Best Pre-PA Majors: How to Choose the Right Path for Physician Assistant School

Why Your Pre-PA Major Matters—But Not As Much As You Think

If you're planning to become a physician assistant, you've likely asked: What’s the best major for PA school? The truth? There’s no single “correct” answer. Unlike medical school, where biology and chemistry dominate, PA programs value a wide variety of academic backgrounds—as long as you meet the prerequisites and demonstrate strong clinical experience.

At Go Elective, we help pre-PA students strengthen their applications through immersive physician assistant internships abroad, personalized mentorship, and expert admissions guidance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best majors for PA school, how to align your academic choices with program requirements, and how to make your application stand out.

> Explore Go-Electives Pre-PA Internships Abroad

What Do PA Schools Really Look For?

Physician assistant programs evaluate applicants holistically. While your undergraduate major is one data point, what matters more is:

GPA (Overall and Science-specific)
Completion of prerequisite coursework
Direct patient care experience
GRE (if required)
Personal statement and interview
Letters of recommendation

In other words, a non-science major won’t disqualify you—as long as you check the right academic and clinical boxes.

Common Prerequisites for PA School

Regardless of your major, most PA schools require these courses:

Anatomy and Physiology
General Biology and Microbiology
General and Organic Chemistry
Statistics or Biostatistics
Psychology or Sociology
Medical Terminology (recommended)
English Composition

Pro tip: Review the admissions requirements of several PA schools early on using the PAEA Program Directory and map your electives or second major accordingly.

Best Pre-PA Majors for a Competitive Application

Here are some of the most common and strategic undergraduate majors for aspiring PAs:

Biology

A natural fit, biology covers most PA prerequisites and helps students build a strong science GPA. Expect lab work, research, and a wide range of human and molecular biology topics.

Health Sciences

This interdisciplinary major combines anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and public health—offering a tailored foundation for PA school.

Psychology

Often overlooked, psychology provides a strong background in behavioral health—an essential part of modern medicine. Combine with hard science electives.

Nutrition or Exercise Science

Ideal for students interested in preventive medicine or lifestyle interventions. Many programs still require you to add upper-level sciences as electives.

Public Health

Public health majors develop systems-level thinking that aligns well with PA roles in community health and primary care. Supplement with core science courses.

Non-Traditional Majors (e.g., English, Business, Sociology)

Yes, even these can work! But you'll need to plan carefully and take all science prerequisites separately. These majors can help you stand out if paired with strong healthcare experience.

Can You Major in Anything and Still Get into PA School?

Absolutely—if you complete the right prerequisites and earn a competitive GPA. Many successful PA applicants come from diverse backgrounds. In fact, choosing a major you're passionate about may help you maintain a higher GPA, engage more deeply with your education, and bring a unique voice to your application essay.

Gain a Competitive Edge With Clinical Experience

Your major is just one piece of the puzzle. Clinical exposure is critical. Most PA schools require:

500–2,000+ hours of direct patient care
Experiences such as EMT, CNA, MA, scribe, or phlebotomist

At Go Elective, our pre-physician assistant internships in Kenya and Tanzania give students meaningful clinical shadowing and hands-on exposure under licensed physicians in high-volume hospitals—an advantage that strengthens both your resume and your perspective.

Beyond the Classroom: Additional Factors for a Strong Application

Leadership & Extracurriculars

Involvement in campus groups, community service, or health advocacy shows initiative and well-roundedness. Consider joining a pre-PA club or mentoring others.

Communication Skills

PA programs value empathy and clear communication. Take electives in public speaking, interpersonal communication, or writing to strengthen these skills.

Research or Global Health Exposure

While not required, research and global health experiences can set you apart. For example, Go Elective’s internships offer insight into healthcare disparities, resource-limited settings, and interprofessional collaboration—critical for applicants seeking to work in primary care or rural health.

What If You’ve Already Graduated?

No science background? No problem. You can pursue a post-baccalaureate program or take required courses at a local university or community college.

In some cases, students even pursue a second bachelor’s degree in a science-related field—but this can be time-consuming and expensive. Work with a pre-health advisor to assess your options.

Should You Double Major?

Only if you're passionate about both fields and can maintain a high GPA. Double majors may enhance your narrative, but they’re not necessary to gain admission.

The Future of the PA Profession

As healthcare delivery evolves, physician assistants are taking on leadership, policy, and technology-integrated roles. Choosing a pre-PA major that builds complementary skills in public health, health informatics, or bioethics can position you for long-term impact.

How Go Elective Can Help You Succeed

At Go Elective, we support future PAs through:

Clinical internships in East Africa that count toward patient care hours
Mentorship
Building your soft skills

Explore our hands-on PA internships abroad or contact us for personalized guidance on building a pre-PA profile that stands out.

Final Thoughts

Your pre-PA major should reflect your interests, play to your academic strengths, and fit into your long-term goals. While science-based majors are common, they aren’t required. What truly matters is completing prerequisite coursework, gaining real-world experience, and submitting a strong, well-rounded application.

Whether you major in Biology or Business, what defines you is your commitment to becoming a skilled, compassionate, and adaptable healthcare provider.

Ready to strengthen your pre-PA journey with a global edge? Get in touch with Go Elective and explore a new way to prepare for PA school.