Overview & Benefits of the Premedical Program
In the Premedical Program, you’ll take challenging core science courses, many of which are taught by Harvard University faculty. And you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in clinically relevant electives.
Through either the pre-doctoral or pre-physician assistant (physician associate) track, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in professional school and demonstrate your competency to admissions committees.
Check out the full list of program benefits.
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Individualized curriculum to help you become a competitive applicant
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Personalized advising on course selection, the application process, & sponsorship
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Harvard faculty from such schools as the Medical School & School of Dental Medicine
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Flexible course schedules for the part-time student
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Engaged peer community, premedical student club, & Harvard alumni network
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Professional skills development and career services
Two Curriculum Tracks
The Premedical Program offers two tracks: pre-doctoral and pre-physician assistant.
Pre-Doctoral Track
Prepares you for application to:
- Allopathic medical school
- Osteopathic medical school
- Dental school
- Veterinary school
Course format:
- On campus:
- Evenings
- Weekends
Pre-Physician Assistant Track
Prepares you for application to:
- Physician assistant (associate) program
Course format:
- Online (live and on-demand options)
- On campus (nights or weekends)
Premedical Program Customized Curriculum
We’ll work with you to create a customized course curriculum to meet your academic needs based on:
- Your chosen curriculum track
- An assessment of the courses you took as part of your undergraduate degree
- The courses you’ll need to fill gaps, complete prerequisites, and strengthen your GPA
Most students take a mix of core courses and electives in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, math, and social sciences.
Building Core Competencies
The Premedical Program embraces a holistic approach to preparing predoctoral and pre-PA candidates beyond the classroom, including building teamwork, leadership, and resilience skills.
Certificate Options for Premedical Studies
As a Premedical Program student, you may choose to pursue certificate credentials while completing the program. Regardless of whether you earn a certificate, you will receive a Harvard transcript as a record of your program completion if you reach your credit assignment in good academic standing.
The following two certificates may be well-suited for premedical students:
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies
If you are pursuing the Premedical Program to prepare for a career change to the health professions, you may earn the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies by completing 32 credits (24 credits of core prerequisite courses plus 8 credits of biology courses). Learn more about the post-baccalaureate certificate.
Topics in Biomedical Science Graduate Certificate
If you are pursuing the program to enhance your academic record and need to complete fewer credits, the Topics in Biological Science Graduate Certificate may be an option for you. Learn more about the Topics in Biomedical Science Graduate Certificate.
Faculty
Our faculty come from across Harvard University, including Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and the TH Chan School of Public Health.
Featured Faculty
Our Student Community
Graduates of the Premedical Program have been accepted into — and graduated from — top medical and dental schools across the United States, including Boston University, NYU-Grossman, Stanford, and Weill Cornell Medical College.
As a student, you'll engage with peers and faculty regularly in class and weekly gatherings. After you complete the program, you’ll join the global network of the Harvard Alumni Association after completing the program.
Learn more about our students in the Premedical Program Fast Facts sheet.
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28
Average age
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3
Average # of years between undergrad degree earned and program admission
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2
Average # of courses taken per semester
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3.57
Average undergraduate GPA of applicants
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2 years
Average completion time
The rigorous coursework prepared me exceptionally well for the MCAT and gave me a strong foundation for medical school. Beyond academics, the PMP also instilled habits of discipline and perseverance that continue to guide me in my medical training.
Cost & Aid
The total cost of the program will depend on how many courses (credits) you need to complete the requirements of your chosen programs and schools.
- Course tuition: Our 2025–26 tuition for a 4-credit undergraduate course is $2,160.
- Financial aid: After admission, you may qualify for one year of federal aid. You must be taking at least 8 credits per term (or 4 credits during the Summer) to qualify. Beyond the one year of federal aid, students may be eligible to receive one of the limited need-based institutional grants. We strongly recommend discussing your financial aid and funding options with Student Financial Services.
- Reduced Harvard Summer School tuition: You’ll pay Harvard Extension School tuition rates for Summer School courses as a student in the program.
- Payment plan: Program participants may be eligible to enroll in an interest-free payment plan for fall, spring, and summer tuition.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Admission
Students in the postbaccalaureate Premedical Program are chosen through a selective application process. The application process is the same for all students interested in either the pre-doctoral or pre-physician assistant paths.
You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Have English language proficiency.
Applications for the Premedical Program are accepted between February 10 and April 10.
FAQs
Can I complete a postbac premedical program online?
A postbaccalaureate premedical program for medical school preparation is generally not completed fully online. Health professions doctoral degree programs typically require in-person laboratory courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. These hands-on labs and in-person core prerequisites courses are standard for graduate degree admission.
At Harvard Extension School, the Premedical Program’s pre-doctoral track includes core prerequisite courses that are completed on campus. Online elective courses are available.
Who is an ideal candidate for the Premedical Program?
The ideal Premedical Program candidate is academically prepared for rigorous science coursework and committed to pursuing medical or health professions school. While Harvard Extension School does not require a minimum undergraduate GPA, students must be capable of succeeding in demanding laboratory-based courses.
Successful candidates also demonstrate sustained interest in healthcare through volunteering, clinical exposure, research, or relevant work experience. Most successful applicants have an undergrad GPA greater than 3.0.
How will the Premedical Program help me become a competitive applicant?
The postbaccalaureate Harvard Premedical Program is designed to help students become competitive applicants by providing rigorous prerequisite coursework, Harvard academic credit, personalized advising, and application support.
Beyond completing prerequisite coursework and strengthening your GPA, we help you build skills in teamwork, leadership, and resilience. You’ll benefit from:
- Mock interviews (both traditional open-file and multiple mini interviews)
- Chats with clinicians to explore different fields
- Networking events
- Career advising
- Professional development workshops and research symposia
What credential can I earn in the Premedical Program?
Harvard Extension School Premedical Program students may pursue an optional Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies or a Topics in Biological Science Graduate Certificate. The certificate is awarded through the Harvard Division of Continuing Education to students who complete a defined sequence of credit-bearing courses and is recognized with a Certified Electronic Credential.
Do Premedical Program courses appear on an official Harvard transcript?
Yes. All courses in the Harvard Extension School Premedical Program are credit-bearing and appear on an official Harvard Division of Continuing Education transcript. These course credits will be included in your GPA when applying to health professions schools.
If you complete the optional Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies, you receive an annotation of certificate completion on your transcript and a Certified Electronic Certificate.
How are the HES Premedical Program and postbaccalaurate certificate different from programs at Harvard Medical School?
The Harvard Extension School Premedical Program is a credit-bearing academic program associated with the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.
Harvard Medical School continuing education programs are typically noncredit. For example, the Harvard Medical School Pre-Med Online Certificate is a noncredit enrichment program designed for students exploring medical science as a career. Because courses are not taken for academic credit, a transcript is not provided.
