Clarion University will grant a baccalaureate degree to a student who has successfully completed the first year of studies at an accredited school of medicine, dentistry, osteopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, podiatric medicine, or optometry, provided the student has met the following requirements:
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completion of all Clarion University general education requirements for the degree sought;
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achievement of reasonable proficiency in the student's major as certified by the chair of the department and dean of the college;
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completion of 90-96 semester hours at Clarion University or in credits accepted in transfer by Clarion University to total 120; and
- submission of a transcript from the professional school certifying successful completion of the first year.
The student must complete all requirements stated above and must apply for graduation prior to entering the professional school. Students eligible to receive the baccalaureate degree shall be permitted to participate in the Clarion University graduation ceremony.
Pre-Engineering
Since curricular requirements vary among engineering schools and fields of specialization, students planning to transfer to a school of engineering must give careful consideration to the requirements of the institutions to which they intend to apply and, with the exception of those in the Cooperative Engineering Program, should plan to transfer no later than at the completion of their sophomore year. The following courses should be included in their programs at Clarion: MATH 270, 271, 272, 350, 370; CHEM 151, 152, 161, 162; PH 258/268 and 259/269. Interested students should contact the Physics Department.
Pre-Law Studies
No particular major is required for admission to law school because law schools desire a broad-based undergraduate education that will prepare a student to read, write, and think. However, because law deals with human institutions and values, some courses are recommended. English language and literature courses are indispensable. Students also should be aware of the institutional processes by which laws are made, and thus courses in political science and history are vital. Economics and accounting are helpful as well. Philosophy and computer science courses can help develop essential logic and problem solving skills. For specific course recommendations or further information, interested students are strongly urged to contact the pre-law advisor in the Department of Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy. Additionally, Clarion University students are also eligible to participate in "3+3" early admission and/or joint degree programs with Widener University School of Law and Duquesne University School of Law.
Pre-Master of Business Administration Option
The College of Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with the College of Business Administration, has prepared a program at the baccalaureate level which provides the basic courses needed for further graduate training for business careers. Undergraduate students intending to complete the pre-M.B.A. option will meet the university's general education and special College of Business Administration requirements, will complete an arts and sciences major of choice, and will be advised to enroll in specific business administration and related core courses. Students completing the suggested courses in business may meet the requirements for a business administration minor. Requests to declare this minor should be filed in the dean's office of the College of Business Administration. However, completion of the suggested undergraduate courses does not guarantee admission to any graduate business program. The courses provide the student with a background suitable for study at the graduate level.
The student, through consultation with the pre-M.B.A. advisor, will first take lower-division skills and general knowledge courses. These courses should help students assess their ability and interest in business subjects and may also provide background preparation for assistantships during their graduate study. The courses, or approved equivalents, include ECON 211, 212; ECON 221 or MATH 221; ECON 222; CIS 217; MATH 232 or 270; ACTG 251, 252; and BSAD 240.
The student will gain admission to the upper-division business courses by (1) maintaining at least a 2.0 QPA both in business courses and overall; (2) earning at least 50 credits, or junior standing; and (3) planning to register for the GMAT during the junior year, taking the examination during the first semester of the senior year. The upper division courses suggested are FIN 370; MGMT 320, 425; and MKTG 360. Achievement of a 2.75 QPA is generally considered to be minimally acceptable for admission to the M.B.A. Program.
The arts and sciences pre-M.B.A. student may not take more than 30 undergraduate credits in the College of Business Administration at Clarion unless formally admitted to Clarion's M.B.A. Program. Changes in the requirements for admission to the upper-division courses, as well as in the list of suggested appropriate courses, may be made upon approval. Students should consult Dr. Soga Ewedemi, the pre-M.B.A. advisor, before registration each term.
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Chiropractic, and Related Fields
Students who enroll at Clarion intending to enter a professional school for the study of medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy, are advised by the Pre-Professional Committee. While students may choose any academic major, they must complete sufficient course work in the sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts to meet admission requirements established by the professional schools. In addition to academic requirements, many professional schools expect applicants to have engaged in specific kinds of services related to the profession and to be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the profession through these services. Students must also take an admissions examination designed by the professional association to assist admissions committees in evaluating the applicant's preparation for that profession. Such examinations (MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc.) normally are taken near the end of the junior year or the beginning of the senior year at Clarion. Clarion University has entered into a "3+4" affiliation agreement with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), whereby qualified Clarion students can complete their senior year of college at LECOM while beginning their medical training. Clarion University also has a "3+4" affiliation agreement with Logan College of Chiropractic whereby qualified Clarion students can complete their final year of college while beginning their chiropractic training.
Because the following courses usually are required by professional schools, it is recommended students complete the following work at Clarion:
BIOL 155: Principles of Biology I
BIOL 165: Principles of Biology I Laboratory
CHEM 153/163: General Chemistry I
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CHEM 151/161: Chemical Principles I
CHEM 251/262: Organic Chemistry I
PH 251: General Physics I
MATH 270: Calculus I
ENG 111: Writing II
BIOL 451: Animal Physiology
CHEM 154/164: General Chemistry II
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CHEM 152/162: Chemical Principles II
CHEM 252/262: Organic Chemistry II
PH 252: General Physics II
ENG 200: Composition and Literature
Students also must complete requirements for an academic major within a specific department. If the student chooses to major in one of the sciences, the above courses may be included in the major.
Requirements for admission to specific professional schools vary slightly; thus, the student must determine such requirements through the Pre-Professional Committee.
The Pre-Professional Committee will assist students in arranging to take admissions examinations and preparing admissions materials. For information, send inquiries to Department of Biology, Chair, Pre-Professional Committee.
To ensure proper advisement, students must contact the Pre-Professional Committee at once.
Pre-Pharmacy
It is possible for students to transfer to a school of pharmacy after the completion of either the freshman or sophomore year. In either case, students should carefully check the requirements of the school they wish to enter. Students who plan two years of pre-pharmacy study at Clarion are eligible for a "2+3" accelerated pharmacy program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), School of Pharmacy. This program is competitive and incoming freshmen students should contact the Admissions Office at Clarion University for details. Interested pre-pharmacy students should also contact the pre-professional committee, Department of Biology, for additional information and assistance.
