Pre-Professional Programs
Pre-professional programs available at the University include pre-architecture, pre-chiropractic, pre-dental, pre-engineering, pre-law, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmaceutical, and pre-veterinary.
Pre-Architecture Curriculum
The purpose of the one-year pre-professional program is to provide preparatory educational experiences for those seeking to transfer to another university for the completion of a professionally accredited degree in architecture, interior architecture, or landscape architecture. The coursework provides an important opportunity for students to explore their interests and level of commitment before applying to an architecture school. The courses are meant as a foundation for students interested in an architecture program. Students will need to work closely with the school in which they plan to transfer to ensure optimal transferability of coursework. (Students who decide not to transfer could apply some courses from the pre-architecture curriculum to the Technology Management: Construction Management and Design option.)
Pre-Chiropractic Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for chiropractic school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become chiropractors. However, students in other majors may choose pre-chiropractic as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-chiropractic curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by chiropractic schools. Students should see the pre-chiropractic advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are a limited number of chiropractic schools in the United States and students should obtain the admission requirements from the schools to which they plan to apply. This information will be used to plan the student’s academic program in consultation with the pre-chiropractic advisor in the Department of Biology.
Southeast Missouri State University has entered into an agreement with Logan College of Chiropractic. It is an A3+3 program in which a student completes three years of coursework at Southeast and then begins coursework at Logan. After the first year at Logan a bachelor’s degree is awarded by Southeast and upon completion of the three years at Logan a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine is awarded.
Pre-Dental Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for dental school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become dentists. However, students in other majors may choose pre-dental as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-dental curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by dental schools and preparation for the DAT. Students should see the pre-dental advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are more than 50 dental schools in the United States and the entrance requirements are quite similar, however, there are slight variations. Planning for the variety of requirements is done in consultation with the pre-dental advisor in the Department of Biology.
Pre-Engineering Curriculum
The two-year pre-engineering curriculum is designed so that students can receive a degree from an engineering school after an additional two years of study. The curriculum is closely articulated with programs at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, MO. Transfer brochures have been prepared in cooperation with the university and are available to students. Students planning to attend another engineering school should consult the catalog from that institution and arrange their programs with a pre-engineering advisor.
Students expecting to enroll in the pre-engineering program should have a mathematics background in high school of at least one year of geometry, two years of algebra, and one year of pre-calculus mathematics which includes trigonometry. If these requirements are not met it will be necessary to correct any deficiencies upon entering the University which may delay graduation.
Students should complete from 64 to 68 credit hours before transferring if they expect to complete an engineering degree in four years. This includes not only required courses in mathematics, physics, and engineering but also courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Students who maintain a high academic standing will be eligible for transfer scholarships. An advisor in the Department of Engineering and Technology should be consulted for details regarding the pre-engineering program.
Pre-Law Curriculum
Students interested in attending law school after graduation should understand that there is no single pre-law curriculum. Rigidly structured “pre-law majors” are strongly discouraged by schools of law. A wide variety of undergraduate majors are suitable for law school preparation, provided that they have a strong academic content. Courses that develop a student’s ability to think logically and to express thoughts lucidly in written form are strongly suggested.
While there is no specific “pre-law major”, the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion provides pre-law advising to those students, regardless of actual major, who are considering a career in law. Such advising includes recommending to students various schools of law that may be most appropriate for them, assisting students with the law school application process (including the Law School Admission Test), and recommending undergraduate preparation for the subsequent law school experience.
Pre-Medicine Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for medical school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become physicians. However, students in other majors may choose pre-medicine as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-medicine curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by medical schools and preparation for the MCAT. Students should see the premedical advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are at least 120 M.D. schools and 20 D.O. schools in the United States and the entrance requirements are quite similar, however, there are slight variations. Planning for the variety of requirements is done in consultation with a pre-medicine advisor in the Department of Biology.
Pre-Optometry Curriculum
It is possible to gain preparation for optometry school while pursuing any academic major in the university. The Biology: Biomedical Sciences option is designed for students who want to become optometrists. However, students in other majors may choose pre-optometry as a second major, with the understanding this does not lead to A4 year degree. The pre-optometry curriculum contains a preponderance of biology and chemistry coursework required by medical schools and preparation for the OAT. Students should see the pre-optometry advisor during their first semester at Southeast. There are only 17 optometry schools in the United States and the entrance requirements are quite similar, however, there are slight variations. Planning for the variety of requirements is done in consultation with the pre-optometry advisor in the Department of Biology.
Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum
Since there are more than 70 schools of pharmacy in the United States, pre-pharmacy should be advised according to the bulletin(s) of the school(s) to which the student is considering transfer. While each program is unique, most programs are either one or two years in length, and usually require chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and English, in addition to certain specified courses in other fields. Students interested in pre-pharmacy should contact Dr. Philip Crawford, the chairperson of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, as early as possible in the enrollment process.
Pre-Veterinary Curriculum
Students preparing for application to a professional Veterinary Medicine Program for completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree must enroll in a pre-professional program.
The minimum requirements for admission to most professional programs include 64 hours of coursework (the pre-professional program), completion of the GRE, and acceptance by the College of Veterinary Medicine to which the student makes an application.
Specific subjects required in the pre-professional program include English, college algebra, biology, chemistry (inorganic, organic, and biochemistry), physics, and certain General Education courses. Courses in animal science are also required, dependent on school attendance. Students should consult the current catalog of the College of Veterinary Medicine they plan to attend and develop their program in conference with the Pre-Veterinary Medicine advisor.
Students enrolled in the pre-professional program should plan a four-year degree program along with the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program. Students enrolling at Southeast Missouri State University will find majors in Agriculture or Chemistry, particularly complementary to the D.V.M. program. For more information, contact the Department of Agriculture.
