How To Pick the Best Pre-PA Major

Do You Need a Specific Major to Become a Physician Assistant?

If you’re asking, “What bachelor’s degree do I need to become a physician assistant?”—you’re not alone. The answer might surprise you: there’s no single required major for PA school. While many students assume they must major in Biology or a related science, the truth is more flexible. What really matters is completing your PA program prerequisites and gaining meaningful clinical experience.

Becoming a pre-PA student is similar to being pre-med—you’ll take many of the same science courses, submit your application through the CASPA portal, and build your profile through patient care, shadowing, and internships.

> Explore Go-Electives Pre-PA Internships Abroad

Start Preparing Early (But It’s Never Too Late)

If you know early on that you want to become a PA, choose a major that helps you complete your science prerequisites efficiently. However, if you decide later—after earning a degree in a non-science field—you can still pursue PA school. You may just need to complete post-baccalaureate courses or even earn a second degree or certificate in science to become competitive.

For late starters, consider taking prerequisite courses at a local community college. Many students take this path successfully. The key is fulfilling the core academic requirements—regardless of your major.

Recommended Prerequisite Courses for PA School

While each PA program may vary slightly, most require:

Anatomy and Physiology (I and II)
General and Organic Chemistry
Biology and Microbiology
Psychology and Statistics
Medical Terminology
Be sure to check the requirements of each school you plan to apply to, and build your academic plan accordingly.

Best Majors for Pre-PA Students

There’s no official list, but common majors for pre-PA students include:

Biology
Chemistry
Health Sciences
Neuroscience
Kinesiology
Psychology

However, you can major in non-science disciplines like English, Business, or Art—provided you complete the necessary science prerequisites. In fact, having a unique major can help your application stand out, especially if your clinical experience and essays are strong.

Strategic Tips for Choosing a Pre-PA Major

Choose a Major That Plays to Your Strengths

If you excel in science and enjoy it, a major like Biology might be a great fit. But if your strengths lie in another area—like Psychology, Communications, or even Sociology—it’s okay to pursue that. A higher GPA in a non-science major plus completed prerequisites may be better than a lower GPA in a tough science track.

Balance Passion and Practicality

If you love English literature but still want to be a PA, you can pursue that major while using electives for science classes. Most schools allow flexibility in course selection—just ensure your schedule supports both your degree and your prerequisites.

Factor in Time and Workload

If you’re working while in school, avoid overloading your schedule with writing-heavy or lab-intensive courses in the same semester. Try spreading out your science courses and limit yourself to one particularly challenging course per term when possible.

What PA Programs Really Look For

Admissions committees don’t admit students based solely on their major. Instead, they evaluate:

Science and cumulative GPA
Clinical experience and patient care hours
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement and essays
Commitment to healthcare
Diversity of background and perspective

This holistic review means students with lower GPAs or non-traditional majors can still be strong applicants—especially if they bring meaningful healthcare experiences.

Get Experience Through Pre-PA Internships

Pre-PA internships and shadowing experiences are crucial. They show admissions committees that you understand the PA role, have clinical exposure, and can thrive in patient-centered environments.

One impactful option? A global internship with Go Elective. These programs place pre-PA students in hospitals and clinics in Kenya and Tanzania, where you’ll gain direct patient care experience, shadow licensed professionals, and explore healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. Internships abroad can make your application stand out and provide powerful material for your personal statement and interviews.

Key Considerations Before Finalizing Your Major

#1. What Are You Good At?

Aim for a major where you can maintain a strong GPA. A mix of A’s and B’s will help you meet program cutoffs (often 3.0 minimum), and many schools weigh science GPA separately.

#2. How Much Time Do You Have?

If you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities, choose a manageable major. Avoid semesters packed with writing-heavy classes or time-consuming labs unless your schedule allows it.

#3. Can You Handle the Challenge?

PA school is intense. Start preparing now by getting comfortable with difficult coursework. Don’t fear challenges—rise to them. And remember, getting a B isn’t failure. Admissions committees care about effort, progress, and resilience.

Final Thoughts

There is no “perfect” PA major. Instead, choose a major that aligns with your interests, supports your GPA goals, and gives you flexibility to complete prerequisite courses. Combine this with strong patient care hours, a compelling personal statement, and hands-on experience like a pre-PA internship abroad, and you’ll be well on your way.

At Go Elective, we’re committed to helping aspiring PAs gain the experience and confidence to succeed. If you’re planning your academic journey, internship, or application strategy, we’re here to help. Apply today.