As a College of Natural Sciences student, your science-focused major lays a foundation for mastering the most common requisites needed for professional health programs.
Pre-Health Certificate
Many students choose also to pursue the Pre-Health Professions Certificate. Students in the certificate program gain skills and learn about ethics, social sciences, communication and other areas. There is no special application, and you can simply let your advisor know you’re interested in the certificate when you start in the college.
Although pre-med and other pre-health programs are not a major, the Pre-Health Professions Certificate can be a great match with a science degree.
Learn more about the certificate
Health Professions Office
Our Health Professions Office assists students with preparing to be competitive for professional schools, including:
- Dental
- Medical
- Occupational Therapy
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Veterinary Medicine
Student interested in the pre-medical pathway and an honors program, too, are welcome to pursue both interests.
Go to the Health Professions Office site
Pre-Pharmacy Option
Natural Sciences students can begin their studies undeclared/pre-pharmacy with the understanding that the student will select a major by the end of their first year. Admission to the College of Pharmacy is a two-step process:
- You must first be admitted to and enrolled in a major that will resonate with your interests; you can major in anything and still pursue a pre-pharmacy pathway. A common course for students is to begin Undeclared/Pre-Pharmacy.
- After completing initial studies and prerequisite courses in your selected major, you will be able to apply to a professional program in the College of Pharmacy.
Learn about studying pharmacy at UT
Public Health Opportunities
Natural Sciences students can major in public health, as well as explore other options across campus. Pathways to public health include a wide variety of minors, certificates, second-major options and study-abroad options at UT Austin.