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.
Through 360-advising, internships, study away programs and research experience, the College of Arts and Sciences 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.
In consultation with your academic adviser and our specialized professional advisers, you can select a career pathway in the College of Arts and Sciences 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.
English and humanities majors can 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.
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.
An allopathic approach to medicine involves medical doctors and other healthcare professionals treating symptoms and illnesses using drugs, radiation or surgery. Prospective allopathic 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.
Applicants are required to earn a bachelor’s degree and take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) 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.
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising
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.
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.
While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a curriculum with courses including:
Physics
Social Sciences/Humanities
Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for more information
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.
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:
Biology with labs
Composition or English
General and Organic Chemistry with labs
Physics with labs
Social Sciences or Humanities
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising
Visit the Association of Chiropractic Colleges for more information
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.
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, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum with courses including:
Biology or Molecular Biology
Embryology or Developmental Biology
Genetics
Psychology
Statistics
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.
Visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors to learn more
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.
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:
Anatomy and Physiology
Biology with labs
English or Composition
General and Organic Chemistry with labs
Immunology
Mathematics and Statistics
Microbiology
Physics with labs
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Dental Studies
Visit the American Dental Education Association for more information
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.
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.
BA or BS/MAT in Elementary Education (4+1)
BA or BS/MAT in Secondary Education (4+1)
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.
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.
Frequent undergraduate majors include Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, Law in Society, Philosophy, Political Science and Psychology.
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.
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.
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.
While requirements and expectations differ by institution and program, it is generally recommended that students enroll in a science-heavy curriculum including courses in:
General and Organic Chemistry
Physics with labs
Social Sciences
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising
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.
Students can complete any undergraduate major, as long as the core requirements for entrance have been met. The MCAT is not required for admission to a Naturopathic Doctor program.
Requirements and expectations differ by institution and program.
Visit the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges for more information
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.
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:
Anatomy and Physiology
Biology with labs
Calculus
General and Organic Chemistry with labs
English or Composition
Mathematics or Statistics
Microbiology
Physics with labs
Social Sciences and Humanities
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising
Visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry for more information
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.
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:
Biology with labs
General and Organic Chemistry with labs
Humanities
Physics with labs
Social Sciences
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising
Visit the Pharmacy College Application Service for more information
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.
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
Visit the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine for more information
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.
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 our BA in Health, Medicine and Society
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.
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.
Learn more about our Master of Social Work
Learn more about our Accelerated Dual-Degree BA or BS / Master of Social Work (3+2)
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.
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.
Requirements and expectations differ by institution and program.
Visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for more information
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.
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:
Biology with labs
General and Organic Chemistry with labs
Humanities
Mathematics or Statistics
Microbiology
Physics with labs
Social Sciences
Learn more about our Designation in Pre-Medical Studies and Advising
Visit the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges for more information
August 30, 2022
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