goals.