The College of Wooster provides pre-professional advising programs to support and assist students who want to combine the study of the liberal arts with preparation for a specific profession. Professional schools in a variety of fields, from architecture and business to law and medicine, recognize the value of the range of skills that a liberal arts background provides. Wooster students have excellent success in pursuing advanced degrees in architecture, business, engineering, forestry and environmental studies, health care (e.g., dentistry, medicine, nursing, and veterinary medicine), law, seminary studies, and social work. The pre-professional advising programs at Wooster provide students with a variety of programs, including advice on the development of an appropriate academic program, co-curricular and volunteer experiences that expand a student’s understanding of a given profession, guidance on summer research opportunities, lectures by leaders in the various professions, and information regarding the process of selecting and applying to graduate and professional schools. In addition to the pre-professional advising programs, the College also has established formal cooperative programs with a number of leading universities to offer dual degrees in liberal arts and specific graduate/professional programs.

Pre-Architecture

An undergraduate B.A. degree from a liberal arts college such as Wooster can provide an excellent foundation for graduate training as a professional architect. Since the built environment both shapes and is shaped by society, an architect needs not only the technical training in design and engineering that would be provided by an advanced degree in architecture but also the broader understanding of history and culture that is best attained within the context of a liberal arts education. Moreover, an architect must think and write critically and be able to articulate his or her vision — another reason why a liberal arts B.A. is good career preparation. Two options are available to students interested in graduate study in architecture.

Pre-Architecture Program

Students considering a career in architecture can major in any discipline while completing a four-year B.A. at The College of Wooster. While fulfilling their major and general education requirements, they should plan to take the following recommended courses as preparation for graduate study:

one semester of calculus
one or two semesters of physics
introduction to psychology
two semesters of History of Western Civilization
four semesters of studio art (drawing, design, photography, painting, sculpture, and ceramics particularly recommended—either four introductory classes in different studio areas should be taken, or three introductory studio classes and one upper-level class)
one or both of the architectural history courses (Art and Art History 223 and Art and Art History 224) are highly recommended

While this pre-architecture curriculum can be undertaken in conjunction with the requirements of any major, many students interested in architecture tend to major in studio art, given the emphasis on that area in this recommended program.

Cooperative Program in Architecture (also referred to as 3+4 Cooperative Program)

Under agreement with Washington University’s School of Architecture in St. Louis, students may complete three years at The College of Wooster before applying to transfer to Washington University for a senior year of accelerated architectural study, leading to a B.A. from Wooster. Upon acceptance into the graduate program at Washington University, three additional years of study then lead to a Master of Architecture degree.

Washington University recommends that students include the coursework ¬outlined above in the program of their first three undergraduate years, although it does not include introduction to psychology and art history courses in its suggested preparation.

The adviser for the pre-architecture program is John Siewert, Department of Art and Art History.

Pre-Business

The liberal arts can provide excellent preparation for a career in business and for graduate study in business-related areas. The communication, decision-making, and analytical skills required at higher levels of corporate management and in small businesses are well served by Wooster’s emphasis on a broad education from a variety of areas. In addition to the specific courses offered as part of the Business Economics major, students are encouraged to consider courses in the languages, mathematics, English, computer science, speech, psychology, and sociology.

For students interested in International Business, there is an integrated course of study that includes language, culture, and Business Economics components. Students should consult with the pre-business adviser or with the chairpersons of French, German, or Spanish for additional information.

Students who are interested in graduate study in business (MBA, DBA, or PhD) can select any undergraduate major but are encouraged to include courses in mathematics (calculus or above), statistics (Economics 123), accounting, and several Business Economics courses at the 200-level in their plan of study.

The pre-business adviser is James Hornsten, Department of Economics.

Pre-Engineering

The College of Wooster has established formal 3-2 cooperative engineering programs with two universities: Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Under these cooperative programs, the student is eligible to apply for admission to the engineering school upon satisfactory completion of a specific set of courses taken in the first three years at Wooster. The student transfers to the engineering school as a junior to complete the last two years of the undergraduate engineering program.

The bachelor degree programs in engineering available at one or more of the cooperating universities include aerospace, atmospheric, and oceanic science; biomedical, chemical, civil, and computer science; electrical and environmental science; fluid and thermal, industrial, material and metallurgical, mechanical, naval architecture and marine, nuclear, polymer, and systems science; technology and human affairs.

Students who are considering this program should consult with the chairpersons of the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, or Physics before arranging their schedules.

The adviser for the pre-engineering program is James Hartman, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Forestry & Environmental Studies

Qualified students may participate in a joint program with the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences at Duke University. The program leads to a B.A. from The College of Wooster and either a Master’s of Environmental Management (MEM) or a Master’s of Forestry (MF) from Duke University. The Wooster degree will be awarded upon the successful completion of the first year of the two-year professional curriculum. The purpose of the program is to educate persons to apply knowledge from the natural, social, and management sciences in the analysis of problems in natural resources and environment. Students may major in any area at The College of Wooster, and may enroll in one of nine specialty areas at the Nicholas School. The Duke programs are: Coastal Environmental Management; Environmental Toxicology, Chemistry, and Risk Assessment; Conservation Science and Policy; Ecosystem Science and Management; Water and Air Resources; Global Environmental Change; Environmental Health and Security; and Forest Resource Management. In addition to satisfying the requirements for a combined professional training program at Wooster, students should have taken at least one semester of college calculus, a statistics course, and some courses in the natural or social sciences related to their area of specialty. Graduate Record Examination scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) must accompany the application to the program in the third year. The adviser for this program is Marilyn Loveless, Department of Biology. Students aspiring to this program are encouraged to discuss their goals with Dr. Loveless early in their first year.

Health Professions (Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine)

» Pre-Health Advising Program

» Pre-Health Club

The Pre-Health Advising Program has four components: 1) a strong curriculum in the sciences, which includes undergraduate research; 2) courses in the social sciences and humanities that address ethical, economic, and social issues in the health care field; 3) practical programs that focus on themes such as how to plan for a career in medicine and how to apply to medical and dental school; and 4) lectures by physicians and leaders in the health care professions. Through this range of activities, the Pre-Health Advising Program aids students in both their intellectual and career development.

Pre-Health Advising involves faculty from across the natural sciences, social ¬sciences, and the humanities. This approach to pre-health advising is in keeping with the nature of the problems facing medicine and health care professions today. In order for the health care professions to deal effectively with the scientific, technological, economic, social, and ethical problems that they currently face, those entering the professions must be trained broadly in the liberal arts. The American Association of Medical Colleges encourages undergraduates to take a balanced distribution of courses from the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. Wooster’s curriculum provides a strong foundation for students interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, and other allied health fields. In addition to the strong programs the College offers in biology, biochemistry, and chemistry, many courses in the social sciences and humanities also address current issues in medicine and other health care fields. Research and clinical experiences are strongly encouraged for ¬students pursuing a career in the medical professions, and Wooster students are provided with an excellent opportunity to do undergraduate research through the College’s Independent Study program. The Pre-Health Advising Program assists ¬students in several important ways. Students are given practical advice, assisted in choosing the most appropriate courses, informed about the range of health career options, educated about the importance and methods of preparing for graduate admissions exams (e.g., MCAT, DCAT, VCAT, and GRE), and guided in the application process. Moreover, students are also provided with the chance to engage intellectually with health care issues through hands-on experiences, such as Medic Aid in which Wooster students volunteer at a local hospital, and through lectures presented by doctors and scholars in the health care field.

The College of Wooster also participates in various dual degree programs in the health care field. In medicine and dentistry, the dual degree option applies to any properly accredited medical or dental school that admits students with three years of pre-medical preparation. The College has established with Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry a combined seven-year or 3-4 program for Wooster ¬students. With approval of the in absentia privilege, the Bachelor of Arts degree is granted upon the successful completion of the first year of the professional course. The College has also established a cooperative 3-4 program with the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (Case Western Reserve University), which requires the completion of three years at Wooster and four years at Case Western Reserve. While at Wooster, a student must meet the requirements for the dual degree program and complete two courses each in biology, chemistry, psychology, and sociology, and one course each in statistics, literature, and logic. Upon the successful completion of the first year in the nursing program at Case Western Reserve, the student will earn a B.A. from Wooster, and upon the completion of the nursing curriculum an N.D. and R.N. from Case Western Reserve. The R.N. is awarded upon passing the state certification examination. Details of these programs and specific course requirements are available from the chairperson of the Pre-Health Advising Program.

For further information, contact Paul Bonvallet, Chairperson of the Pre-Health Advising Committee.

Pre-Law

» Pre-Law Web page

The College of Wooster has a network of Pre-Law advisers committed to assisting students in constructing an appropriate academic program, selecting and applying to law schools, and examining career opportunities in law. The Pre-Law Advising Committee includes both faculty members with interest and experience in law and attorneys in private practice, as well as community and staff members with legal backgrounds. In addition to a network of advisers, Wooster offers a diversified, demanding, and traditional liberal arts curriculum which is most effective in developing the necessary skills to be successful in law school and the legal profession.

Law schools and the American Bar Association point out that there is no correlation between academic major and success in law school. Extremely successful legal careers have been launched by Wooster graduates from a wide variety of academic majors, ranging from history, philosophy, and political science to communication, biology, and economics. Wooster graduates have pursued law degrees at a wide variety of institutions, including Harvard University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, the University of Virginia, Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Stanford University. Wooster graduates have gone on to distinguished and successful careers in the judiciary, private practice, corporate counsel, government, academic administration, and public interest work.

The Pre-Law Advising Program provides various sessions that focus upon practical advice for students preparing for law school and a legal career, including such themes as “Considering Law School,” “Applying to Law School,” and “Choosing a Legal Career.” Students are also aided in their preparation for the LSAT by offering a Mock LSAT on campus.

In addition, the Pre-Law Advising Program sponsors co-curricular programs that expand students’ understanding of law and provide exposure to the legal profession. Wooster has an active Moot Court Program. One of the unique features of our Moot Court Program is that students are guided in their preparation not only by Wooster faculty but also by local attorneys and judges. The Pre-Law Advising Program sponsors “The Bell Lectureship in Law,” an annual lectureship endowed by Jennie M. Bell and Federal Judge Samuel H. Bell (’47). The purpose of the Bell Lectureship is to engage students, faculty, members of the legal profession, and members of the ¬community in a legal issue that has broad implications for society.

The College of Wooster participates in the Accelerated Program in Interdisciplinary Legal Education (AILE) with Columbia University, whereby two Wooster students may be admitted to Columbia School of Law after their junior year. The students are selected jointly by the College and Columbia School of Law. Applications are made through the Pre-Law Committee chairperson at the College. Students accepted into this 3-3 program receive their B.A. from Wooster after completing their first year at Columbia. In addition, this program requires that students incorporate twelve hours of interdisciplinary study into their law school program after the first year.

For further information, contact Henry Kreuzman, Chairperson of the Pre-Law Advising Committee.

Pre-Seminary Studies

The curricular program at The College of Wooster provides for a course of study that serves the educational needs of those students interested in seminary or graduate study in religion as preparation for religious vocations or other person-oriented professions. The Association of Theological Schools recommends a broad liberal arts ¬program that includes courses in English language and literature, foreign language, history, philosophy, natural science, social science, and the fine arts. Courses in religion, which may result in a major or minor, are strongly urged for those interested in exposure to religious studies prior to seminary or graduate school. The Department of Religious Studies and the Department of Classical Studies, in addition to regular offerings, provide courses in Biblical studies. Off-campus credit programs wherein ¬students can gain experience in religious and religion-related fields are among the offerings of the Department of Religious Studies. Representatives from seminary and graduate schools of religion visit the campus frequently. Those interested in structuring a course of study that will lead to advanced study and vocational alternatives in the field of religious studies are urged to consult Charles Kammer, Department of Religious Studies.

Pre-Social Work

Students who wish to combine a liberal arts education with a social work profes¬sional degree have an opportunity to participate in a 3-2 program that leads to a graduate degree in an accredited school of social work. The College of Wooster is one of a select group of schools cooperating with the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Under this program, a student would complete three years of liberal arts education at Wooster and then transfer into a two-year social work program at Case Western Reserve University. The Bachelor’s Degree will be granted by The College of Wooster when the student has earned 30 semester hours of credit through the School of Applied Social Sciences.

Admission to the social work phase of the program is determined by the admissions office of the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences of Case Western Reserve University. Students are not recommended to apply for the 3-2 program with Case Western Reserve University if their cumulative grade point average is below 3.2.

Students interested in the details of the program and the specific course requirements for the 3-2 option should discuss their program with Anne Nurse, Chairperson of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Dual Degree Programs

Students who intend to pursue dual degrees may complete the senior year in absentia and upon the completion of a specified portion of the graduate/professional program receive the baccalaureate degree. The Upperclass Programs Committee will exercise its judgment as to which graduate and professional programs are consistent with a baccalaureate degree and will set conditions for awarding the degree. Graduate or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, law, physical therapy, engineering, nursing, architecture, and forestry and environmental studies are examples of eligible programs that may be approved. The general conditions under which approval of participation in a combined program is granted are as follows:

The student must have completed at least 24 semester courses of which not fewer than 16 courses have been completed at Wooster. No more than two (2) transfer courses may be offered, if approved, in fulfillment of degree requirements for participation in a Combined Professional Program.
All other requirements of the College for the degree of Bachelor of Arts must have been met, except in the major and in Independent Study. In the major, the student must have completed a minimum of six courses, excluding the Independent Study Thesis, and in Independent Study, a student must have completed one course, which if taken in the major may be included among the six courses required in the major. Students enrolled in the 3-2, 3-3, or 3-4 programs may declare a major in only one department.

A candidate for the in absentia privilege should apply in writing to the Dean of the Faculty by the end of the second semester of the sophomore year and must receive the recommendation of the major department and the approval of the Upperclass Programs Committee.

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