2013–2015 Undergraduate College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Pre-Professional Studies
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Dual-Degree Program in Chemistry/Engineering or Physics/Engineering
A transfer agreement between Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering (CSE) allows Saint Mary’s students who major either in chemistry (CHEM) or physics with an engineering sciences emphasis (PHES) to choose a course of studies leading to a paired liberal arts/engineering degree. Students with sufficient precollege preparation can follow one of eight (see areas below) dual-degree engineering program paradigms to direct their completion of coursework requirements for their CHEM or PHES major in three years’ study at Saint Mary’s. They would then apply to transfer to the CSE via a facilitated transfer process into their chosen engineering major program; complete the additional requirements at CSE for that major; and graduate with two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in either CHEM or PHES, bestowed by Saint Mary’s; and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in one of eight engineering fields. These include CHEM: chemical engineering; PHES: aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, geoengineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science engineering or mehanical engineering), granted by CSE. Normal progress toward program completion would result in the Saint Mary’s B.A. being earned by the end of the first year at CSE (that is, the fourth year in the program), and the B.Eng. at the end of the second year at CSE (the fifth program year).
Students interested in the dual-degree program in one of these eight engineering areas should consult the chemistry or physics department chair for program prerequisites and specific course requirements.
Pre-Health Professions
Dental, Medical, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy
Randy Krainock, Ph.D., Advisor
Saint Mary’s University does not require any particular major for those students interested in applying to dental, medical, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, veterinary medicine or similar professional programs. Diverse majors are acceptable for admission to these schools provided that the pre-requisite course work has been completed. Majors in biology, biochemistry, chemistry or physics at Saint Mary’s provide the sequences of science courses that are necessary for application. Science advisers in collaboration with students carefully monitor the prerequisite requirements of individual schools to ensure that students are prepared to apply to the professional program of choice. Pre-health professional course work includes the courses listed in the biology core and the majority of those courses listed in section B of the biology major requirements. In addition, Saint Mary’s requires course work in the liberal arts and humanities to foster the development of critical thinking, logic and reflective ethical decision analysis. Over the course of the student’s undergraduate career observations of health professional activities, research experiences and the development of a resume are encouraged. Specific course paradigms for each health field are available.
Pre-Law
Lawrence Price, J.D., J.C.L., Advisor
The successful study and practice of law requires both language mastery and the ability to understand abstract concepts. There is no pre-law major per se, but students interested in studying law are encouraged to take those courses which promote complex analysis and clarity of communication. Traditional pre-law courses are usually language intensive, such as courses in English, philosophy or history. Political science and business administration courses are also helpful because these subjects often provide the context for many legal issues. Furthermore, courses which stress technical mastery such as math and science courses can also be beneficial. In general, students should take courses which require extensive written work and promote the development of clear analysis. Admission to law school requires early application and the taking of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) by February of the student’s senior year at the latest. For students with a serious interest in the study of law, there is the possibility of an independent study course or an internship. Please contact the pre-law advisor if there are other questions.
ProgramsPre-Professional
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