No. Medical schools do not require applicants to have a specific major. They require that students have completed specific courses. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the required courses vary from school to school but most include:
- One year of biology
- One year of physics
- One year of English
- Two years of chemistry (through organic chemistry)
Most schools require calculus or statistics as well although some may accept advanced placement credit. More schools are starting to require specific courses in the social sciences.
The AAMC reports that in 2014 only 9.9% of medical school matriculants had majored in the Biological Sciences and 10.1% in the Physical Sciences. Slightly more actually majored in the Humanities or Social Sciences.
According to the Harvard Medical School Admissions page:
A study at Harvard Medical School has shown that students are successful in their medical studies regardless of undergraduate concentration, providing that they have had adequate science preparation. Students are urged to strive for a balanced and liberal education rather than specialized training. No preference is given to applicants who have majored in the sciences over those who have majored in the humanities.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health states that the:
Admissions Committee values intellectual diversity among its applicants and does not necessarily value science courses (beyond those listed below) more than upper level courses in humanities, social sciences and other fields. Courses that improve communication skills or prepare students for the social, psychological and economic aspects of medical practice are all important.
Whatever major students choose, they should work closely with their schools’ premed advisers.