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

Dr. David Gardner, Advisor

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 Group (HPAG), 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

(Current members of HPAG are: Dr. David Gardner, Chair (biology), Dr. Melissa Booth (biology), Dr. Gary Hollis (chemistry), Dr. Ron Oetgen (chemistry), and Dr. Greg Weiss (sociology).

PRE-LAW PROGRAM

Professor Todd Peppers, Advisor

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, Advisor

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

Dr. Kristi. L. Hoffman, Advisor; Professor Deneen Evans, Co-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 individual behaviors that are linked to the need for social services and therapeutic 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.