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Academics

Pre-Professional Programs

You supply the drive and ambition, our pre-professional pathways will deliver the academic experiences necessary to help you gain a competitive edge when applying to professional schools. In consultation with your academic adviser and our specialized professional advisers, you can select a career pathway that will bolster your undergraduate degree and prepare you for the career you wish to pursue as a physician, lawyer, educator or any number of other professional occupations. 

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Personalized guidance to strengthen your candidacy

Our academic advisers are committed to your aspirations

There is no one major that best prepares students to apply to professional schools — that's why our pre-professional pathways can be paired with many majors. We encourage students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in medical school, dental school, law school or other areas to choose the major that best aligns with their interests and strengths.

Even English and humanities majors go on to medical school, although it is far more likely that students interested in medicine will prefer to major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, behavioral neuroscience or psychology. Similarly, students interested in a career in law might be equally as likely to study philosophy, English or history as they are law in society, criminal justice or political science. No matter the major you select, we will help you become the professional you wish to be.

Upon arriving at Quinnipiac, all students are paired with a dedicated academic adviser that is either associated with their major or that specializes in supporting students who are exploring the majors and minors they would like to pursue. Specialized advisers in law and in the health professions will offer the guidance you need around prerequisite courses, experiential learning, internships and entrance exams like the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Through advising, internships, study away programs and research experience, Quinnipiac provides students with resources for crafting a strong application to professional programs. We will help make your profile stand out in a crowded pool of applicants.

A program of study to achieve your goals

While most professional schools accept applicants with a variety of undergraduate degrees, students should research which courses or areas of study will put them in the best position to submit a strong application.

The list below provides a general overview of standard prerequisites or recommendations for popular professional pathways. Since requirements will differ depending on the doctorate or terminal degree you are interested in obtaining, students are encouraged to partner with their adviser early on during their undergraduate experience to ensure they remain on track. 

Program Overview

Accelerated nursing programs like the ABSN are designed for aspiring nurses who have already earned an undergraduate degree in another discipline. Accelerated nursing programs enable students to fast-track the transition into their career in nursing by adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to their current credentials. Programs are fast-paced and can often be completed in 1-2 years. After completing the coursework and clinical assignments required for the degree, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn licensure to practice as registered nurses.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree to apply for accelerated nursing programs. While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Program Overview

Anesthesiologist Assistants are skilled professionals who usually work as a critical part of an anesthesia care team. They conduct exams prior to treatment, maintain proper levels of anesthetics during treatment, perform rounds following treatment and work to support the needs of other healthcare professionals. Aspiring anesthesiologist assistants should expect to earn a master's degree, at minimum.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants to professional programs must have already earned a bachelor's degree. Students will also need to submit scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

Audiologists provide medical treatment and guidance to patients navigating hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists have an array of responsibilities from screening patients for hearing disorders to testing and diagnosing hearing loss, recommending hearing aids and advising patients about how to improve their balance. Audiologists work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, elementary and secondary schools, rehab centers and private practices.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

A career in audiology requires a doctorate from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Most programs require students to have either a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Communication Sciences and Disorders, however students can complete alternative coursework as part of an alternative degree program.

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

MBA programs give students a broad, professional education to help them excel while allowing students to customize their experience around particular business interests and career goals. Many can be completed full-time or part-time, online or on-campus and offer concentrations including accounting, analytics, finance, healthcare, marketing, strategic communications and supply chain management. 

Common Requirements and Recommendations

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, most students applying to MBA programs have completed undergraduate coursework in computers and statistics. Admission is competitive, and internship and work experience, GPA, leadership positions and other variables will be considered. 

Explore Quinnipiac's MBA program

Program Overview

Chiropractors focus on how bones, muscles and nerves influence overall patient health and well-being. In this field, practitioners seek to improve the body’s overall function by adjusting and treating the structure of these key systems. Chiropractic medicine emphasizes the value of holistic healthcare and embraces non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical treatment.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Most schools prefer that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree, although some applicants may be accepted so long as they have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

Genetic counselors work with patients, families, healthcare providers and other members of the general public to assess and explain genetic risks, including family history and genetic testing results. Genetic counselors work in a variety of roles, including as part of healthcare teams in obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and other specialty areas. Many genetic counselors also perform research, create educational materials and work for commercial laboratories.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

An ideal applicant will love science and working with people. Many genetic counseling applicants have degrees in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics or psychology, although applicants from all backgrounds are considered.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, the most competitive applicants will have maintained a GPA of better than 3.0 and have GRE scores in or above the 70th percentile. Applicants should also have experience with the genetic counseling profession through job shadowing or internships and have experience in a volunteer counseling setting such as a crisis center or peer counseling center.

Program Overview

Dentists specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions related to the mouth and teeth. While many dentists practice in private offices, working directly with patients, dentists are also in high demand within research labs, military outfits and public or international health settings. Dental school graduates can continue to specialize after earning a DDS or DMD by pursuing advanced study in fields such as endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

The ADEA’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service provides one central application available to all students interested in applying to dental school. Applicants are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) prior to applying for admission.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Dental Studies

Program Overview

The field of education welcomes students from a wide range of undergraduate pathways. People with advanced degrees in education not only work as teachers in schools; they also work in corporations as directors of training, in healthcare as client educators, in law organizations as advocates for kids with special needs, in universities as course designers and in many other settings. In addition to their day jobs, these individuals are often athletic coaches, career advisors and community volunteers. Wherever engaging and effective learning is needed, you can be sure to find graduates from the School of Education.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, most students working in the field of education must have earned a bachelor's degree. Many programs require some form of interning or supervised fieldwork as well. Some professions also expect students to earn graduate degrees after starting their careers before advancing further in the field.

Do you want to help young people learn? Master of Arts in Teaching programs provide students with the training, certification and initial licensure they need to take their place at the front of the classroom.

Do you want to help students with different learning needs? Specialized master’s degrees focus on the research, theory and practice that will inform how to approach teaching the next generation of students.

Do you want to become a leader in education? Certificate and advanced diploma plans of study allow seasoned educators to build upon their years of experience with specialized formal training in areas that excite them.

Program Overview

Law and legal professionals work and practice within all industries and verticals, from criminal prosecution and defense to public policy and government, civil advocacy and dispute resolution, privacy and cybersecurity and tax interests. 

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants to law schools must first complete their bachelor's degree and then take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Requirements and expectations differ by institution and program and there is no single pre-law course of study that is required or recommended.

Several broad objectives of pre-legal education, however, have been set forth by the Association of American Law Schools. To best prepare yourself, take a range of courses that provide fundamental skills and a solid understanding of: 

  • Language, Reading and Writing

  • Problem-Solving and Logical Reasoning

  • Oral Communication and Public Speaking

  • Research and Analysis

  • Social, Political and Economic Foundations

Frequent undergraduate majors include Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, Law in Society, Philosophy, Political Science and Psychology. 

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Law Studies

Program Overview

Students interested in pursuing a career in medicine can choose from a number of pre-professional pathways, each focused on a distinct branch of medicine. 

  • Medical Doctor (MD) programs train medical doctors and other healthcare professionals to treat symptoms and illnesses using drugs, radiation or surgery. Prospective physicians must earn an MD before practicing in any number of different specialties and environments, including private or group practices, academic medical centers and research labs, hospitals and clinics.

  • Naturopathic Doctor (ND) programs train professionals to treat patients with the use of natural therapeutics. While these physicians are trained with and knowledgeable about the proper use of prescription drugs, this branch of medicine emphasizes natural healing whenever possible. NDs treat all medical conditions including allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, heart disease and cancers. Naturopathic physicians are also able to perform minor surgeries. 

  • Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) recognize the advances of modern medicine, including prescriptions, surgical intervention and diagnostic technology, but emphasize the value of hands‐on diagnosis and treatment. Osteopathic medicine focuses on promoting healthy living to prevent disease and encourage a high level of personal well-being.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants for Medical Doctor and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs are required to earn a bachelor’s degree and take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) prior to applying for admission. The MCAT is not required for admission to a Naturopathic Doctor program.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum including courses in:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Learn more about our MS in Molecular and Cell Biology

Program Overview

Midwives, also known as nurse midwives, are advanced practice nurses who have garnered additional training to deliver babies and provide prenatal and postpartum care to women. Some midwives also serve as counselors, providing guidance on family planning and routine feminine healthcare services such as breast exams, pap smears and other screenings. 

Common Requirements and Recommendations

All accredited programs require a bachelor’s degree for admissions. While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

Optometrists are the subject matter experts for the diagnosis and treatment of the eyes. Optometrists examine and manage conditions of the eyes and visual system including diseases, injuries and genetic or hereditary disorders. Optometrists work in group settings or as solo practices with hospitals, health centers, research institutions and more.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

All schools of optometry participate in OptomCAS — Optometry’s Centralized Application Service. Applicants are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) prior to applying for admission.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

Pharmacists are charged with dispensing medications that have been prescribed by physicians. They also work to advise patients and consumers about the proper use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs to maximize the efficacy of treatments. Some physicians focus on sharing their expertise about the composition of drugs, specifically how they are manufactured and used, in order to ensure that drugs do not interact in a manner that is harmful to patients.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Most schools of pharmacy participate in PharmCAS — the Pharmacy College Application Service. All applicants are required to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) prior to applying for admission.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

Doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) are dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures. Podiatrists often have a general practice, but many specialize in pediatrics, surgery, sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics and public health.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree to apply for podiatry programs. The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is also required for admission, though some programs accept other test scores such as the GRE or DAT. While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

Program Overview

A Master of Public Health (MPH) degree trains students to protect and improve the health of entire populations. Students learn how to tackle the challenging issues that affect communities, work with people across sectors and educate the public about best healthcare practices. As public health practitioners, graduates can explore work in government, at non-profits or in the industrial sector where they will analyze data, influence public policy, conduct research and monitor threats to public health.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Applicants to Master of Public Health programs must have already earned a bachelor's degree. While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, supplemental materials may include standardized test scores (GRE, MCAT, LSAT), letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal statement. Depending on the school and/or program, prospective students may require a designated amount of time working in a professional, health-related work environment.

Learn more about the Institute for Global Public Health

Program Overview

A degree in social work will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. Your training will extend from treating mental and emotional disorders to addiction recovery and beyond. Emergency rooms, rehabilitation facilities and youth centers all rely on social workers to treat veterans with PTSD, neglected children, people with chronic illnesses and many others.

Our traditional MSW program prepares students for licensure and gives them the tools they need to provide patients with counseling, crisis intervention and access to social welfare and community resources.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

To be eligible to apply for admission, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association. The strongest applicants will have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completed at least 20 credits in liberal arts.

Explore Quinnipiac's Master of Social Work

Program Overview

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat disorders affecting speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication and swallowing in children and adults. Speech-language pathologists work in many different research, education and healthcare settings. Because of the high demand for speech-language pathology services, part-time, full-time and as-needed basis opportunities may be available depending on location, desired facility, employment flexibility and other factors.

In many settings, SLPs often work as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team, which may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists and rehabilitation counselors. Speech-language pathology blends knowledge of the sciences, social sciences and humanities, and requires professionals to demonstrate attention to detail, professionalism, excellent communication skills, flexibility and curiosity.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

Entry-level practice in speech-language pathology requires both an undergraduate and a graduate degree. Applicants to graduate programs come from a broad array of majors and minors including exercise science, psychology, cognitive or neuroscience, education, public health, social work, music, languages, biological sciences, anthropology, linguistics and more.

All graduate programs in the U.S. adhere to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association requirement of at least one course in each of the following areas: biological science, physical science, social or behavioral science and statistics.

Requirements and expectations differ by institution and program; it is generally recommended that students check with graduate programs of interest well ahead of application. Typical requirements for preparatory coursework include phonetics, language acquisition, anatomy and physiology, speech and/or hearing science, audiology, aural rehabilitation, and neuroanatomy or neurophysiology.

A minimum of a 3.25 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in relevant coursework and letters of recommendation are frequently required, but evidence of a strong commitment to pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist is essential. Volunteer experiences in speech-language pathology or with relevant populations of individuals often served by speech-language pathologists are strongly recommended. Supervised observation hours are also required, and typically started or met through course registration.

Program Overview

Veterinarians specialize in providing healthcare for pets as well as livestock and zoo, sporting and laboratory animals. Most veterinarians perform clinical work in private practices, though some choose to work in applied research settings.

Common Requirements and Recommendations

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges provides one central application available to all students — VMCAS. All applicants are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) prior to applying for admission.

Applicants are also required to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) prior to application. The exact testing requirements depend on the admission process for these specific programs.

While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:

Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising

A supportive community of exceptional students

The 5 pre-med ambassadors standing outside of ABL

The pre-med ambassadors program aims to offer support, advising and resources to undergraduate pre-medical students as they prepare for medical school or other clinical doctorates of interest. 

“We’re not striving to shape all students into a singular mold, but rather we hope to uncover their drives, goals and interests in such a way that us ambassadors can offer guidance, resources and support,” said Surace, pictured second from the right with other student ambassadors. “We’ll also assist our fellow students in strategizing to obtain healthcare experience, community service, volunteer or research opportunities.”

Surace went to Anna Gilmore, director of pre-health advising, hoping to create an avenue of personalized support and guidance for students from others who have “been there, done that” as a means of reducing stress.

Read more on Quinnipiac Today

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