Pre-Health

Pre-Health students are able to explore the full spectrum of the liberal arts while completing the necessary prerequisites for their desired healthcare profession. Students should be enrolled in 4 classes a semester, and be enrolled in one math or science course each semester (depending upon the healthcare profession). For more detailed information about each healthcare profession’s requirements look at the Pre-Health Guides. See the Health Professions prerequisite grid for the most common prerequisite courses. Pre-health students are encouraged to meet with Dr. Colleen McCracken Renick, our Health Professions Advisor. 

*Many health professions update their prerequisites each year, please double-check your intended health profession school’s prerequisites throughout your time at DePauw

Frequently asked questions:

1. What should I major in?

Whatever you want! Pick a major that you find interesting, and will prepare you for a life of meaning and means (even if that’s not in healthcare). 

2. Can I study abroad as a pre-health student?

Yes! Many of our pre-health students choose to study abroad, either for a short-term (Winter or May Term) or for a semester-long experience. Check out the off-campus study portal for more information about study abroad programs. Tip: you can choose a pre-health program or another study concentration to narrow down your search.

3. How can I meet other pre-health students?

Get involved in pre-health student organizations such as Future Medical Professionals (FuMP) and the Minority Association of Pre-Med/Health Students (MAPS), which is open to all interested DePauw students. You can also get involved in the Pre-Health Mentor Groups program, in which you can join a mentee group with an upperclassmen pre-health mentor in your specialty.

To get involved with MAPS reach out to them at MAPS@depauw.edu and on Instagram @maps.depauw

To get involved with FuMP reach out to Dr. McCracken Renick to be connected. 

4. What is the Pre-Health Mentor Groups program?

A program that seeks to connect underclassmen pre-health students with upperclassmen mentors in their desired pre-health specialty. Expect to be in a group with like-minded individuals who uplift and support each other in their pre-health goals! Mentors and leaders will provide resources and advice for pre-health pathways, application processes, prerequisites, extracurriculars, summer activities, research, shadowing, internships, standardized tests, etc. It is a relatively low time commitment, with monthly meetings with mentor groups. Examples of mentor groups include Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Genetic Counseling, Public Health, Counseling/ Social Work, Optometry, Speech-Language Pathology, and Undecided/ Exploratory Pre-Health. 

Contact Information: Pre-Health Mentor Groups: email prehealth@depauw.edu 

5. I want to go into the healthcare field, but I don’t have any healthcare professionals in my family. How do I find out if it’s for me?

Many students who are interested in healthcare do not have immediate access to a healthcare experience. Reach out to the Hubbard Center to get connected to a DePauw Alumnus, and find out about shadowing opportunities. 

6. Can I do an internship as a pre-health student?

Yes! There are many opportunities for pre-health students to learn about careers in healthcare. Check out Handshake, the Internships tab on the Hubbard Center Webpage, and the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP.org) for more information.

7. I’m not sure which health profession I’m interested in, what can I do?

Reach out to the Hubbard Center to schedule a meeting with Dr. McCracken Renick. She can talk with you about your interests and coach you through the next steps. 

Additional Resources

• Pathways to Science
• Explore Health Careers

Meet with the Health Professions Adviser:
Dr. Colleen McCracken Renick, UB 106
colleenmccracken@depauw.edu