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 Cooperative Education & Career Readiness 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 J. Garland Schilcutt School of Business, Science, and Technology

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 science degree with a major in biology, chemistry and biochemistry, or exercise science. In addition, at least eight (8) semester hours of physics and eight (8) semester hours of calculus course work are strongly recommended to be properly prepared for the necessary entrance exams.

Pre-Law

To best prepare for law school, students 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 support these skills.

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.