Preparation for Graduate Studies and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Education

University of the Cumberlands provides students many opportunities to prepare for graduate studies or post baccalaureate professional education. Many majors include specific options or tracks intended for those preparing for post-baccalaureate study. These curricula are outlined in the programs of study detailed later in this catalog. Among these programs are the following pre-professional areas:

Pre-Seminary:

The Ministry and Religious Vocations - University of the Cumberlands encourages students who are preparing for full-time Christian service. We recognize that full-time Christian service includes serving in the local church and in missions, but we also recognize that Christian service goes well beyond these areas of ministry. Churches and denominations need people well versed in many academic disciplines. The University’s broadbased general education curriculum combined with study in a major field provides excellent preparation for effective ministry in the future. In addition, the curricula of the Department of Missions & Ministry provide several tracks that enable students to develop their interests in
particular areas of ministry and religious vocation.

Pre-Engineering:

Detailed information for students who are planning ultimately to pursue an engineering degree may be found among of the programs of the Mathematics and Physics Department. These materials outline the requirements and expectations for those wishing to pursue a rigorous dual degree program, potentially earning an applied physics degree from UC and an engineering degree from an engineering school over five years of study.

Pre-Law:

Information on sound preparation for law school is described with the curricula of the History and Political Science Department. There is no preferred major for admission to law school; however, popular majors have been History, Political Science, English, and Business. Regardless of major, students who go on to law school need to have effective communication and critical thinking skills. Moreover, students should have a basic understanding of our legal system and an appreciation for the values that support it. UC provides a variety of coursework that will prepare pre-law students to sit for the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT).

Pre-Medicine Pre-Veterinary Science, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physical Therapy:

Most students intending to pursue one of these professional areas after graduation choose to major in biology or chemistry. Preprofessional advisors are available in both of these disciplines to assist in planning an appropriate course of study and in understanding the entrance procedures and requirements of various post-baccalaureate programs. More information on a recommended course of studies for these preprofessional interests is provided with the curricula of the Biology Department and the Chemistry Department later in this catalog.

Pre-Pharmacy:

Students interested in a pharmacy career generally begin their undergraduate studies as chemistry majors before applying to a pharmacy school after two or three years of coursework. A minimum of 60 hours of undergraduate courses is required for admission to most schools of pharmacy. With the assistant of the Chemistry Department’s pre-pharmacy advisor, students will plan a specific program to meet the requirements of the school of pharmacy to which the student plans to seek admission. More information on an appropriate course of study for pre pharmacy students may be found with the curricula of the Chemistry Department later in this catalog.

Pre-Physician Assistant:

The recommended curriculum for students intended to pursue a career as a physician assistant is detailed later in this catalog in the description of the programs of the Biology Department. This interdisciplinary curriculum includes a rigorous course of studies in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. After three years of undergraduate coursework, strong students may be able to apply to a Physician Assistant Studies program like UC’s dual degree program, which leads to both a B.S. and master’s degree after five plus years of study. Or students may complete an undergraduate degree and then apply to the PA program at UC or one elsewhere.

Programs

Advising Pathway