Majors:
- Bachelor of Science, Predentistry
- Bachelor of Science, Premedicine
Minor:
- Medicine and Society
- Quality Assurance in Life Science Industries
The Bachelor of Science with a major in premedicine (MED) or predentistry (DEN) is an interdisciplinary curriculum of study. It is distinctively designed to provide a science-based, diverse education as a preparation for admission to any of the health professional schools including medical, dental, physician assistant, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, and chiropractic. Courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics comprise the science core of the major. A substantial complement of humanities and social sciences courses are also required. Within this framework the curriculum is flexible and can be tailored to suit personal interests. During the first two years, students enroll in courses appropriate for entry into professional schools while they also fulfill basic University requirements.
Admission to professional schools depends upon many factors in addition to the curriculum or major. Academic standing, performance on standardized examinations, practical experience relevant to the profession of interest, and adherence to application procedures are all important. The Premedical Programs Office addresses these factors through a comprehensive approach to pre-health care education.
Along with the administration of the DEN and MED majors, the Premedical Programs office acts as the focal point for all matters related to admission to any allied health care professional school. It is an information clearing house, functions as a liaison with professional schools, and coordinates the application process. The Premedical Programs Office also coordinates a number of internships, health related student organizations, and community based clinical opportunities for students. Students in any major planning to apply to professional schools are urged to maintain a close relationship with this office.
The University automatically enrolls entering premedical or predental majors into special orientation classes, and identifies them to the Premedical Programs office. Members of the Premedical/Predental Advisory Committee advise these students. However, advising services are available to all preprofessional students regardless of their major. Students in other majors may elect to have committee members serve as their secondary advisors; such students should identify themselves to the Premedical Programs office.
In addition to providing counseling, Premedical Programs offers a seminar series, clinical opportunities, grants for health care related experiences, and scholarships. Since admission to professional schools is highly selective, the program monitors the academic progress of MED/DEN majors, and provides feedback at the end of the first and second year. Transfers to other majors, particularly to science majors, can usually be accommodated during the first two years without affecting normal progress towards graduation.