Path to Medical, Law, or Grad School

An Arts and Science degree at Queen’s University opens the door to a wide range of professional and academic futures. Whether you’re planning for medical school, law school, or graduate studies, you’ll build the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and experiences needed to move forward with confidence.

There is no single “correct” program for these paths.. At Queen’s, you can choose from a wide range of disciplines while tailoring your degree to match your interests and goals. This flexibility allows you to:

Complete prerequisite courses for professional schools
Strengthen your academic profile
Build a well-rounded, competitive application

Academic advisors and faculty are available to help you plan your degree and stay on track.

Medical student raises their hand in class

Preparing for Medical School

Medical schools do not require a specific major. Students from ANY arts or science discipline can build a strong foundation for medical studies by choosing relevant courses and maintaining strong academic performance.

As long as you choose your courses wisely, any of arts and science program can thoroughly prepare you for applying to medical school, and for any other academic opportunities you decide later on.

At Queen’s, you can:

Complete common prerequisites (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics)
Gain research experience through labs and independent study
Participate in experiential learning, volunteering, and community engagement

Successful applicants combine strong grades with meaningful extracurricular involvement. Medical schools value diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

student of faculty of law holding folder and modern gadgets in hands and looking away

Preparing for Law School

Law schools vary in their admission requirements — some accept applicants after two years of study, while others prefer a completed undergraduate degree. There is no required “pre-law” program, so you should choose a field that interests you while developing key skills in critical thinking, research, and communication.

While many students study areas such as Political Studies, Philosophy, History, or Economics, law school applicants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Be sure to research the specific requirements of the schools where you plan to apply. View lists for or Law Schools.

Preparing for Graduate Studies

There are numerous routes to graduate school depending on what you study in your undergrad, and what you would like to study afterwards. Graduate school is an excellent opportunity for you to either continue down the area of study you choose in undergrad, or to find a stream that branches off in a different direction. Queen’s provides a strong foundation for students considering master’s or doctoral programs across a wide range of fields.

If you are interested in Graduate Studies at Queen’s, you can visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website to find the programs offered in Arts and Science and beyond. If you are interested in graduate programs at other schools, you should research their specific program requirements and prerequisites.

Experiential Learning and Research Opportunities

Hands-on experience is an important part of preparing for any post-graduate path. Queen’s offers opportunities to extend your learning beyond the classroom, including:

Undergraduate research
Internships and community-based learning
Labs, fieldwork, and project-based courses

These experiences help you build practical skills, clarify your interests, and strengthen applications.

Your Path, Your Degree

There is no single route to medical school, law school, or graduate studies. At Queen’s Arts and Science, you have the flexibility to design a degree that reflects your interests while preparing you for what comes next.