Pre-Professional Program Areas
Law
Ministry
Medicine
Veterinary Science
Dentistry
Optometry
Professional schools in such fields as law, the medical professions, and theology rarely specify the undergraduate major. They do, however, recommend certain courses of study. Defiance College provides special faculty advisors in each of these fields to help the student prepare wisely for professional school.
Upon completion of the program you will be prepared to take entrance exams and apply to most Graduate Professional schools in these areas. The pre-professional program offers most of the classes required for acceptance into professional and graduate schools. Our students have had great success getting into these programs because of the depth of knowledge gained at Defiance College.
Course selection is individualized from a broad range of courses and internships.
Major Brochure
Defiance College offers programs in pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary science pre-chiropractic, and pre-optometry. A student in any of these fields is urged to use a Summer Term for field experiences in hospitals and clinics to gain first hand experience with practicing professionals.
Pre-Medical
The pre-medical student should major in Molecular Biology. The major should include chemistry (general, organic, and quantitative analysis,) general biology (botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology, and human anatomy and physiology), a year of physics, and electives as recommended by the preferred medical schools. However, many medical schools are seeking a variety of backgrounds in their students and the pre-medical student is encouraged to develop verbal skills by electing several speech and literature courses. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required and should be taken in the spring of the junior year or the fall of the senior year. Defiance College offers the required programs for admission to medical colleges, osteopathic medical colleges, and chiropractic medical colleges.
Pre-Dentistry
The pre-dentistry student should major in Molecular Biology. The major should include chemistry (general, organic, and quantitative analysis,) biology (botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology, and human anatomy and physiology), a year of physics, and electives as recommended by the preferred dental schools. An applicant to dental school must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This test is usually taken in the fall or spring of the year before expected enrollment in dental school.
Pre-Veterinary Science
The pre-veterinary science student should major in Molecular Biology. The major should include chemistry (general, organic, and quantitative analysis), biology (botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology, comparative anatomy, and physiology), a year of physics, and electives as recommended by preferred veterinary schools. Farm experience with livestock is desirable, as is work in animal clinics or veterinary hospitals.
Pre-Optometry
The pre-optometry student should major in Molecular Biology. This major includes chemistry (general, organic, and biochemistry), biology (botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology), a year of physics, and selected mathematics courses. The optometry admissions test should be taken in the fall of the senior year.
Pre-Law
A student interested in law should acquire a solid educational background which includes the humanities, history, the social sciences, mathematics, and language skills. English studies are of proven special importance. A recommended program of study for a pre-law student would include courses in literature, speech, a year of accounting, a course in logic, and advanced courses in composition or creative writing. Most law schools require the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). For additional information, the student should consult the current pre-law handbook, published in October and prepared by the Law School Admission Test Council and The Association of American Law Schools. It is available in the Office of Career and Student Assistance. -more information-
Pre-Ministry
To become an ordained minister in major Christian denominations often requires a master’s degree. Students who eventually seek to enter a master’s program at a theological seminary may pursue an undergraduate major, but they should have a broad educational background in arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Select courses in Biblical studies, theology, world religions, and Christian Education are especially recommended. Some courses in business, communication, and education also may provide practical knowledge that is useful for ministry. We encourage significant experience providing service to others. Mastery of a foreign language is often recommended or required by seminaries, as is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Because admission requirements vary, students should contact schools of interest early in their undergraduate program. They also should consult with a faculty member in religious studies and the Campus Minister, as well as the Office of Career and Student Assistance.
Nathan Griggs, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
419-783-2592 | ngriggs@defiance.edu
Spiro Mavroidis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
419-783-2494 | smavroidis@defiance.edu | Faculty Profile
Mary Ann Studer, M.S., Assistant Professor of Physical Science:
419-783-2555 | mstuder@defiance.edu | Faculty Profile
