What Is Psychiatry?
Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.
People seek psychiatric help for many reasons. The problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack, frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing "voices." Or they may be more long-term, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiousness that never seem to lift or problems functioning, causing everyday life to feel distorted or out of control.
(Source: American Psychiatric Association, Feb. 16, 2022)
What should I major in?
The is no specific undergraduate degree that is required to become a Psychiatrist. Some students major in psychology, while others focus on pre-medicine programs and science majors. Although you are allowed to complete the bachelor degree of your choice, you should make sure to take plenty of science and mathematics courses. Most importantly, make sure that the major you do choose will allow you to meet all the requirements of the school that you want to apply to.
Which Medical School Track Should You Choose?
Tp become a Psychiatrist, you can choose to either earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. The most drastic difference between the two optioins is that a DO uses a holistic approach to diagnostics and treatment, while an MD focuses on using medication.
Required Courses:
General Biology (BIOL 2610G/2610L and BIOL 2110G/2110L)
General Chemistry (CHEM 1215G and CHEM 1225G)
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 313, 314 and 315)
Biochemistry (BCHE 395)
Physics (PHYS 1230G/1230L or PHYS 2230G/2230L & PHYS 1240G/1240L or 2240G/2240L)
Mathematics including Calculus (MATH 1511G)
Statistics (MATH 1350G or A ST 311G)
English Composition (ENGL 1110G and ENGL 2210G)
General Psychology (PSYC 1110G)
Sociology (SOCI 1110G or SOCI 2310G)
Recommended Courses:
Calculus II Human Anatomy Physiology Embryology Immunology Microbiology Cell Biology Molecular Biology Virology
Although coursework listed is recommended by most Medical Schools, admissions requirements may vary from school to school. Please check specific medical school admission websites for detailed prerequisite requirements.
