I’ve heard that more medical schools are requiring humanities and social science courses. How many schools require them? What classes do you recommend?
Based on our most recent prereq checks, 37 US MD and DO schools require behavioral/social science and/or humanities, with requirements ranging from one to six courses in these areas, eighteen schools recommend courses, and another six require demonstrated competency in these areas. Use our prerequisites spreadsheet to research specific schools’ requirements.
As for recommendations, first, take what’s most interesting to you—the courses don’t have to be health- or medicine-related. Our HPA Peer Advisers and Jock Docs are also a great source of recommendation. We also curate a list of courses that may have relevance to health and medicine, which you can find on our website. Here are a few popular options:
- Anthropology of Mental Health (ANT 321) – CD or EC
- Critical Perspectives in Global Health Policy (GHP 350) – SA
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 254) - EC
- Inequities in Health (SPI 394) - SA
- Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101) - SA
- Race and Medicine (ANT 403) – CD or EM
- Systemic Racism: Myths and Realities (SOC 373) – SA
QOTW 2024: What do I do if I didn't get an internship?
QOTW 2023: Balance of Activities