Preprofessional Studies

Although many Transylvania students enter careers immediately after graduation, many others continue their education in graduate or professional schools. For all of these students, Transylvania’s strong liberal arts education serves admirably as a foundation for further development.

Transylvania does not offer a formal major in most pre-professional areas since the combination of general education courses plus emphasis in a major subject is a desirable basis for more specialized education. Specific requirements of a particular professional or graduate school may be readily satisfied as part of the regular program.

Graduate School. Students planning to enter programs leading to master’s or doctoral degrees should consult early with faculty in their area of interest. Requirements vary not only among disciplines but also among graduate schools. Some require specific courses, some expect a reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages, and most require completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Medicine and Other Health Professions. Medical schools vary somewhat in their specific requirements, but all recognize the “importance of a broad education—a strong foundation in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics), highly developed communication skills and a solid background in the social sciences and the humanities” (Medical School Admission Requirements, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2003-04).

Students planning a career in medicine may major in any field; medical schools are primarily concerned with the nature and quality of an applicant’s academic background. Careful attention should be given, however, to satisfying particular requirements for the intended school of medicine. Premedical students should consult exercise science professor Sharon Brown or the premedical advisor from the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and work closely with their advisors throughout their college years.

Dental schools, pharmacy schools, schools of veterinary medicine and other schools in the health professions have philosophies and requirements similar to those for medicine. However, since requirements are often specific, students should consult with the advisors during their first or second year at Transylvania so that they may plan their programs effectively.

Law. No particular course of study is required for admission to law school; many fields of study provide a sound basis for the study of law. Most important is not the choice of major but the overall quality of education. Therefore, regardless of major, prelaw students should take courses in history, politics and government and economics, as well as courses that emphasize oral and written communication, interpersonal relations and any other skills individual students may wish to develop. Students planning for a career in law should consult prelaw advisor and political science professor Don Dugi.

The Ministry. Transylvania has a distinguished record of preparing students for ministerial careers. A broad liberal arts education, with any major, is the usual preparation. The development of excellent communication skills is important, as is depth in the humanities and the social sciences. Courses in religion are of singular importance. For specialized guidance, students should consult religion professor and program director Paul H. Jones.

Engineering. There are two different opportunities available for students interested in pursuing engineering. Through a partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, Transylvania students may take up to six courses at UK as part of their undergraduate study at Transylvania. Upon graduation, the student will be fully prepared to enter a master’s or doctoral engineering program. Students may start their engineering courses at UK as early as their sophomore year, taking no more than two classes a term. The UK courses are covered in Transylvania’s tuition and fees. Students interested in this preengineering program should contact physics professor Jamie Day for advising.

3-2 Engineering. Transylvania offers a cooperative program with participating engineering schools. Students may complete their studies at Transylvania and enter an engineering school after three years. Upon successful completion of the two-year engineering program, the student receives that school’s B.S. degree in engineering and the B.A. degree from Transylvania, provided that the student has met Transylvania’s general education requirements and has taken at least 25 units of course work in residence. The B.A. degree will be in physics if the student completes six physics courses; otherwise the degree will be in liberal studies.

Because the preengineering program requires careful planning, students should consult early with physics professor Jamie Day and continue to work closely with him.

3-4 Pharmacy. Transylvania offers a partnership program with the University of Kentucky. Students may complete their studies at Transylvania and enter the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy after three years. Students must meet the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy admission requirements. The student receives a B.A. degree in liberal studies from Transylvania, provided that the student has met Transylvania’s general education requirements, completed the required pre-pharmacy courses, has taken at least 27 units of course work in residence, and transfers the equivalent of 9 units of credit from the approved courses from the University of Kentucky as elective credits. Because the pre-pharmacy program requires careful planning, students should consult early with chemistry professor Eva Csuhai and continue to work closely with her.

Prephysical Therapy. The exercise science major at Transylvania is often recommended for students seeking admission to physical therapy school. Early planning in this major and careful study of entrance requirements for a specific physical therapy program will offer the best opportunity for acceptance at that school. Students should consult with the exercise science major advisor and the program director for exercise science for additional information.