{"id":1290,"date":"2015-09-17T12:18:19","date_gmt":"2015-09-17T19:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wou.edu\/chemistry\/?page_id=1290"},"modified":"2025-09-03T10:33:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:33:14","slug":"preparing-for-professional-and-graduate-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/courses\/preparing-for-professional-and-graduate-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for Professional and Graduate Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h1><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-scaled.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-1024x357.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"357\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-1024x357.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-300x104.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-768x267.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-1536x535.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-2048x713.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/h1>\n<h1>Being prepared for Graduate and professional programs<\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Bachelor&#8217;s Degree in Chemistry can be an important stepping stone for many advanced and professional degree programs.\u00a0 This includes Professional Programs in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Optometry,\u00a0 and Clinical Lab Technician, as well as graduate programs in chemistry-related disciplines such as Toxicology, Forensics, Drug Development and Design, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Environmental and Green Chemistry, to name a few. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">All of these programs have special requirements and entrance exams that need to be completed to even be eligible to apply for the programs.\u00a0 Below, we have attempted to clarify some of the hurdles that you will face when preparing for different professional and graduate programs.\u00a0 Please use these as a guide to help you in your academic planning. The earlier in your academic career that you start to plan for these hurdles, the easier they will be for you to manage.\u00a0 So what should do?<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff334e;\">General Guidance for All Programs:<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Be proactive in your own education! Make appointments with Advisers in your Department and don&#8217;t be afraid to ask questions!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Declare your major and minor at the Registrar&#8217;s Office so that it will show up in your DegreeWorks<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Print out a copy of your<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/provost\/registrar\/degree_plans.php\">WOU Degree Plan<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">for your major and minor to keep track of your classes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Build a four year degree plan that includes your academic coursework, as well as extracurricular activities that will strengthen your resume<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tailor your general education course selections to help you prepare for graduate and professional program exams and requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use the internet to research programs that you are interested in and find out what their requirements are to apply for their programs. Build in those course requirements into your educational program. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Find out what other students have done to build strong resumes to be successful in the application process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Study hard and commit yourself to keeping a strong GPA.\u00a0 <\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Find a study partner or group within your difficult classes to help ease the studying burden and keep up with course materials. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use college resources like Tutoring, the Writing Center, and Faculty office hours.\u00a0 Don&#8217;t be afraid to come in for help!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff334e;\">Guidance for Pre-Professional Health Tracks:<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Pre-Professional Health degree track in Chemistry is the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Emphasis Track.\u00a0 As early as possible select this emphasis major and it&#8217;s associated minor at the Registrars Office to link the requirements in your DegreeWorks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Certain LACC courses are recommended to help you prepare for completing entrance requirements for Medical School, Pharmacy School, or other professional programs, including the MCAT or PCAT.\u00a0 Currently, we recommend that students take:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An ethics course (PHL251 or other ethics offerings)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">SOC223 Introduction to Sociology: Theory (3), SOC224 Introduction to Sociology: Research (3),\u00a0 PSY201 General Psychology (4) and either ECON201 Intro to Microeconomics <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(4) <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">or ECON202\u00a0 Intro to Macroeconomics <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(4)<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Other useful coursework includes GERO360D Cognitive and Physical Changes in Aging, GERO430D Pallative Care and Chronic Illness, HE465D International Health or HST484D Health, Medicine and Gender in Historical Perspective.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"> <a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/students\/aspiring\/\">Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">has a great website to help pre-professional students prepare for the rigors of<strong> Medical School<\/strong> and information about the <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/students\/applying\/mcat\/\">MCAT<\/a><\/span> can be found here.<br \/><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/pharmacy.oregonstate.edu\/pharm-d-frequently-asked-questions\">Oregon State University &#8211; College of Pharmacy<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">has a great website to help students prepare for entry into <strong>Pharmacy Programs.<\/strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Information about <strong>Dental School<\/strong> can be found at the website of the<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.org\/en\/education-careers\/dental-schools-and-programs\/\">American Dental Association<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">and entrance exam requirements for the<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.org\/en\/education-careers\/dental-admission-test\">DAT<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000;\">can be found here.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Being prepared for Graduate and professional programs&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":280,"featured_media":0,"parent":844,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<h1><a href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-scaled.jpeg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/files\/2022\/12\/AdobeStock_275880540-1024x357.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"357\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-6701\" \/><\/a><\/h1>\r\n<h1>Being prepared for Graduate and professional programs<\/h1>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000\">A Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry can be an important stepping stone for many advanced and professional degree programs.\u00a0 This includes Professional Programs in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Optometry,\u00a0 and Clinical Lab Technician, as well as graduate programs in chemistry-related disciplines such as Toxicology, Forensics, Drug Development and Design, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Environmental and Green Chemistry, to name a few. <\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000\">All of these programs have special requirements and entrance exams that need to be completed to even be eligible to apply for the programs.\u00a0 Below, we have attempted to clarify some of the hurdles that you will face when preparing for different professional and graduate programs.\u00a0 Please use these as a guide to help you in your academic planning. The earlier in your academic career that you start to plan for these hurdles, the easier they will be for you to manage.\u00a0 So what should do?<\/span>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff334e\">General Guidance for All Programs:<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Be proactive in your own education! Make appointments with Advisers in your Department and don't be afraid to ask questions!<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Declare your major and minor at the Registrar's Office so that it will show up in your DegreeWorks<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Print out a copy of your<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/provost\/registrar\/degree_plans.php\">WOU Degree Plan<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000\">for your major and minor to keep track of your classes<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Build a four year degree plan that includes your academic coursework, as well as extracurricular activities that will strengthen your resume<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Tailor your general education course selections to help you prepare for graduate and professional program exams and requirements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Use the internet to research programs that you are interested in and find out what their requirements are to apply for their programs. Build in those course requirements into your educational program. <\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Find out what other students have done to build strong resumes to be successful in the application process.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Study hard and commit yourself to keeping a strong GPA.\u00a0 <\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Find a study partner or group within your difficult classes to help ease the studying burden and keep up with course materials. <\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Use college resources like Tutoring, the Writing Center, and Faculty office hours.\u00a0 Don't be afraid to come in for help!<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4><strong><span style=\"color: #ff334e\">Guidance for Pre-Professional Health Tracks:<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">The Pre-Professional Health degree track in Chemistry is the Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Emphasis Track.\u00a0 As early as possible select this emphasis major and it's associated minor at the Registrars Office to link the requirements in your DegreeWorks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Certain LACC courses are recommended to help you prepare for completing entrance requirements for Medical School, Pharmacy School, or other professional programs, including the MCAT or PCAT.\u00a0 Currently, we recommend that students take:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">An ethics course (PHL251 or other ethics offerings)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">SOC223 Introduction to Sociology: Theory (3), SOC224 Introduction to Sociology: Research (3),\u00a0 PSY201 General Psychology (4) and either ECON201 Intro to Microeconomics <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">(4) <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">or ECON202\u00a0 Intro to Macroeconomics <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">(4)<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Other useful coursework includes GERO360D Cognitive and Physical Changes in Aging, GERO430D Pallative Care and Chronic Illness, HE465D International Health or HST484D Health, Medicine and Gender in Historical Perspective.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">The<\/span><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"> <a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/students\/aspiring\/\">Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) <span style=\"color: #000000\"><\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">has a great website to help pre-professional students prepare for the rigors of<strong> Medical School<\/strong> and information about the <span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/students\/applying\/mcat\/\">MCAT<\/a><\/span> can be found here.\r\n<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"http:\/\/pharmacy.oregonstate.edu\/pharm-d-frequently-asked-questions\">Oregon State University - College of Pharmacy<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000\">has a great website to help students prepare for entry into <strong>Pharmacy Programs<\/strong> and information about the <span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"http:\/\/pcatweb.info\/\">PCAT<\/a><\/span> can be found here.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Information about <strong>Dental School<\/strong> can be found at the website of the<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.org\/en\/education-careers\/dental-schools-and-programs\/\">American Dental Association<\/a> <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000\">and entrance exam requirements for the<\/span> <span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.org\/en\/education-careers\/dental-admission-test\">DAT<\/a><\/span> <span style=\"color: #000000\">can be found here.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1290","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/280"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1290"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7106,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1290\/revisions\/7106"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wou.edu\/chemistry\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}