Catalog

Postbaccalaureate Premedical Graduate Certificate

The Department of Natural Sciences offers a program leading to the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate. The purpose of the program is to prepare students whose undergraduate background lacks the necessary science and mathematics requirements fo entrance into medical, veterinary, or dental school or into programs such as pharmacy or physical therapy.

The Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program takes approximately two years and the coursework receives academic credit. The curriculum is taught by experienced faculty in natural sciences and mathematics. An individualized program is planned to meet the needs of each student. Upon completion of 16 units with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the curriculum listed below, a Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate is awarded.

Most of the program consists of day classes and students may work part-time while completing the program. Individual assistance with the application process for specific professional schools is provided.

Curriculum

Courses in the following subject areas (numbered 400-499) are adjusted to individual needs. (All prerequisites for these courses must be met.)

General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Calculus or Statistics
Precalculus Mathematics
General Biology
Developmental Biology
Vertebrate Zoology
Genetics
Physiology
Microbiology
Additional Natural Sciences or Mathematics Courses

See the undergraduate programs in Biology, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics and Statistics for course listings. Courses taken for certificate credit are numbered 400-499 and are cross-listed with undergraduate courses.

Admission Requirements

A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Interview with the Program Director
TOEFL score of 550 for international students
A cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or better, preferably 3.0

Application deadlines are August 1 for the Fall Semester and December 1 for the Spring Semester.