Pre-Professional Programs

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Saint Mary's provides pre-professional courses of study for students who already have a strong interest in a specific career. We have programs for students pursuing a careers in a variety of disciplines including in law, medicine, dentistry, education, veterinary medicine, engineering, and more.

engineering students looking at laptop

Dual Degree Engineering Program

The  Dual Degree Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to spend their first three years at Saint Mary’s taking physical science, mathematics, humanities, and social science courses. The final two years are completed at an engineering school approved by the program’s director.

Upon completion of all academic requirements students are granted two degrees: a bachelor of arts from Saint Mary’s College and a bachelor of science in engineering from the university they have chosen for completing the final two years of the program.

student and professor looking at notebook together

Occupational Therapy

Saint Mary’s Students that are interested in occupational therapy should consider becoming a Health Science major.

The requirements for majors have been designed to fulfill common prerequisite courses for admission into most physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health graduate programs.  Because of this, the curriculum is dense and pre-requisite rich. It is imperative that students begin with a good high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry and then take college math and chemistry during their first year at SMC. Students must take a pro-active role in their course planning, working with their advisor and the Health Professions advisor, to ensure they stay on track.

students work together in an allied health class

Physical Therapy

Saint Mary’s Students that are interested in physical therapy should consider becoming a Health Science major.

The requirements for a Health Science major have been designed to fulfill common prerequisite courses for admission into most physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health graduate programs.  Because of this, the curriculum is dense and pre-requisite rich. It is imperative that students begin with a good high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry and then take college math and chemistry during their first year at SMC. Students must take a pro-active role in their course planning, working with their advisor and the Health Professions advisor, to ensure they stay on track.

student in lab writing a report

Pre-Dentistry

The general course requirements for students interested in dentistry are the same as for pre-medical students and should be completed prior to taking the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Each pre-dental student should plan his/her curriculum through close consultation with his/her academic advisor and the Health Professions Advisor.

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Pre-Law

The Association of American Law Schools and the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) do not recommend any specific undergraduate major or program for students planning to study law however the three general aspects of education stressed are: Interpretive and expressive mastery of language, critical understanding of human institutions and values, and problem solving and analytic skills.

Legal studies demand liberal artistry of the kind Saint Mary’s College promotes throughout its curriculum, but perhaps most directly in the Integral program. For more information about the right pre-law major for you visit Saint Mary’s pre-law advisor, located in the Career Development Center. Information on, and advice about, specific law schools and the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) are available at the Center.

three students and professor wearing scrubs in classroom

Pre-Med

Traditionally, Saint Mary’s students intending to enter the medical profession have majored in biology or chemistry. However, medical schools give equal consideration to students with any major, as long as students have completed the prerequisite coursework. Thus each student should consider such factors as personal interest, aptitude, and alternative career goals when choosing a major.

Regardless of choice of major, there are certain courses that are required by virtually all allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. All pre-medical students, regardless of academic major, should seek counseling from the Health Professions Advisor in the School of Science initially upon entering Saint Mary’s and thereafter on a regular basis.

four students doing a lab in lab gear

Pre-Pharmacy

Students planning to enter the field of pharmacy could follow the biology, chemistry, or health science major. Students should check the prerequisites with individual pharmacy schools in which they are interested as they do vary. Some schools of pharmacy allow students to enroll after 3 years of pre-professional education. Pre-pharmacy students should consult closely with the Health Professions Advisor in the School of Science.

two students working in a lab on a computer

Veterinary Medicine

Students interested in pursuing veterinary medicine as a professional career have traditionally majored in either biology or chemistry (or a split major between these 2 disciplines) however schools of veterinary medicine may consider students from any major providing they have completed the prerequisite coursework.

Many veterinary schools require specific core coursework, actual experience in the field of veterinary medicine or extensive experience with animals, as well as taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Students are advised to seek counseling from the Pre-Vet Advisor in the School of Science upon entering Saint Mary’s and throughout their stay at the College.

student sitting in a suit with microphone

Practical Political Leadership Certificate

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the government employs almost a quarter of the U.S. workforce, and beyond that, one in 10 Americans works for a nonprofit organization.

The Certificate is designed for students who are interested in making an impact through any number of public service careers, both in and out of government. Our knowledgeable, approachable faculty will guide you through the fundamentals of state and urban politics, elections, and activism. You will develop oral communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, gaining hands-on leadership experience through your public service internship and by spearheading on-campus campaigns.