Dentists all over the world are needed to diagnose and treat problems with our teeth and gums by doing everything from routine cleanings, to straightening teeth, to performing specialized surgical procedures.
Ball State’s pre-dentistry preparation major blends foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and other subjects that are needed for graduates to be admitted to dental schools certified by the American Dental Education Association. You will also have the flexibility to add a second major that matches your interests and bolsters your skillset in the event you do not attend dental school.
And while most dental school students complete four years of coursework at the undergraduate level, exceptional students guided by our pre-health professions advisors can potentially graduate in just three years.
What It’s Like to Major in Pre-Health Professions at Ball State
Our undergraduate pre-health programs feature collaborations with specialized health programs in the region to ensure that our students are prepared after graduating from Ball State.
By completing this program, you will also fulfill admission requirements for professional school after Ball State.
Our Pre-Health Professions Club enhances your understanding of health career challenges and accommodates and supports your changing needs. It also gives you ample opportunity to connect with your peers who are also studying subjects in pre-health.
This program offers opportunities for you to participate in research through research credit classes, undergraduate research grants, laboratory journal clubs, summer research opportunities, undergraduate fellowship programs, and opportunities for physician shadowing.
Our low student-to-professor ratio and small class sizes give you daily contact with professors in both lecture and laboratory, plus the individualized attention you need to excel.
Program Requirements
Completing our pre-dental major will earn you a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science as well as help you meet the admission requirements for dental school.
Credits Required
Total to Graduate: 120
- Major: 37
- University Core Curriculum: 83
Courses
The courses you will take to complete the pre-dentistry preparation major are:
- BIO 111 – Principles of Biology 1
- BIO 112 – Principles of Biology 2
- BIO 214 – Genetics
- CHEM 111 – General Chemistry 1
- CHEM 112 – General Chemistry 2
- CHEM 360 and Chem 361 – Essentials of Biochemistry with lab
- PHYCS – General Physics 1
- PHYCS – General Physics 2
- ZOOL 330 – Structure and Development of Vertebrates
We also recommend taking the following elective courses:
- BIO 215 – Cell Biology
- BIO 313 – Microbiology (required for entry to Indiana University School of Dentistry)
- CHEM 231 – Organic Chemistry
- CC 102 – Latin and Greek-based Bio-scientific Terminology
To learn about specific requirements for dentals schools throughout the United States, visit the American Dental Education Association. Your pre-dentistry preparation advisor will also help you find the right school for your and meet its admissions requirements during your time at Ball State.
For complete list of all the classes you will take as part of this program and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
Paying for Your Education
Apply to Ball State
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. Applying is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
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Want to Learn More?
The best way to get a true feel for Ball State is to spend some time here, so we encourage you and your family to schedule a campus visit. Take a tour, attend an information session, meet with a professor in our area, and ask plenty of questions. Or if you’d rather speak to someone directly by phone or email, please feel free to contact our program’s academic advisor.
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