For students aspiring to careers in medicine, healthcare, and the sciences, Chowan University provides a strong foundation. Through its Biology program and pre-professional pathways, Chowan equips students with rigorous academics, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized support to prepare them for careers in medicine, nursing, allied health fields, and graduate study.

Chowan’s Biology program serves as a gateway for students planning to enter medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, pharmacy, public health, and other healthcare professions. Students begin their journey in a rigorous yet supportive learning environment, building the scientific knowledge and professional skills required for advanced study.

“Students don’t have to have every answer on day one,” said Dr. Torrence Gill, Professor of Biology. “As freshmen, we encourage Biology majors to master the fundamentals and cultivate curiosity across the sciences. From there, we nurture their calling in their junior and senior years — strengthening their academic confidence and preparing them to move forward successfully into the medical field they choose.”

A Strong Foundation for Medical and Health Careers

Chowan’s Biology degree is intentionally designed to support pre-medical and pre-health students by emphasizing:

• Core coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and related sciences
• Small class sizes that allow for close faculty mentoring and individualized instruction
• Early exposure to research, scientific writing, and laboratory experiences

Students who begin their academic journey in Biology gain a broad scientific foundation that allows flexibility as career interests evolve—an important advantage in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Professional Development Through Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

Chowan University is home to an active HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter, giving students early exposure to healthcare careers beyond the classroom. Through HOSA, students:

• Explore a wide range of medical and health professions
• Participate in leadership development and service opportunities
• Build professional networks and gain insight into real-world healthcare settings

This involvement helps students confirm their career goals while developing professionalism, teamwork, and communication skills valued by graduate programs and employers.

Undergraduate Research and Published Student Work

Chowan biology students are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research, often collaborating directly with faculty on scientific studies. Students gain experience in research design and data analysis, scientific writing and presentation, and publishing and presenting research findings. 

Internships are also strongly encouraged, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in clinical, laboratory, and healthcare settings. Most students who complete internships go on to apply to graduate or professional programs, further advancing their career goals. 

Many students graduate having contributed to published scientific work, presented at conferences, or delivered a capstone presentation based on research conducted during a summer internship—an advantage when applying to medical and graduate programs.

Proven Pathways to the Medical Field

Students who begin their academic journey at Chowan in Biology and related pre-professional tracks consistently move on to medical, healthcare, and graduate programs. With faculty advising, academic support, and career preparation woven throughout the curriculum, students are positioned for strong placement outcomes in health-related fields.

Chowan’s approach emphasizes not only academic preparation, but also character, service, and purpose—qualities essential for future healthcare professionals.

An Open-Enrollment University with Personalized Support

As an open-enrollment institution, Chowan University is committed to access and opportunity. Students who may not follow a traditional path into medicine find a welcoming environment where potential is nurtured and success is built step by step.

“Our students come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a common goal—to make a difference through healthcare,” added Dr. Gill. “Chowan helps them turn that goal into a plan.”

For students interested in medicine, healthcare, and the sciences, Chowan University offers more than a major—it offers a meaningful starting point for a life of service and impact.For more information about Chowan University’s Biology program and pre-medical pathways, visit www.chowan.edu.