Minimum course requirements are similar for all the professional schools. Two semesters of English and one course in communication are required. Most schools expect a mathematics background which includes at least some calculus. Additional course work from the areas of biochemistry, biology, psychology, applied statistics and computer science is frequently recommended and sometimes required. Since course requirements vary from one professional school to another, it is essential that students check the specific course requirements for the professional schools in which they are interested.
Most schools expect students to have a baccalaureate degree before beginning professional study.
Less frequently students matriculate without a baccalaureate degree. Professional schools do not usually suggest a major course of study. The most prevalent major is biology and the next most common major is chemistry. An overriding influence in the choice of a major should be that students prepare themselves for alternate careers in the event they do not ultimately attend a professional school. Admission to professional schools is generally based on overall GPA, GPA in science courses, an admissions test, recommendations, and in most cases an interview.