Pre-professional studies

Pre-professional studies

Many students who plan to enter a professional school, such as Education or Engineering, as undergraduates or who intend to pursue graduate studies in a professional school like Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Chiropractic, and Law, often follow a program of study specifically designed for that career path. UWSP offers a wide variety of pre-professional programs, which are described below. If you would like more specific information or advisement, please contact the advisor for the program that interests you.

Different schools training people for the same profession sometimes have different entrance requirements. Generally, entrance requirements have grade point restrictions on your cumulative GPA. However, this may vary from institution to institution. At UWSP you may repeat a course for which you earned a D+ or less. A course in which you earned a grade above D+ may not be repeated.

Make sure you know the requirements of the school you plan to enter, and frequently review your progress with your advisor. Your advisor, department chair, and the staff in the office of the Dean of the College of Letters and Science will be happy to help you. But remember that it is up to you to meet all college and university requirements, rules, and regulations.

Dentistry: UW-Stevens Point has an excellent pre-dental program, with a diversity of courses and options, which will permit you to meet or surpass the admittance requirements for most of the dental schools in the United States. Most dental schools require a minimum of three years (90 semester credits) of pre-dental education. The pre-dentistry course requirements may be integrated into the requirements for almost any major offered at UW-Stevens Point. Many students accepted into dental school have a major in biology, chemistry, or both. All dental schools require candidates to take the Dental Admission Testing Program exam given in October and April. Consult regularly with the dentistry advisor on campus as you plan your undergraduate curriculum, so that you stay informed of changes in requirements and recommended courses at specific dental schools. See pre-dental courses.

Education: If you have not yet determined the subjects you would like to teach, talk with your advisor or the advising office in the School of Education. If you seek a certificate to teach at the secondary school level, with a major offered in the College of Letters and Science, you may either complete your general requirements for your B.A. or B.S. degree in the College of Professional Studies or the College of Letters and Science. See the Education section later in this catalog for complete information on your education requirements.

Engineering: Requirements for the UW-Stevens Point pre-engineering program vary from one specialization to another. However, if you plan to pursue a career in engineering, you will need to concentrate on mathematics and the sciences. Most likely you may complete two years of preparation at UW-Stevens Point. See the Department of Chemistry for details about the pre-chemical engineering program. For all other pre-engineering programs, see the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Law: Normally, you must complete a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree before applying to a law school. Since you will face stiff competition for admission to law school, work to maintain a high grade point average. All law schools require candidates to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). High scores on this test are necessary for admission to the better law schools. Most law schools also require that candidates submit letters of reference from individuals familiar with their qualifications and aptitude. You should speak to your advisor about developing a list of references. Law schools do not require that you take a particular undergraduate major. However, most pre-law students earn degrees in a social science or in business. See the Majors & Minors section for courses of study.

UW-Stevens Point pre-law advisors in the Department of Political Science stress a broad undergraduate program. In such a program you learn philosophical and social science approaches to problem-solving. At UW-Stevens Point, we take pride in our excellent record for placing superior students in outstanding law schools.

Medicine: If you are preparing for a career in medicine, register as a candidate for either the bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree. You may integrate your pre-medical course requirements with those for a degree in almost any other major field. However, most students accepted into medical schools have a major in biology, chemistry, or both. See pre-med courses. All medical schools recommend, but do not require, that you take calculus, humanities, and psychology. You will face stiff competition for admission to a medical school.

Schools will decide whether to admit you based on whether you have:

B+ average,

Above average scores on the New Medical College Admissions Test (New MCAT), 9-10 average score out of 15,

Relevant work experience,

Strong recommendations, and

A successful interview.

Pick up a registration form for the New MCAT from the pre-medical advisor. Since the New MCAT assumes you have taken college-level chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, take this exam in April of your junior year. If you are not successful, you may take it a second time in September of your senior year. UW-Stevens Point graduates have an excellent record of acceptance by medical schools.

Mortuary Science (Funeral Service): At UW-Stevens Point you may receive the two years of pre-professional study you need to enter a mortuary school. See Pre-mortuary science courses.

Pre-pharmacy: Take the following courses during your freshman and sophomore years: Chemistry 114, 115, 116 (or 105 and 106), 325, 326, and 328; Mathematics 120; Physics 203 and 204. For additional requirements and suggested electives, see a pre-pharmacy advisor. See also http://www.uwsp.edu/chemistry/tzamis/pre-pharm.html

Other Fields: If you want to prepare for a professional field not listed here, the College of Letters and Science will assist you in finding an advisor to help you plan your program. Make sure you thoroughly understand all requirements of the school you plan to enter, and meet often with your advisor.

Pre-professional Biological studies - course suggestions
Although not required, we advise students in all pre-professional areas to get a bachelor of science degree before entering a professional school. All areas listed below require Biology 160, English, humanities, psychology, sociology, and speech. See the Biology Department Peer Assistance Center or the appropriate pre-professional advisor for suggested electives and requirements for specific schools.

Pre-chiropractic: At least 90 credits to include Biology 285, 286, 333; Chemistry 114, 115, 116, 325, 326, 328; Physics 203 and 204 (or a substitute); English 101 and 102; Psychology 110. Grades must be C or above. A bachelor's degree is required to practice in Wisconsin and many other states.

Pre-dental: Biology 285; Chemistry 114, 115, 116 (or 105 and 106), 325, 326, 328; Physics 203 and 204; additional helpful courses: Biology 210, 314, 317, 333, 370; Psychology 260 or 315.

Pre-medical: Biology 160, 210, 285; Chemistry 114, 115, 116, (or 105 and 106), 325, 326, 328; Physics 203 and 204; Math (2 semesters) 111 or 120 or 355. Additional helpful courses: Biology 314, 333, 370, 382, 498 (immunology); Chemistry 365 or 260.

Pre-mortuary: A minimum of 28 credits including Accounting 210; one year of chemistry; Math 100.

Pre-optometry: Normally, at least 90 credits including: Biology 160, 210, 317, 333; Chemistry 105 and 106 (or 115 and 116) 325, 326, 328; Math 111 and 355; Physics 203, 204; additional recommended courses are Biology 285, 286; Chemistry 365; Psychology 110, 260.

Pre-physician’s Assistant: Biology 160, 285, 286, 333; Chemistry 105/106, 220, 260; Psychology 110; Math 100.

Pre-veterinary: Biology 160, 210; Chemistry minor with Chemistry 365 as the elective; Physics 203 and 204; Mathematics 111 or 120 or 355; freshman English; 6 credits of social science and humanities; additional helpful courses include Biology 281 or 285, 333, 362, and 388. If you are considering veterinary research, take at least some of Biology 310, 314, 317, 382, 433, and 498 (both immunology and recombinant DNA laboratory).

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