Pre-Medicine
The post-baccalaureate pre-medicine certificate program provides students the opportunity to build a core scientific foundation in preparation for careers in medicine. The program is designed for post-baccalaureate students seeking core sequences in biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics required for the application to most medical, dental, veterinary, and related professional schools.
Pre-medicine students complete courses with Northwestern curriculum and faculty, which offers students the opportunity to build a deep and strong science foundation. Coursework is primarily offered in evening and weekend classes and can be completed in 15, or 21 months, depending on the student's needs.
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This program is designed for career changers and students who have not completed the core coursework needed to apply to medical school. Students who need only some of these courses should consider the pre-medicine completion program. Students who have completed core premedical coursework may want to consider the Advanced Studies in Biology for the Health Professions certificate program, or designing a specialized post-baccalaureate certificate to meet their needs.
We have created a pre-med flowchart to help you see, based on your background, which of our program options will best enable you to complete the required science courses necessary to pursue graduate level study in the medical field.
(The science curriculum) way over-prepared me, in a good way. I’m sure that there were questions that the MCAT could have thrown at me that I only would have been able to answer because I took specific classes with professors who taught at a distinguished level.”
Fiona Fimmel, SPS Premed ’19, accepted to George Washington University School of Medicine through Northwestern's linkage program
I definitely think the science curriculum is preparing us well for the MCAT. It (the pre-med program) sets you up really well for success — in medical school and going forward.”
The rigor of Northwestern's pre-medicine post-bacc program prepares students for successful application to and completion of programs at top medical schools nationwide.
509Average MCAT score of Northwestern post-bacc pre-med students (U.S. national average is 501*)
* 2022 data from American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®)
SPS pre-medicine students are competitive candidates for medical school application and have been accepted to prestigious schools such as Harvard University, Johns Hopkins, Columbia University, Washington University, University of Michigan, Yale University, New York University, University of Chicago, University of Pittsburgh, and Northwestern University. View the list of recent medical school acceptances.
I knew that level of instruction at Northwestern would be rigorous. You want professors that hold students to a high standard because that is exactly what you need to be a competitive medical school applicant.”
Sarah Clark, pre-med student
Linkage agreements with select medical and dental schools enable eligible Northwestern University pre-medicine students to apply for admission during their final year in the post-baccalaureate program, and bypass the glide (application year). If accepted to a medical or dental program through a linkage, students can put their medical education and career on a faster track.
LINKAGE AGREEMENT INFORMATION
Thanks to a collaboration between SPS and Northwestern Medicine, SPS pre-medicine students have the opportunity to shadow physicians at several clinics in the Chicago area. Shadowing is an integral part of the preparation needed for medical school. Students are selected in for these shadowing opportunities in fall, winter, and spring, through an application process during their program.
Having been out in the world made a huge difference in how I handled medical school. At Northwestern I learned how to manage my time. I didn’t pull any all-nighters. I knew what was relevant.”
John Stracks, MD (SPS pre-med alum)
Learn strategies for being an effective student and applying to med school with our optional for-credit proseminar series. No tuition is charged for these courses.
Covers subjects surrounding the pre-med experience, including:
Prepares students for the year-long medical school application cycle with topics such as:
Tutoring and advising are also available throughout the program. See all the resources available to post-bacc pre-med students by visiting our advising and academic support page.
ADVISING AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the admission page.
Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the tuition page.
Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the registration information page.
Review sample course plans for the pre-medicine certificate program offered by Northwestern University School of Professional Studies.
The Northwestern University Pre-Health Professionals student group is first and foremost a community dedicated to the success of its members pursuing careers in medicine, health, and veterinary practice. NUPP serves as a forum for the discussion and presentation of professional and academic experiences, a collective resource of relevant information, as a social network, and as a representative voice for the body of non-traditional pre-health students. Pre-Health students are eligible to run for election to the leadership board each spring.
Students in the post-baccalaureate pre-medicine certificate program may transfer up to eight semester hours or twelve quarter hours of academic credit. A transcript and grade of B or better are required to transfer courses for this program. Courses audited or taken with the pass/no credit option cannot be applied toward the program requirements. Courses earned for a bachelor's degree at SPS may not be applied retroactively toward certificate requirements. Students who have completed up to two courses as a student-at-large may apply for a certificate and ask that those courses be included in the certificate. If students complete additional courses (beyond two) as a student-at-large, a petition to the Student Affairs Committee requesting an exception to policy should be submitted.
Learn which medical schools students have been accepted to after completing the post-bacc pre-med program on the medical school acceptances page.
Review frequently asked questions about the post-bacc pre-med certificate program on the pre-medicine frequently asked questions page.
While Northwestern University’s programs are designed to align with core sequences required for medical, dental, veterinary, and related professional schools, students should familiarize themselves with medical school admission requirements for desired institutions as they choose which program aligns best. Northwestern University’s policy on awarding credits states that credit is awarded in units, rather than credit hours, on student transcripts. Courses are offered over a ten-week period and are assigned 1.0 unit of credit. One unit of credit is equivalent to four quarter hours, which is equivalent to 2.67 semester hours. Some institutions will round up to 3 semester hours while others will not, so it is imperative that students know the requirements of the institutions to which they intend to apply.
| Program Courses: | Course Detail |
|---|---|
| Molecular Biology <> BIOL_SCI 201-CN | This course is part of the four-course introductory biology
sequence. Students will learn about the basics of molecular
biology, including the structure of macromolecules, DNA
replication, transcription, and translation and the mechanisms by
which these processes are regulated. Students will also learn
current biotechnology methods used to study molecular biology. View BIOL_SCI 201-CN Sections |
| Cell Biology <> BIOL_SCI 202-CN | This course is part of the four-course introductory biology sequence. The cell biology course covers mechanisms the cell uses to compartmentalize and transport proteins, to move, to regulate growth and death, and to communicate with their environments. This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 232.
Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 219 and BIOL SCI 202. Students
who have previously completed BIOL SCI 219 should not register for
this course.
View BIOL_SCI 202-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Evolution <> BIOL_SCI 203-CN | Fundamentals of genetics and evolution. From the rules of
heredity to the complex genetics of humans, the methods and logic
of genetics as applied to inheritance, development, neurobiology,
and populations. The process and tempo of evolution, from natural
selection to speciation, emphasizing how genetics plays a critical
role. View BIOL_SCI 203-CN Sections |
| Cellular and Molecular Processes Lab <> BIOL_SCI 232-CN | This is the first course in a three-quarter sequence of introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of results. The experimental model revolves around atherosclerosis and macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and molecular biology techniques. This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 202. Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 221 and BIOL SCI 232. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 221 should not register for this course. View BIOL_SCI 232-CN Sections |
| Genetics and Molecular Processes Lab <> BIOL_SCI 233-CN | This is the second course in a three-quarter sequence of
introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide
students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates
relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills
such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data
collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of
results. The experimental model revolves around aggregate prone
proteins in nematodes and how RNA interference (RNAi) can be used
to affect protein folding and the clearance of protein aggregates.
Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and
molecular biology techniques. View BIOL_SCI 233-CN Sections |
| Investigative Lab <> BIOL_SCI 234-CN | This course is the culminating life-science lab experience in
the biology lab sequence. Students design and generate reagents
that can be used in larger experiments. The topic varies from year
to year, but typically revolves around the sub-cloning of a
specific gene fused to a reporter for detection. View BIOL_SCI 234-CN Sections |
| Biochemistry <> BIOL_SCI 308-CN | This course covers basic concepts in biochemistry, emphasizing
the structure and function of biological macromolecules,
fundamental cellular biochemical processes, and the chemical logic
in metabolic transformations. View BIOL_SCI 308-CN Sections |
| Human Physiology <> BIOL_SCI 310-CN | An exploration of the functions of the human body at the tissue, organ, and organ system level. Emphasis on homeostatic mechanisms and interdependence within organs and organ systems and the influence of modulatory systems. Topics will include, but are not limited to: nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 131 View BIOL_SCI 310-CN Sections |
| Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry <> CHEM 110-CN | Solution strategies for traditional word problems and their application to basic chemistry quantitative problems: dimensional analysis, chemical equations, stoichiometry, limiting reagents View CHEM 110-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry I <> CHEM 131-CN | Quantum mechanics, electronic structure, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, intermolecular forces, properties of solids and liquids, special topics in modern chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 141-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN. View CHEM 131-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry II <> CHEM 132-CN | Solutions and colligative properties, chemical equilibrium, aqueous solution equilibria, chemical kinetics, metals in chemistry and biology, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry, special topics in modern chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 142-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN. View CHEM 132-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I <> CHEM 141-CN | Chemical analysis of real samples using basic laboratory techniques including titration, colorimetric analysis, density measurements, and atomic spectroscopy. Planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 131-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110 (grade of C– or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN. View CHEM 141-CN Sections |
| Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II <> CHEM 142-CN | General Chemistry Lab 2 is a laboratory course in which techniques applied to materials science and nanotechnology, acid-base chemistry, and chemical kinetics will be employed. Major objectives involve work involving planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 132-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN. View CHEM 142-CN Sections |
| Organic Chemistry I <> CHEM 215-A | Foundational concepts in organic chemistry will be introduced.
Topics include structure and properties of common functional
groups, acidity/basicity, conformational analysis, stereochemistry,
and reactivity of organic compounds. The chemistry of hydrocarbons,
alkyl halides, and alcohols, ethers, and carbonyl compounds will be
included. View CHEM 215-A Sections |
| Organic Chemistry II <> CHEM 215-B | Fundamental concepts in organic chemistry will be covered. The
topics will include important functional groups and will include:
nomenclature, structure, properties, and multi-step synthesis.
Reaction mechanisms for organic transformations will be presented,
and synthesis strategies will be covered. The chemistry of pi
systems and aromatic ring system, amines, and carboxylic acids and
their derivatives, and enol/enolate species will be included. View CHEM 215-B Sections |
| Organic Chemistry III <> CHEM 215-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics will include an introduction to materials and polymer chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 235-C Organic Chemistry Lab III. Additionally, while the material in the organic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 215-B and CHEM 235-B with a grade of C- or better. View CHEM 215-C Sections |
| Organic Chemistry Lab I <> CHEM 235-A | Standard laboratory techniques in organic chemistry will be
covered. Techniques will focus on the isolation and purification of
organic compounds as well as the use of spectroscopic methods to
determine identity and purity. The results of the technique-based
modules will be communicated by completion of short on-line
worksheets. One complete organic experiment, including reaction
set-up, product isolation, and preparation of samples for
characterization will be performed. The results of the complete
experiment will be communicated in a full formal lab report. View CHEM 235-A Sections |
| Organic Chemistry Lab II <> CHEM 235-B | Complete laboratory experiments focusing on standard synthetic
organic chemistry will be conducted each week. Students will
complete a prelab worksheet including stoichiometric calculations,
prediction of reaction outcome, and identification of safety
protocols. During lab sessions, experimental work including
chemical measurement, reaction setup/workup, and product
purification will be performed. Product characterization using
spectroscopic techniques will be required. Reports from
experimental work will be reported in formal lab reports following
guidelines from peer-reviewed journals. View CHEM 235-B Sections |
| Organic Chemistry Lab III <> CHEM 235-C | Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics will include an introduction to materials and polymer chemistry. This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 215-C. Additionally, while the material in the organic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align. Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 215-B and CHEM 235-B with a grade of C- or better. View CHEM 235-C Sections |
| Foundations of Human Movement <> KINS 237-CN | An introductory course examining the biomechanical and physiological factors contributing to the control of human movement. This course concentrates on the biomechanical principles of the musculoskeletal system and how these principles impact global human movements as well as joint-specific movement. It will also encompass the foundational physiology of muscle tissue and how it facilitates movement about a joint. Learning experiences will include self-paced online modules, in-person lectures, laboratories, and task analysis activities to foster the ability to comprehend the foundational principles that drive human movement. View KINS 237-CN Sections |
| College Physics I <> PHYSICS 130-A | This is the first quarter of a three-quarter algebra-based
physics course with lecture and laboratory. Physics is the most
basic of the sciences, dealing with the behavior and structure of
matter. Lectures and labs illustrate physical principles:
mechanics, motion, momentum and energy, and fluids. Continues in
winter and spring quarters as PHYSICS 130-B, C. View PHYSICS 130-A Sections |
| College Physics II <> PHYSICS 130-B | This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A algebra-based physics with lecture and laboratory; the sequence concludes with PHYSICS 130-C in the spring quarter. Harnessing the forces of electrical power; how they have altered the way we live and perceive ourselves in the universe. Lecture demonstrations illustrate physical principles: electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-B Physics Laboratory II. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-A or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-A. View PHYSICS 130-B Sections |
| College Physics III <> PHYSICS 130-C | This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A,B. Wave motion, optics, and introduction to the basic concepts of modern physics including quantum mechanics, relativity, and atomic physics. The course focuses on conceptual understanding of basic physical principles and their real-world applications. Demonstration experiments will be used to illustrate physical phenomena and concepts. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-C Physics Laboratory III. Lab times are Tuesdays 8:00-9:50 pm or Saturdays 2:00-3:50 pm. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-B or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-B. View PHYSICS 130-C Sections |
| Physics Laboratory I <> PHYSICS 131-A | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-A and
must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34
units.
View PHYSICS 131-A Sections |
| Physics Lab II <> PHYSICS 131-B | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-B and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units. View PHYSICS 131-B Sections |
| Physics Lab III <> PHYSICS 131-C | This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-C and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units. View PHYSICS 131-C Sections |
| Interprofessional Health Practice <> PRO_HLTH 390-DL | Interprofessional education is important for preparing health professions students to provide patient care in a collaborative team environment, as an interprofessional approach leads to improved patient outcomes. Interprofessional Health Practice promotes the development of skills and attitudes needed to work effectively in a healthcare community. Through case studies, role play, interactive activities, reflection, and research, students will increase their knowledge in the four core competencies of interprofessional work as outlined by the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC).
View PRO_HLTH 390-DL Sections |
| Professional Health Careers Proseminar I <> PRO_HLTH 396-A | Prohealth Proseminar I will meet during the first fall quarter
of the students’ pre-health program to prepare students to succeed
in the professional health careers program. This proseminar series
will be completed by PROHLTH 396-B: Prohealth Proseminar II in the
students’ final winter quarter. This non-credit course covers
topics including adjusting to life as a science student, academic
resources, extracurricular resources, and preparing for the
professional/medical school application process. There is no
tuition charged for this course.
View PRO_HLTH 396-A Sections |
| Professional Health Careers Proseminar II PRO_HLTH 396-B | This non-credit proseminar is for students in the Professional
Health Careers certificate programs. This course prepares students
for the year-long application cycle beginning in the summer. This
course will provide opportunities for students to work on major
application components as part of the coursework, including their
AMCAS activities listing, preparing a strong personal statement,
selecting target medical/professional schools, and navigating the
centralized application. The course will also allow students to
practice their interviewing skills and plan for their glide
year.
View PRO_HLTH 396-B Sections |
