Frequently Asked Questions

The Program is designed to help students with a bachelor’s degree (especially those from non-science majors) become competitive applicants for professional health-care schools (e.g., medical, dental, veterinary, optometry, physician-assistant, pharmacy).

It offers a structured curriculum of approved coursework (minimum ~43 units) and preparation for professional-school admissions (including test and application prep).

No. You do not need to have majored in the sciences to apply. The Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Program is specifically designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-science field and want to complete the prerequisite science courses required for admission to professional health-care programs.

If you already have some prior science coursework — such as one year of biology and one year of chemistry — you may qualify for the Academic Finisher track, which allows you to complete the remaining requirements more quickly.

Yes. The Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Program offers a part-time format designed for students who need flexibility to balance work or other commitments. Part-time students typically take a lighter course load each semester and can complete the program in about three years.

For those who can commit full-time, the program can be completed in about two years, or one year for students in the Academic Finisher track (who have already completed a year of biology and a year of chemistry).

Some of the key admission criteria include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a non-science-based discipline (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) from an accredited institution. Exceptions are considered for science majors if it has been at least five years since your graduation.
• Minimum GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units attempted.
  Good standing at the last college attended.
• Proof of introductory chemistry proficiency (equivalent to CSUF’s CHEM 115) with a minimum grade of B (must be completed by June 13, 2025. You can complete this requirement in one of three ways:
  • Introductory chemistry course (more info on taking an intro course)
  • Chemistry placement exam (more info on taking a placement exam)
  • AP credit (more info on AP credit)

• Completion of a pre-calculus or calculus course (equivalent to CSUF's MATH 125 or MATH 130) with a minimum grade of B (must be completed by June 13, 2025).

Clinical volunteer work and/or shadowing in a healthcare setting is highly recommended. If you are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged, you should indicate this on your application.

The cost is $525 per unit with the program consisting of a minimum of 43 units. Upon acceptance, you are required to submit a non-refundable $250 enrollment administrative charge to confirm your seat in the program. This administrative charge is credited toward your first semester’s tuition.

Yes. The University has linkage programs with various health professions schools (for example, pharmacy, physician-assistant, osteopathic, dental, podiatry, etc.). These linkages may offer benefits such as application fee waivers, deposit waivers, first-semester scholarships, etc., and may help you skip the “glide year” between finishing the post-bacc and starting professional school.

Students are advised by a Program Manager and health professions academic adviser. They develop individualized study plans, register in a cohort format (which builds peer support), and receive resources such as mock interviews through the University’s career center.

To apply, complete the online application through the CSUF University Extension Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Program website

You’ll need to submit:

• Unofficial and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Proof of prerequisite coursework (such as chemistry and math readiness)
• Two letters of recommendation
• A personal statement outlining your motivation for pursuing a health-care career

No. The Program does not guarantee professional-school admission. It is designed to prepare you to become a competitive applicant through coursework, advising, test-prep and linkages. Successful admission still depends on your professional-school application (GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, interviews, etc.).

The Program is offered on-campus at CSUF and is structured for on-campus attendance.