Pre-Professional Programs

The alumni of Lakeland University have experienced success in a broad range of professions, including law, medicine, dentistry, social work, business management, teaching, health care administration, and the ministry. Leaders in these fields consistently emphasize the advantages of liberal arts training in preparation for such professions. Consequently, Lakeland makes every possible effort through its career counseling and academic advising to provide adequate information about professional options for Lakeland students.

While many of the pre-professional courses of study are identified as specific majors or programs within the Lakeland curriculum, some are not as clearly identified. Students with professional career interests are asked to direct their inquiries about professional preparation to Lakeland faculty in the appropriate major areas and/or to the Career Development Office.

It is important to note that requirements for admission vary among graduate schools and only those students with better-than-average college achievement are admitted to professional graduate schools. Therefore, initiative in discovering graduate entrance requirements, aggressiveness in seeking faculty counsel, and diligence in achieving excellence in all coursework at the undergraduate level should be considered minimal prerequisites for professional graduate training.

Pre-Professional Programs in the School of Science, Technology, and Education

Students interested in pursuing professional careers in the fields of medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary, physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic are strongly encouraged to complete a bachelor of sciences degree with a major in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or exercise science. In addition, at least one year of physics and one year of calculus course work are strongly recommended to be properly prepared for success with the necessary entrance exams for their field of choice.

Pre-Law

To best prepare for law school, a student must develop strong communication and analytical skills and focus on coursework pertaining to the eventual field or area of law they hope to practice. Many available majors allow you to accomplish this. In addition to the typical academic advisor relationship from which all Lakeland University students benefit, those interested in law will also have a senior administrator of the university, who holds a degree in law, at their disposal to offer additional advice and provide a real-world understanding of the legal profession and how students may best prepare themselves for it.

Pre-Ministry

A major in religion with a strong liberal-arts background is recommended. All pre-theological students should be advised by the university chaplain and the other members of the philosophy and religion programs who will be able to direct interested students into specific courses and special opportunities for pre-theological students.