The Biology Department Pre-professional track gives students the opportunity to prepare for admission to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, as well as graduate school. In addition these schools look for evidence of involvement in internship programs, scholastic societies, student government and other areas that demonstrate leadership, citizenship, and dedication to the profession. The respective admissions tests require solid preparation in science. The faculty has chosen courses for the pre-professional track that avail students the necessary preparation. Students usually major in Biology, but other majors are possible.
Students consult with advisors to make sure professional school entry requirements are met.
The professors are accessible on an individual basis. Those who make the most of the educational opportunities provided in the department and at the University generally perform well on these professional school admissions tests. Professional schools are placing an increasingly greater emphasis on these expectations. Pre-professional track students benefit from the core liberal arts curriculum which provides for a sound education in the sciences and course work in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, there are many opportunities for internships in the Tampa Bay area.