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Pre-Professional Studies

Find Your Passion at Southeastern

Cara and MikaelAnn Worsham found their passion at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and are now in medical and dental schools. Whether pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine, your future starts at Southeastern.

Programs

Dental Hygiene Open Close

Most dental hygiene programs require 60 semester hours of prerequisite college coursework before matriculation. These courses can be very specific and students are encouraged to visit with an advisor as soon as possible if they are considering dental hygiene. All required coursework must be completed with grade of “C” or better and an overall minimum GPA of 2.5.

Recommended courses at Southeastern typically include the following: English Composition I & II (ENG 1113 & 1213), Speech (COMM 1233 or 2133), Statistics (STAT 2153), History (HIS 1513 or 1523), General Chemistry I with lab (CHEM 1315), Human Physiology (BIOL 3614), Human Anatomy (BIOL 3624), Microbiology (BIOL 2114), Nutrition (BIOL 1133), Political Science (POSC 1513), Psychology (PSY 1113), and Sociology (SOC 1113). In addition, three semester hours are needed in each of the following categories: understanding art forms, western civilization and non-western culture. Additional coursework will also be necessary to reach the required total of 60 hours.

Other courses recommended or required by some dental hygiene programs include General Chemistry II with lab and mathematics.

Most schools require that all application materials be submitted no later than January 15th of the year within which admission is desired, but earlier applications are encouraged. Scores on the ACT or SAT is also required of some schools. All dental hygiene programs require observation hours. Consult the specific school website for the exact number.

For additional information or advisement, contact Dr. Steve McKim in the Department of Chemistry, Computer and Physical Sciences.

Dentistry Open Close

Basic admission requirements to most dental schools are include a minimum of 90 semester hours of course work. However, the majority of students who are admitted have completed more credit hours and will have received a bachelor’s degree before matriculation

Course requirements for entrance into most dental schools include the following: English Composition I & II (ENG 1113 & 1213), General Chemistry I & II with lab (CHEM 1315 & 1415), Organic Chemistry I & II with lab (CHEM 3053, 3153, 3062 & 3162), Biochemistry (CHEM 4115), Physics I & II with lab (PHYS 1114 & 1214), and Psychology (PSY 1113). In addition, a minimum of eight semester hours are needed in biological sciences. A minimum grade of “C” is required for each prerequisite course.

Students are required to take the American Dental Association Dental Admission Test (DAT) the year preceding the desired year of dental school admission. The DAT is administered on computer by the Sylvan Learning Centers and students register online. A dental school applicant may retake the test a total of three times and must wait 90 days between testing dates.

Observation hours at a dentist office are required by all dental programs for admission. Some schools require as many as 100 documented hours.

Most dental schools participate in the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Candidates are encouraged to apply early online in the fall preceding the year of desired admittance. Strong applicants will be invited for an on campus interview.

For additional information or advisement, contact the Dr. Steve McKim in the Department of Chemistry, Computer and Physical Sciences.

Engineering Open Close

If you want a career in engineering, you may complete two years of college at Southeastern before enrolling in an engineering school. The basic pre-engineering courses are roughly the same for all types of engineering programs, although specific engineering disciplines may require additional courses also available at Southeastern. It is recommended that you obtain a catalog from the engineering school and program of your choice before enrollment at Southeastern or during your first year of college.

The following courses are recommended and transferable to most engineering schools: general chemistry (5 semester hours minimum, beginning with CHEM 1315), general physics I & II (PHYS 1114 & 1214), computer programming (CS 1613 computer science I), calculus I & II (MATH 2215 & MATH 2315 and any math prerequisites), differential equations (MATH 3213), English (6 semester hours, such as ENG 1113 & 1213 English Composition I & II), American history (3 semester hours), American government (3 semester hours), and social sciences and humanities (10-12 semester hours).

For additional information, contact the Dr. Nancy Paiva in the Department of Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences.

Medicine (M.D. & D.O.) Open Close

Students interested in medicine can pursue admission to either a college of medicine (MD) or school of osteopathic medicine (DO) after their undergraduate education. Most schools have a prerequisite of three years or 90 semester hours of college course work; however, the majority of students who are admitted will have received their bachelor’s degree upon entry. Interested students are encouraged to meet with an advisor as soon as possible to determine a major/minor program. It is important to understand that a student may major in any discipline as long as the minimum requirements for admission are met.

Coursework should include the following: English 3 semesters (ENG 1113, 1213 & 1 other course – ENG 4970 is recommended), General Chemistry I & II with lab (CHEM 1315 & 1415), Organic Chemistry I & II with lab (CHEM 3053, 3153, 3062 & 3162), Physics I & II with lab (PHYS 1114 & 1214), and Principles of Biology I (BIOL 1404). Biochemistry I (CHEM 4115) is also recommended. In addition, at least 1 more semester course is needed in biological sciences and any combination of 3 semester courses are necessary from anthropology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, humanities or a foreign language. A minimum grade of “C” is required for each prerequisite course along with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Additional study in the social sciences, humanities, mathematics (calculus is recommended), fine arts, computer science, English, biology and/or chemistry is encouraged.

Applicants are also required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This exam is now offered as a computerized exam multiple times during the year between January and September. A student may only take the MCAT a maximum of three times per year and may only register for one exam administration at a time. A minimum score of 21, average of 7.0, is required to be considered for admission.

Observation hours at a doctor’s office or in a hospital setting are required by all medical programs for admission. Some schools require documented hours. The more varied the experiences the better.

Applications for admission to a college of medicine are processed through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website. Applications open in June with a deadline for filing an application of October 15th of the year preceding desired admission. Strong applicants will be invited for an on campus interview.

Applications for admission to a school of osteopathic medicine are processed through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) website. Deadlines vary by school but early in the fall semester the year preceding desired admission is the best time to apply. Strong applicants will be invited for on campus interviews.

For additional information or advisement, contact Dr. Steve McKim, Dr. Tim Smith, or Dr. Jonathan Zhang in the Department of Chemistry, Computer, or Physical Science.

Nursing Open Close

Nursing is an exciting and rewarding profession that involves both the art and the science of nursing. Professional nurses are in high demand in today’s health care system. Professional nurses are recognized for their skills, judgment and decision making ability. Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between successful patient recovery and the number of baccalaureate nurses providing care.

Nutritional Science Open Close

The requirements for nutritional science programs are different for the various schools. See Dr. Diane Dixon for advisement for the various programs. Many of our students go to the University of Oklahoma. To learn more of OU’s program click here.

Occupational Therapy Open Close

The requirements for occupational therapy programs are different for the various schools. See Dr. Diane Dixon or Dr. Ning Wu for advisement for the various programs. Even though only 90 hours are required for most programs, most students have a bachelor’s degree in biology before they enter the programs. Many of our students go to the University of Oklahoma. To learn more of OU’s program click here.

Optometry Open Close

Most programs recommend a B.S./B.A. in science (chemistry, biology, or interdisciplinary medical sciences degree) for admission. 100% of the entering students at Northeastern Oklahoma State University had a B.S./B.A. upon admission.

The course work to be completed at time of application to the optometry program include:

General Chemistry I and II with laboratory (CHEM 1315 and CHEM 1415)
General Physics with laboratory (PHYS 1114 or 2015 and PHYS 1214 or 2115)
Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory (CHEM 3053/3062 and CHEM 3153/3162) (note: CHEM 3015 is not acceptable to fulfill this requirement)
Biochemistry I (CHEM 4115)
Principles of Biology I and II with laboratory (BIOL 1404 and 1504)
Microbiology (BIOL 2114)
English Grammar and Composition (ENG 1113 and ENG 1213) requires “C” or higher
Mathematics (6 semester hours), including college algebra (MATH 1513) and trigonometry (MATH 1613) however calculus (MATH 2215) is required at several optometry programs
Statistics (STAT 2153)
Psychology (PSY 1113)

Other courses which are strongly recommended include human anatomy (BIOL 3614) and human physiology (BIOL 3624), social sciences, humanities, public speaking (COMM 2213), analytic geometry (MATH 2113), computer science (CIS 1003), accounting (ACCT 2103), and experimental psychology (PSY 3433).

The applicant must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), and scores must be submitted to the optometry program. The OAT should be taken the fall semester before you plan to apply. A minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0 or higher is required for all U.S. optometry programs.

The same requirements will generally apply to other schools of optometry, however these specific requirements only address the program at Northeastern Oklahoma State University.

For additional information, contact Dr. Tim Smith in the Department of Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences and visit the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry for more details about optometry as a career.

Pharmacy Open Close

Most schools of pharmacy require 58-64 semester hours which typically include the following courses: general chemistry I and II with laboratory (CHEM 1315 and CHEM 1415); organic chemistry I and II with laboratory (CHEM 3053/3062 and CHEM 3153/3162); Calculus (MATH 2143 or MATH 2215); General Physics I (PHYS 1114); and biology (12-16 semester hours), typically including principles of biology I & II (BIOL 1404 and BIOL 1504), microbiology (BIOL 2214), human physiology (BIOL 3614), and/or human anatomy (BIOL 3624). However more than 90% of all students that are accepted into a pharmacy have entered a B.S. by the time they enter.

The programs at OUHSC and SWOSU vary significantly in their requirements for specific general education courses. Consult the program of interest to be sure you fulfill their requirements.

Most applicants have obtained a B.S. at the time of acceptance into a pharmacy program. Applicants should meet the minimum cumulative GPA, plan to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and make application for admission ten months prior to the beginning of study at a school of pharmacy.

For advisement in Pre-Pharmacy, set up and appointment with Dr. Srimal Garusinghe or Dr. Tim Smith.

Physician Assistant Open Close

The requirements for physician assistant programs are different for the various schools. See Dr. Diane Dixon or Dr. Ning Wu for advisement for the various programs. Even though only 90 hours are required for most programs, most students have a bachelor’s degree in biology before they enter the programs. Many of our students go to the University of Oklahoma. To learn more of OU’s program click here.

Physical Therapy Open Close

The requirements for physical therapy programs are different for the various schools. See Dr. Diane Dixon or Dr. Ning Wu for advisement for the various programs. Even though only 90 hours are required for most programs, most students have a bachelor’s degree in biology before they enter the programs. Many of our students go to the University of Oklahoma. To learn more of OU’s program click here.

Radiologic Technology Open Close

The requirements for radiologic technology programs are different for the various schools. See Dr. Diane Dixon for advisement for the various programs. Many of our students go to the University of Oklahoma. To learn more of OU’s program click here.

Veterinary Medicine Open Close

The requirements for veterinary medicine programs are different for the various schools. See Dr. Diane Dixon or Dr. Doug Wood for advisement for the various programs. Even though only 90 hours are required for most programs, most students have a bachelor’s degree (major biology, minor chemistry or double biology/chemistry major) before they enter the programs. Many of our students go to Oklahoma State University. To learn more of OSU’s program click here.

 

Catalog Listing Course Title

Hours

ENG 1113 Composition I

3

ENG 1213 Composition II

3

ENG 3903 Technical and Professional Writing

3

CHEM 1315 General Chemistry I

5

CHEM 1415 General Chemistry II

5

CHEM 3053 Organic Chemistry I

3

CHEM 3062 Organic Chemistry I Laboratory

2

CHEM 3153 Organic Chemistry II

3

CHEM 3162 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory

2

CHEM 4115 Biochemistry

5

MATH 1513 College Algebra

3

MATH 1613 Trigonometry

3

PHYS 1114 General Physics I

4

PHYS 1214 General Physics II

4

ANSI 3543 Principles of Animal Nutrition (OSU)

3

BIOL 1404 Principles of Biology I

4

BIOL 1504 Principles of Biology II

4

ZOOL 2114 General Zoology

4

BIOL 2114 Introductory Microbiology

4

BIOL 3404 Genetics

4

Humanities/Social Sciences

6

TOTAL

77

Additional Recommended Courses: BIOL 3814 (Cell and Molecular Biology), BIOL 3614 (Human Physiology), and BIOL 4314 (Immunology).

Applicants for regular admission must complete all pre-veterinary course requirements or will have completed them by the last day of the spring term immediately following the application deadline and must have a grade point average (GPA) in the required courses of at least 2.80.

A grade lower than “C” in a required course is unacceptable. The applicant may repeat a course, in which case the hours and grade points of the repeated course will be added to those of the original course in calculating the required course GPA.

All courses taken for the purpose of substitution must be completed by the end of fall term. Applicants taking any required course by correspondence must have their grades received by the Veterinary Medicine Admissions Office by June 1 of the year of application.

Both the GRE General and Biology Subject Tests are required.

All documents (GRE scores, fall grades, etc.) must be received by the admissions office by of the year of application.

The preprofessional curriculum may be completed at most accredited institutions of higher learning, but courses and credits are subject to evaluation by Oklahoma State University. In any case, the prescribed minimum number of semester credit hours and laboratories must be met.

Completion of required pre-veterinary courses and the fulfillment of other minimum requirements does not assure acceptance into the College of Veterinary Medicine. Therefore, applicants who have not already earned a baccalaureate degree are advised to choose additional courses that fulfill requirements for a degree in the event they are not admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine.

While completion of a baccalaureate degree is not required, it is strongly encouraged. Prospective applicants are encouraged to take a rigorous course load to prepare for the high number of credit hours in each semester of the professional curriculum. Taking into consideration the student’s interests as well as the B.S. or B.A. degree requirements, undergraduate advisors provide guidance in choosing electives.

If a student at Oklahoma State University is admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine prior to earning a baccalaureate degree, it may be possible to complete that degree while pursuing the D.V.M. degree. Detailed information concerning such programs is available from the undergraduate advisors at OSU.

For more information contact: Dr. Steve McKim.

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