Pre-Medicine Pathway | Marian University Success

Faith in Action

Marian University is a proud Catholic university in central Indiana, grounded in its Franciscan heritage, and rooted in liberal arts traditions. Welcoming of all faiths, you will be supported to learn about yourself and your own personal values.

Innovative Research Opportunities

Marian University's Pre-Medicine program offers students unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research alongside experienced faculty. From exploring the latest advancements in medical technology to participating in groundbreaking clinical studies, you will gain hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive field of medicine.

Holistic Learning

The Pre-Medicine pathway places a strong emphasis on a comprehensive approach to the various areas of healthcare. You will learn to treat the whole person, not just symptoms or surface level concerns.

Why Marian University?

Admission to medical schools and professional programs is often highly competitive. Through our HealthCARE Framework, we will support you as you navigate the challenging path to a successful career in healthcare.

We will support your development in the classroom and encourage you to become a well-rounded student through rigorous coursework and extracurricular opportunities.

The Marian HealthCARE Framework

Core learning. In addition to rigorous coursework in a major and minor field of your choosing, we will support you on your learning journey through intentional self-reflection and a dedicated pre-health seminar.

Advising. A dedicated pre-health advisor will help guide you as you navigate your undergraduate experience. With our College of Osteopathic Medicine, you'll be able to engage in a community of pre-medical and medical school scholars!

Resources. On-campus workshops, a career services center, and a Personalized Learning Center will work with you for success. Take advantage of interview and exam prep opportunities!

Experiences. Paid research, on-campus leadership opportunities, internships in a thriving urban city, and study-abroad support will help you become a stand-out applicant.

Core Learning

Transformational Journey Program. At Marian University, our vision is to provide an education distinguished in its ability to prepare transformative leaders for service to the world. Our general education curriculum, the Transformational Journey Program, supports students in the pursuit of this vision. Through a liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan Intellectual Tradition, our goal is to help you develop as a scholar grounded in:

Faith, Reason, and Ethics
Problem Solving
Communication
Cultural and Global Awareness
Health and Well-Being

Seminar series. Participate in a dedicated seminar series detailing the health professions. This series provides application and test taking support in preparation for professional school applications.

Self-evaluation: Complete an MU Journey portfolio with periodic self-evaluations as you progress through your program.

Advising

Advising. As a student working with the Office of Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health Professions, you will have the opportunity to have two advisors: your academic advisor and a pre-health advisor. Through one-one-one professional advising, you will be supported at every step of your journey.

Mentoring. Enjoy a vibrant community of undergraduate student scholars and be mentored by Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine medical students. Observe an MU-COM class with your mentor!

Resources

Pre-Health Scholars Program. This interprofessional mentoring program , created by the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, aims to increase diversity within the health professions workforce and increase the supply of healthcare providers for patients in rural or medically underserved areas. This program can help you network within our community to established lasting professional relationships.

The Exchange. Our award-winning on campus career development office offers a range of training and networking opportunities. Arrange for a mock interview to develop your interview skills, or attend a STEM focused career fair. Reach out to make an appointment today!

Personalized Learning Center. Marian University is committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. Work with the Personalized Learning Center to ensure your needs are met.

Experiences

Student research. Work with our Office of Undergraduate Research to engage in independent research with many of our skilled faculty, including those in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or our College of Osteopathic Medicine. Our students often present their work at regional or national conferences. Opportunities exist for academic credit or for paid summer positions.

Internships. Every pre-health student is urged to gain hands-on experience in their field of interest. At Marian, you can receive academic credit for completing an internship in a thriving urban setting while getting real-world healthcare experience.

Workshops. Through the Office of Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health Professions, we host regular workshops to ensure our students are prepared academically and professionally for a career in healthcare. Workshops focus on exam preparation, imposter bias, personal statement writing and more.

Study Abroad. Students are encouraged to travel internationally to develop as a global citizen. Engage with our Study Abroad Program to participate in a number of partner relationships to experience healthcare internationally.

Clubs and Organizations. By participating in a thriving student community, you will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills through activity in several student organizations focused on healthcare and service to our community.

Scholarship Opportunities

Saint Luke Pre-Medicine Pathways Scholarship: Outstanding high school students have the opportunity to apply for a dedicated pre-medicine and pre-health scholarship. This scholarship includes financial support in addition to opportunities through the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Learn more about the Saint Luke Scholarship.

Tom Wood Family Foundation Scholarship: A scholarship awarded to students that participated in the Marian University Healthcare Camp. This immersive, week-long summer camp provides high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with exposure to a variety of careers in the healthcare and medical fields. Learn more about the Tom Wood Scholarship.

Commonly Pursued Majors

Students interested in a career in healthcare can select any major of their choice and are encouraged to explore a major they are passionate about! However, the pre-requisites for matriculation into healthcare programs are already embedded into some majors, including those listed below. If you opt for a major not listed, be sure to work with your pre-health advisor to ensure you meet pre-professional program pre-requisites during your undergraduate timeline.

College of Arts and Sciences

Biology, with a specialization in Health Sciences
Chemistry, with a specialization in Bio-Organic Chemistry
Psychological Science

Exercise and Sports Sciences

Why Marian University?

At Marian University, education transcends traditional boundaries. Our commitment to holistic learning ensures that you develop a well-rounded perspective, whether you’re studying the sciences, business, or the arts. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, you’ll receive personalized attention from dedicated mentors who know your name and understand your goals. Beyond the classroom, we actively engage with the Indianapolis community through partnerships, service-learning opportunities, and internships. We’re not just preparing you for graduation day; we’re preparing you for a fulfilling career. Our strong connections with employers and successful alumni mean you’ll have access to internships, networking events, and job placement support. Join a network of accomplished professionals who started their journey right here.