PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Transcription

1 PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS The liberal arts experience at Hope College seeks to help each student grow as a competent, creative and compassionate person. Such a focus prepares students well for work or further studies. Business and industry, professional schools and government agencies are increasingly emphasizing that a broad base of studies in the liberal arts is the most significant professional preparation an undergraduate college can offer. Requirements for entrance into professional schools vary so widely that students interested in specialized fields should consult professional school catalogs early in their college careers. To help students develop their program at Hope College, faculty members with special interests and knowledge serve as vocational advisors. Students are encouraged to consult these advisors and to visit Hope's Career Library in the Anderson-Werkman Building which contains extensive information about careers and other vocational information. Advisors for Students Entering Professions Accounting Art Athletic Training Biology Chemistry (Industrial and Research) Christian Ministry Church Work Dance Dentistry Diplomatic and Government Service Economics, Management and Accounting Marty LaBarge Patrice Rankine Meg Frens Virginia McDonough-Stuckey Kenneth Brown Andrew McCoy Chaplain s Office Matthew Farmer Jeffrey Polet Stacey Jackson 1 HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG

2 Engineering Environmental Science Geology Journalism Law Library and Information Sciences Medicine Music Nursing Occupational Therapy Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Podiatry Public Health Religion Social Work Sociology Teaching Elementary or Secondary Roger Veldman Brian Bodenbender Brian Bodenbender Marissa Doshi and Rosie Jahng David Ryden Kelly Jacobsma Julia Randal Donna Garrett Stephen Remillard Jeff Tyler Jim Piers and Deb Sturtevant Roger Nemeth Laura Pardo HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG 2

3 Theatre Veterinary Medicine Writing, Editing Daina Robins Greg Fraley Peter Schakel Exploring Your Vocation Students who plan to enter professions are often interested in how their work can be of service to the wider world. Hope College has a history of helping students think theologically about their career, calling (or "vocation") and life. The college, through the Academic Advising Program, Career Development Center, Center for Ministry Studies, CrossRoads Project, and many other faculty and staff, offers numerous vocational discernment opportunitites. Student are supported in their discernment and planning through advising meetings, personality and strengths inventories, volunteering, exploratory internships and through many other campus resources and relationships. Accounting Hope College offers two different programs for students planning careers in accounting one for private accounting and a second program for public accounting. Students planning a career in public accounting must complete a rigorous 150-credit- hour program of study designed to meet all requirements for the CPA exam in the State of Michigan. In addition to accounting, Hope students take courses in economics, business management and mathematics. Students participate in internships in auditing and tax in public accounting, and in both financial and cost accounting in private industry. A complete listing of classes can be found in the Department of Economics and Business. Additionally, students at Hope College are given the preparation they need to perform well on the CPA and CMA exams. The college provides students with Gleim s EQE Test Prep Software to enhance knowledge and improve performance on the exams. Any specific questions you have regarding the accounting curriculum at Hope College can by answered by Professor Martha LaBarge (labarge@hope.edu). Actuary Actuarial science is a field of study that uses mathematical models to put a present day dollar value on future risky events. The actuarial profession is historically rated as one of the best professions based on work environment, income, outlook, stress and job security (its nickname is the zero-unemployment profession ). Students must have passed the first of a series of certification exams before graduating in order to be competitive for jobs after graduation. 3 HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG

4 The pre-actuary curriculum is not rigid. Students should take Probability (MATH 361) after taking at least the first two semesters of calculus but as soon as possible in their college careers. At the end of the course, students are ready to take the first actuarial certification examination. In order to be even more competitive for jobs upon graduation, students should also seek to prepare for subsequent actuarial certification exams through independent studies offered through the Department of Mathematics. Further, students should take Society of Actuaries certified Validation by Education Experience (VEE) college courses (ECON 211/212/306 and MGMT 371), and seek to obtain an internship prior to graduation. The Department of Mathematics offers competitive awards to cover exam registration costs and study materials. Students interested in a career as an actuary should contact Dr. Aaron Cinzori or Dr. Airat Bekmetjev to discuss their course of study. For more information on the actuarial field, visit Christian Ministry and Church Vocation Students with an interest in Christian ministry and church vocations should consult the religion major program and the studies in ministry minor program. The religion major will acquaint students with the academic disciplines in religion and will provide interdisciplinary breadth through courses in philosophy, psychology, sociology, history, English and communication. The flexibility of the religion major also adapts well to the aptitudes and goals of individual students. The studies in ministries minor will provide theological and practical formation for ministry through ministry courses, interdisciplinary course offerings, internships and mentoring relationships. Students with an interest in Christian ministry may want to become involved with campus religious groups and the pre-seminary programs offered by The Center for Ministry Studies. Internships are available through the studies in ministry minor. Graduate schools and seminaries of the American Association of Theological Schools stress a broadly based liberal arts education and a core background in the academic discipline of religion. Current graduate entrance requirements reflect the advisability of Greek as the required language with a preference for Spanish as a second language for those with an interest in urban ministries. Students considering seminary are eligible for support from The Center for Ministry Studies. Diplomatic and Government Work Students interested in the foreign service or other areas of government should focus on the social sciences. Courses in history, political science, economics and business administration are recommended for those intending a career in public administration. Students interested in the foreign service should seek a broad knowledge in history, economics, geography, political science, English and languages. These students may want to consider a composite major in international studies, or the special program in foreign area studies in the Department of Political Science. HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG 4

5 Students who intend to enter other branches of governmental work should consider majors in business administration, economics, or political science. These students should also consider being part of the Washington Honors Semester Program. Internships are also available, including a onehour campaign internship open to all students during every national election year. Students may also want to participate in Hope's Model United Nations held each spring semester on campus. Journalism Law Because of the variety of vocations in the field of journalism, the college offers students a broad base of knowledge and skills fundamental of all forms of journalism. The department of Communication offers courses in media production and writing for media; the department of English offers several writing courses of interest to prospective journalists. Broad study in the social sciences is highly recommended. The chairperson of the department of Communication or the department of English can provide additional advice. A number of positions on the campus newspaper, literary review, yearbook, radio station, or local cable television station provide practical experience in such aspects of journalism as editorial work, news reporting, proofreading, sports-casting, advertising, radio script writing and layout. In addition, internships through the department of Communication or the department of English are encouraged; credit is awarded for these internships. The Law School Admission Council in its Pre-Law Handbook stresses that the highest quality of education needed for law school should emphasize comprehension and expression in words; critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which law deals; and creative power in thinking. Students intending to enter the legal profession will find that most law schools do not prescribe a specific pre-professional program but insist on broad background in the liberal arts with an emphasis on courses which will help students develop the skills listed above. Practically speaking, the prelaw students can select a major in any subject area. Business administration, economics, English, history, philosophy or political science are common areas of concentration. Political science currently offers six different pre-law courses at least once every other year. But almost any major could provide a well-read student with a good preparation for legal studies. Students should plan to take a number of courses in writing. Because one of the most valuable activities in preparation for the study and practice of law is academic debate and public speaking, students should consider being involved in the forensics program. This extracurricular competition encourages the development of research, reasoning, and communication skills. Finally, since law is neither studied nor practiced in a vacuum, students should explore widely to understand their physical, psychological, physiological, social and ethical environment. 5 HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG

6 Prelaw students may want to take part in the Washington Honors Semester Program or internships offered in their major department. Seminars to help students prepare for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) are offered each semester through the Department of Political Science and the Career Planning and Placement Office. Students with an interest in law are informed through a newsletter of campus lectures and other activities which may be of special interest to them. Library and Information Sciences Music Students intending to prepare for a career in librarianship should consider these points in planning their undergraduate years. Since opportunities exist for many kinds of subject specialists, students should plan a major in the discipline that most interests them. In addition, students should try to develop broad knowledge by selecting a number of courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and computer science. To obtain first-hand experience in the practice of librarianship, students are encouraged to work in Van Wylen Library or the Archives. Students with an interest in becoming school librarians or media specialists will need to take the educational courses required for certification. A limited number of scholarships are available through library schools and other organizations, including the Library of Michigan. Many options exists for students who intend to pursue music as a career. Hope has two Bachelor of Music degree programs to prepare students for teaching music the Bachelor of Music in vocal music education and the Bachelor of Music in instrumental music education. For students intending to become performing artists, the Bachelor of Music in performance is available. For those interested in becoming musicologists or music librarians, the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major in music literature and history or in music theory is available. Students intending to major in music need to follow a sequence of courses that extends through four years. To prevent serious complications, students need to enroll in certain music courses in their freshman year. Complete descriptions of the degree programs are located in the Department of Music. Social Work Hope offers a major in social work that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This major introduces students to the theoretical perspectives in psychology, political science, economics, sociology and social work as well as to the practical application of material from these disciplines. HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG 6

7 Graduate schools of social work are interested in students who have a broadly based liberal arts education and a theoretical background in the disciplines of social sciences. The present job market reflects the advisability of Spanish as a second language. In their senior year, social work students will enroll in one or more internships. Opportunities also exist to volunteer for community-based organizations or through the Volunteer Services Office (Michigan Campus Compact) in the DeWitt Center. TEACHING Students planning to teach in elementary or secondary schools must be formally admitted to the teacher education program and receive permission to student teach; generally students are admitted in the spring of their sophomore year. Information is available from Hope's department of education website. College For those interested in college teaching, a major in their chosen field of specialization is advisable. Departmental advisors should be consulted to help these students develop an academic program. HEALTH PROFESSIONS, SCIENCE Hope College offers a variety of opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the natural sciences and health professions after college. The science curriculum is designed to enable the student to develop academic competency in several scientific disciplines and to pursue a specific field of interest in depth. The opportunity to work closely with faculty in creative research efforts further enhances the student's learning and appreciation of the natural sciences. The net result of Hope's science program is a motivated, well-prepared young scientist who is eagerly sought by graduate schools, medical schools and other health professions graduate programs, and employers. With these goals in mind, freshmen interested in a career involving science should plan to take in the fall semester for maximum flexibility, two science courses(general biology and chemistry) intended for majors in the natural sciences. Each of these science courses initiates a year-long sequence which is normally completed during the same year. By following this pattern, students develop the background needed to undertake further study in the sciences and explore several scientific disciplines early in their degree program. The program provides an excellent preparation for further study or work in the sciences or in a variety of health professions. Medicine and Dentistry While many pre-medical track and pre-dental track students at Hope College major in biology or chemistry, students are encouraged to major in any academic field in which they have an interest. 7 HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG

8 Regardless of the student's choice of major, the student oriented toward a career in medicine or dentistry should take Biology 105/107 and 106/108 Chemistry 125/127, 126/128 (or 131/132), 221/255, 231/256 and 311 and 314 One year of college physics One year of English And one semester of: psychology, sociology and statistics Additional courses in biology are highly recommended These courses should be completed in the first three to four years of college in order to provide the optimum preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and/or Dental Admission Test (DAT). The pre-medical/pre-dental track is not a rigid curriculum nor a major. Students are permitted considerable latitude in the selection of courses beyond those required by the professional schools. Courses in the humanities and social sciences are highly recommended, and encouraged by medical and dental schools, so students obtain a broad academic background. It is advisable for students to select possible medical or dental schools early in their undergraduate careers in order to prepare for the specific requirements of the schools of their choice. See the Hope College website for additional information. Optometry Pre-optometry students generally follow the same preparation as pre-medical/pre-dental students (listed on previous page), although specific course requirements may vary from school to school. See the Hope College website for additional information. Pre-optometry students are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Students should begin to select possible optometry schools early in their undergraduate careers in order to prepare for the specific requirements at schools of their choice. Pharmacy Students interested in careers in pharmacy usually complete a four-year college education, followed by four years of professional study leading to a Doctorate in Pharmacy. See the Hope College website for additional information. Pre-pharmacy track requirements include Biology 221, 222, 105 and 106 Chemistry 125/127 and 126/128 (or 131/132), 221/255, and 231/256 Mathematics 131 HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG 8

9 Courses in the humanities and social sciences are also required, including courses in statistics, public speaking and English Thirty-six (36) of the seventy-five (75) colleges of pharmacy require students to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Students intending to apply for admission to pharmacy programs have limited flexibility in their schedules and most major in biology or chemistry. They should contact a Health Professions Advisor, as soon as possible regarding specific program requirements. Physical Therapy Nearly all physical therapy (PT) programs now award a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and require completion of a bachelor s degree before admission. Although PT graduate programs will accept students with different majors, the most common majors for pre-physical therapy track students at Hope College are exercise science, biology, or psychology. See the Hope College website for additional information. In general, pre-pt track courses are: Biology 221, 222 (Kin 200), 105 and 106 Chemistry 125/127 and 103 Physics 105/107 and 106/107 Math 210 Psychology 100 and 230 Other course requirements may include Math 123, Psychology 420 and Biology 231. Students should begin to select possible PT schools early in their college careers to prepare for specific requirements at the PT schools of their choice. Most PT programs require the GRE. Veterinary Medicine Schools of Veterinary Medicine have similar prerequisite courses as do medical and dental schools. Veterinary schools typically require statistics, animal nutrition, and upper level Biology courses along with introductory year-long courses in biology and chemistry. It is also recommended that pre-veterinary students also take courses in physiology and comparative anatomy. Most veterinary schools require a minimum of 300 hours of shadowing experience with a licensed veterinarian. Pre-veterinary students are also required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to applying to veterinary school. Pre-veterinary students should also demonstrate leadership qualities such as those obtained by serving on the executive committee of the pre-veterinary club, Club Animalia. Students should select potential veterinary schools early in their undergraduate career in order to adequately prepare to apply during their senior year. 9 HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG

10 Students interested in veterinary medicine should contact the Pre-Veterinary Advisor, Dr. Gregory S. Fraley, as soon as possible after arriving at Hope College. HOPE.EDU/CATALOG CATALOG 10