Students who desire to prepare for professional schools are strongly advised to seek training that is broadly based in the liberal arts. Most professional schools seek individuals with diversity of backgrounds. No single pattern of study is considered as necessary. Aside from meeting the basic requirements for entrance to a professional school, the student is encouraged to concentrate in the subject area of primary interest. A wide range of selective courses provides an opportunity for breadth of training and an exposure to a variety of academic disciplines.
MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY The requirements for entrance to the different schools of medicine or dentistry vary. All recognize the desirability of a good foundation in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics), communication, social sciences and humanities. The student should be familiar with the requirements of the respective professional school.
In the year prior to the anticipated entrance to medical or dental school, the candidate for admission must take the Professional Aptitude Test. The pre-medical student must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The pre-dental student must have the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) administered by the American Dental Association. The test must be taken before application is made to the medical or dental school.
The undergraduate major may be chosen from any major in the college curriculum so long as the professional school requirements in biology, math, chemistry, and physics are met.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY MidAmerica Nazarene University offers courses meeting the pre- professional requirements for the Registry of Medical Technologists of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. This pre-professional program is followed by enrollment in an approved school of medical technology.
An example of a pre-professional curriculum is shown below. However, requirements of medical technology programs vary. The student should be familiar with the requirements of the programs in which they are interested.
- Basic Skills
- English Composition I and II 6 hours
- Strategic Communications 3 hours
- College Algebra 3 hours
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Four courses from three different areas 12 hours
- Social and Behavioral Science
- General Psychology 3 hours
- Social Science Electives 6 hours
- Natural Sciences
- General Organismal Biology 4 hours
- General Molecular Biology 4 hours
- Microbiology 5 hours
- Physiology 4 hours
- General Chemistry I and II 8 hours
- Organic Chemistry I and II 9 hours
- Biochemistry 4 hours
Students may proceed to careers in medical technology by either of two tracks:
- Completion of all requirements for the BA degree at MNU, including the general education and major requirements. The major may be any of those offered in the University so long as the basic pre-professional science and mathematics requirements are met. This is followed by clinical study in any approved hospital school of medical technology to which the student gains admission.
- Completion of the pre-professional requirements at MNU followed by admission to a school for completion of a degree in Medical Technology/ Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
The Pre-Professional Programs offered through the Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences Department at MNU feature experiences and coursework that will prepare students for entry into graduate-level professional programs culminating in a variety of science, health-related, and engineering careers. Through the assistance of professors within the department, students can develop a “custom” course program that will prepare them for their desired career. Articulation agreements are in place with multiple graduate-level professional programs to support acceptance of MNU students.
Articulation Agreements between MNU and the following colleges and universities are listed below:
Cleveland Chiropractic College
Kansas City University
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
Kansas State University
- Professional Science Master’s in Applied Biosciences
- Master of Science in Veterinary Biomedical Science
Rockhurst University
- Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
Southwest Baptist University
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Sterling College
- Master of Science in Athletic Training
University of St. Mary
• Master of Science in Athletic Training
- Doctorate of Occupational Therapy
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Washington University
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering
- Master of Science in Engineering
Pre-Pharmacy. Students may prepare for professional study in pharmacy by taking their two- year pre-pharmacy work at MNU. Although specific requirements may vary, the following should be included in the pre-pharmacy curriculum.
- Calculus I and II 9 hours
- General Chemistry I and II 8 hours
- Organic Chemistry I and II 9 hours
- Physics I for the Health Sciences 4 hours
OR
- Physics I for Scientists & Engineers
- General Organismal Biology 4 hours
- General Molecular Biology 4 hours
- English Composition I and II 6 hours
- Public Speaking 3 hours
- Electives in Humanities and Social Sciences 3 hours
Pre-law. According to The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools, “there is no recommended set of pre- law courses. Law schools prefer that you reserve your legal study for law school and fill your undergraduate curriculum with broad, diverse, and challenging courses. Pre-law courses that introduce you to broad legal principles may present you with enough information to decide whether you want to continue with a legal education… .” In order to do this, students may consider pursuing a Minor in Legal Studies.
Law schools desire prospective students to have developed the ability to read, write and think clearly, to be able to analyze and synthesize material, and in general to have a broad base of knowledge upon which to build their specialized legal education.
At MNU there is no specific major for students interested in pre-law programs. However, pre- law students have the option of majoring in history or criminal justice which could include two semesters of accounting, two semesters of economics, writing, speaking, and literature courses, ethics, and similar applicable courses. Curriculum should be developed in consultation with the Criminal Justice pre-law advisor.
As well, MNU business students are well prepared for law school and have been admitted into nationally ranked law schools around the country. Many law school courses such as contract law, products liability law, agency law, corporate law, business organizations, federal tax law, estates and trusts, etc. are business based. In addition to a business degree, business students should consider electives in writing, speaking, literature, American history and criminology. Business students interested in a legal career are encouraged to see the Business Department’s pre-law advisor.
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