Pre-professional studies include several with substantial concentration in the basic sciences and mathematics and constitute recommended course selections from the Shepherd University academic offerings which may prepare students for application to professional schools of dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and others. As such, these course work recommendations should be viewed as requirements of institutions other than Shepherd University unless, as is commonly the case, a student pursues a specific Shepherd University degree program as well.
Pre-professional programs do not count as a major for financial aid purposes or to meet graduation requirements.
Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary Medicine
The majority of successful applicants to professional schools in these areas are those who have completed a four-year baccalaureate degree program, although a small percentage of exceptional third-year University undergraduates may be admitted, particularly to dental schools.
The recommended undergraduate preparatory course of study is one which concentrates within the basic sciences of biology, chemistry, and physics, but professional schools usually recommend that the undergraduate program include a broader academic background as well, like that provided by the Shepherd University program of general studies.
Therefore, it is suggested that students pursuing career goals of the practice of dentistry, medicine, and/or veterinary medicine undertake, while at Shepherd University, course work leading to a bachelor of science degree in either biology or chemistry with a science-oriented minor field. Requirements for the baccalaureate major and minor fields in biology or chemistry are listed in this Catalog. The Shepherd University general studies requirements and other general baccalaureate degree requirements are described in this Catalog as well.
Before the end of their sophomore year, students pursuing any of these pre-professional avenues of study are urged to solicit from professional schools of primary interest, specific admission information in order to insure that any exceptional requirements may be taken into account in planning the balance of the pre-professional course of study at Shepherd University. West Virginia residents may qualify for cooperative programs with universities and professional schools in other states in the areas of veterinary medicine, podiatric medicine, and optometry.
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