Preparation for Graduate Work

In many professions, it becomes necessary for a student to

make an academic commitment beyond the undergraduate

level. It is recommended that students seek advice from their

academic advisor on the selection of proper courses which

will best serve them in graduate school. Career Services and

the Registrar's Office are also available for assistance.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS PROGRAMS

Students planning to seek admission to medical, dental,

veterinary school or to other health professions should plan

their courses of study early.The Health Professions Advisory

Committee (HPAC), a group of science faculty members,

serves to counsel students as to required courses and steps to

take in the admission process.

Although most students preparing for further study in the

health professions major in one of the sciences, it is possible

to major in any field of interest, provided the minimum

requirements of the program are met. Requirements of

individual schools and programs vary, so it is important to

check with the committee and the professional school catalog

for specific requirements.

Generally most medical and dental schools require the

following courses as the minimum for admission. These are

usually taken in the first three years of college.

Biology Two units

Chemistry, general Two units

Chemistry, organic Two units

Physics Two units

The Writing Courses Two units

Mathematics Two units

PRE-LAW PROGRAM

Professor Todd Peppers

There is no single prescribed course of study for those

preparing for a career in law. Law schools seek students who

are capable of analytical reasoning and clear, crisp writing.

These skills may be developed in a variety of academic

majors.

The General Education curriculum at Roanoke College

emphasizes those skills necessary for success in law school. In

addition, courses offered in political science, criminal justice,

business administration and sociology majors provide training

in specific law-related areas. Critical thinking and writing are

major components of courses in these fields.

Admission to law school is quite competitive.Therefore, it is

important that students contact the pre-law advisor early in

their academic careers.The pre-law advisor has information

on law school admissions, curricula, and financial aid.

PRE-MINISTERIAL PROGRAM

Professor Ned Wisnefske

The most important requirement for students heading for

seminary or graduate study in religion is a broad education.

The General Education curriculum at Roanoke College

provides that. Many majors are also useful for future training

for the ordained ministry. However, it is very important to

have a good grasp of the history of philosophy and at least an

introduction to the various fields of religious study-sacred

texts, history of religions, religion and society, and theology.

Knowledge in these fields is often presupposed in seminary

training and graduate school. It is advisable for students

planning to attend seminary to consult with a member of the

department of Religion and Philosophy and/or the Chaplain.

PRE-SOCIAL WORK ADVISING PROGRAM

Professor K. L. Hoffman,Advisor

Students who are interested in pursuing careers in Social

Work are well served by a broad liberal arts curriculum and

focused study in the social sciences, particularly Sociology and

Psychology. Successful preparation for graduate study in

Social Work involves developing knowledge of societal

conditions, interpersonal and group dynamics, and

intervention. The Sociology department at Roanoke College

provides specialized advising for students who would like to

direct their undergraduate studies and co-curricular activities

toward the helping professions. In addition, the theoretical

grounding, critical thinking and social research skills that are

hallmarks of the general Sociology curriculum provide a

particularly useful foundation for graduate study in Social

Work. Guided internships in local social service agencies are

available in the department and highly recommended.

Admission to many MSW programs is increasingly

competitive, so students should consult with the Pre-Social

Work advisor in Sociology early in their undergraduate

careers.