Pre-Professional Programs
Career Opportunities
With numerous opportunities to choose from, Alma graduates have many ways to prepare for satisfying careers in a wide range of professions. A few examples are:
Military Service. An agreement with Central Michigan University enables students to enroll in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) military science courses there. After demonstrating suitable progress, students may qualify for scholarship aid or for commissions in the U.S. Army. Contact the Vice President for Enrollment.
Pre-Dentistry. A minimum of three years of college is required for admission to dental schools although most students complete four. Required courses usually include English composition, inorganic and organic chemistry, biology or zoology, and physics. Specific information can be obtained from the Pre-Dentistry advisor or the dental school. Contact: Integrated Health Studies Institute.
Pre-Engineering. Students can begin engineering studies at Alma College and complete them at an engineering college. Pre-engineering students typically choose majors in physics, chemistry, mathematics or computer science.
Pre-engineering students need not make an immediate choice between the two programs described below. Rather they should explore their interests by taking appropriate courses in physics and mathematics. It is usually sufficient to make a program decision by the midpoint of the junior year. The options for study are
- Dual-Degree (3–2) Program. Students may study three years at Alma and then transfer to an engineering college to complete engineering training in two more years. At the end of five years, the student will have earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Science from Alma College and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the engineering college.
- Bachelor's-Master's (4–2) Program. Students may study four years at Alma, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in an appropriate major and then enter an engineering graduate program to complete a master's degree in a chosen field.
Pre-Law. No particular major is required for students interested in law school. Students should elect courses which are academically and intellectually challenging. Students also should elect courses that focus on critical thinking, research and writing. Coordinator: Dr. R. Cunningham.
Pre-Medicine. Medical schools stress the need for a liberal arts education. Alma urges students wishing to enter medicine to complete four years of study before entering the professional school. Courses required usually include English composition, inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics. A minimum CPA of 3.0 is required for medical school entrance; however, 3.5–3.8 is more realistic. Contact: Integrated Health Studies Institute.
Pre-Ministry. To enter theological school, a student must obtain a bachelor's degree. The American Association of Theological Schools recommends undergraduate study include English, philosophy, religion, history, psychology, sociology, natural science and a second language. At Alma, students are advised to obtain at least a minor (24 credits) in Religious Studies. Advisor: Dr. B. Stratton.
Pre-Nursing. Alma College students interested in pursuing a career in nursing complete their bachelor's degree in a relevant major, together with all necessary prerequisite coursework such as chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, developmental psychology and statistics. With the necessary coursework completed students typically seek admission into a one-year accelerated second degree program, obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Contact: Integrative Physiology and Health Science Faculty.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Alma offers a cooperative program in occupational therapy with Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. In this five-year program, students spend the first three years at Alma and the final two years at Washington University. The program enables students to earn both a bachelor's degree from Alma College and a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from Washington University. The granting of these degrees is contingent upon completion of stipulated courses and a recommendation from the program advisor. Contact: Dr. J. Davis.
Pre-Physical Therapy. Students should complete four years at Alma College, earning a bachelor's degree in an appropriate major, and then enter a graduate program in physical therapy to complete a master's degree and certification. Courses required include chemistry, physics, human anatomy, human physiology, psychology and statistics. See program advisor for specific requirements. Advisor: Dr. J. Davis.
Teaching. Alma graduates can be recommended for certification to teach in early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools. College certification programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education. For details about Alma's programs in Education and requirements for certification, see the Education Courses of Instruction section of this catalog. Contact: Education Department Chair.