Obstetricians are medical doctors dedicated to the care and treatment of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. College students preparing to apply to medical school to pursue obstetrics need a strong background in the sciences, although a science major is not required. Mathematics, computer science and liberal arts courses are also relevant to pre-medical studies.
Choosing a Major
Medical school candidates should choose an undergraduate major in a subject area that engrosses them, because chances of academic success are higher when students find the material interesting and relevant, according to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. As long as you fulfill the requirements your chosen medical schools specify, the choice of what to major in is yours. "Pre-med majors are a thing of the past," according to Rutgers University.
The Sciences
Aspiring obstetricians should take two semesters each of biology and chemistry with accompanying lab units. Two semesters of physics, also with lab units, and biochemistry are required by some medical schools and recommended by others. Excel in your science courses, as medical schools look at both your overall and science grades. The latter should be 3.5 or higher to be competitive. Earning high grades in challenging courses makes your application stand out.
Mathematics
According to Cornell University, medical professionals must use logic to interpret and analyze data, skills that are developed in mathematics. However, there is no standard set of math prerequisites. Many medical schools in the United States recommend statistics and calculus, though some do not make recommendations beyond "college mathematics." Familiarize yourself with the requirements specific to the schools to which you plan to apply. Math and the sciences are related, so take an extra math course if your schedule allows.
Computer Science
The field of medicine is enhanced by cutting edge technology. Obstetricians routinely use ultrasound scanning to monitor their patients during pregnancy and electronic fetal monitoring as labor progresses. Medical records and prescriptions are all managed electronically. Investigate the technology offerings in your college's computer science and health sciences departments.
Liberal Arts
Fulfilling general education requirements through liberal arts courses gives you the opportunity to become the well-rounded candidate medical schools are seeking. Foreign language proficiency will help you communicate with a diverse patient body and psychology or women's studies courses will enable you to have a positive relationship with your female patients. However, every undergraduate course you take does not have to have a practical application in the medical field, so make some choices based solely on personal interest.
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Writer Bio
Based in the Southeast, Sally Miles has been a freelance writer and editor for nearly a decade. She has written for "For Me" magazine and holds a master's degree in English from Columbia University.