Pre-Professional and Transfer Programs

Depending upon the academic area, the College of Arts & Sciences offers either one or two years of course work, paralleling requirements of universities from which degrees in those areas are offered.

Upon completion of pre-professional course-work at EOU, students may then transfer to institutions offering the full program for degree completion.

AGRICULTURE SCIENCES
www.eou.edu/osuag

ENGINEERING
physics.eou.edu

FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
EOU offers two years of transferable course work in the area of Fisheries and Wildlife with most students then transferring to Oregon State University or another university offering the full degree program. Students interested in pursuing the Fish and Game Management option, however, should transfer after one year at EOU. Typical coursework includes one-year sequences of general biology with lab and general chemistry with lab, in addition to courses such as geology, mathematics, statistics, speech, writing, and physical education. Additional courses within chemistry and/or physics may be required, depending upon the school to which a student will be transferring. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite information from the schools to which they will be applying and to work closely with their EOU pre-fisheries and wildlife adviser when selecting appropriate coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements.
FORESTRY
EOU offers the first year of course work in Forestry which can then be transferred to Oregon State University or another college offering the full degree program. In case of inadequate preparation, two years of coursework may be necessary. Typical prerequisite coursework includes an introductory course in forestry, plant taxonomy, and one-year sequences of general biology with lab and general chemistry with lab. Prerequisites also include coursework in mathematics, economics, speech, writing, and physical education. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite information from the schools to which they will be applying and to work closely with their EOU pre-forestry adviser when selecting appropriate coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements.

LAW
Gaining entrance to law school normally requires completion of a bachelor’s degree. While the title of the degree completed typically is not important to law school admission, the development of certain skills and the attainment of a suitable and broad base of knowledge is very important to being accepted to law school.

At EOU, pre-law students are closely advised in their selection of a degree program and, equally important, in their selection of courses that will give them a suitable background for making successful application to law school. Admittance to law school is highly competitive.

Because the first-year program can vary significantly, based upon the student’s own personal goal, no typical program is given but is worked out with the program adviser. First-year students should attempt, in scheduling, to work toward completing their general education requirements.

HEALTH SCIENCES
One of the most rapidly expanding career fields today is that of the health sciences. At Eastern Oregon University, students planning to enter a professional program in the health field take their foundation courses through the pre-professional sequences. The following is a description of the sequences and degree options.

PRE-DENTISTRY
The curriculum in pre-dentistry prepares you for entrance into dental school. Although some dental schools do not require a baccalaureate degree (B.A./B.S.) for admission, it is highly recommended that students plan to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. Typically, students choose to follow a degree program in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or general studies, although other majors may be pursued. Typical prerequisite courses include completion of one-year sequences of general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, physics with lab, anatomy and physiology with lab, in addition to biochemistry courses with labs, and English composition. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite information from the schools to which they will be applying and to work closely with their EOU pre-dentistry adviser when selecting appropriate coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements. Admission to dental school is highly competitive, requiring high academic achievement.

PRE-DENTAL HYGIENE
EOU and Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in partnership with the ODS Companies (ODS) enable students to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene in La Grande. An opportunity to complete a B.S. in Dental Hygiene is available via OIT’s distance education department. Pre-dental hygiene prerequisite courses may be taken from EOU in either on-campus or distance education formats. Typically, the dental hygiene program requires completion of prerequisites that include completion of one-year sequences of human anatomy and physiology with lab and introductory chemistry with lab, in addition to courses such as microbiology with lab, nutrition, college mathematics, general psychology, public speaking, English composition, and an introduction to dental hygiene course. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their pre-dental hygiene adviser when choosing appropriate coursework. Admission to the ODS School of Dental Hygiene is highly competitive, requiring high academic achievement.

PRE-MEDICINE
The curriculum in pre-medicine is designed to prepare students for entrance into medical school after four years of undergraduate education. A bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) is required prior to matriculation to medical school. No particular major is preferred, but a degree in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry is encouraged. The program is obviously flexible and can be adapted to an individual’s needs and interests. Students must excel in whatever field is chosen because admission is very competitive and high academic achievement is a must. Although they do not require students to follow any precise degree program, medical schools do have specific entrance requirements. Typical prerequisite coursework includes one-year sequences of general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab and physics with lab, in addition to courses in genetics, mathematics, humanities, social sciences and English composition. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite information from schools to which they will be applying and to work closely with their EOU pre-medicine adviser when selecting appropriate coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements. Admission to medical school is highly competitive, requiring high academic achievement.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
The pre-medical technology curriculum at EOU prepares students for admission into accredited programs in hospitals and universities. Two possible options exist for students interested in medical technology. Students can complete three years of prerequisite coursework at Eastern and then transfer to a university or medical school program for an additional 12 months of training. These students normally receive a bachelor of science degree directly from the medical technology program into which they transfer. Students can also complete a bachelor of science degree at EOU and then transfer to either a university or a hospital-based program for the final 12-15 months of training. Since hospital programs cannot grant degrees, students must have a bachelor of science degree prior to entering these programs.

Typical prerequisite coursework includes one-year sequences of general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, in addition to courses in general microbiology, immunology, college level mathematics and English composition. A medical terminology course is highly recommended. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite information from the schools to which they will be applying and to work closely with their EOU pre-medical technology adviser when selecting appropriate coursework to meet the prerequisite requirements.

PRE-NURSING
The curriculum in pre-nursing prepares students for entrance into Oregon Health & Science University’s baccalaureate degree nursing program at any one of four sites: Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, or the Portland campus of Oregon Health Sciences University. The pre-nursing program is a one-year curriculum consisting of anatomy and physiology with lab, in addition to courses such as general psychology, lifespan development, mathematics 095 or higher, nutrition, two English composition courses and enough humanities, social science or natural science credits to ensure a total of 45 prerequisite credits have been obtained. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with the pre-nursing adviser when choosing appropriate coursework. Admission to the nursing school is competitive, requiring high academic achievement.

NOTE: For information about the baccalaureate degree program in Nursing on the EOU campus, see Oregon Health & Science University Nursing, in this catalog.
PRE-OPTOMETRY
A full curriculum of pre-professional courses is offered at Eastern for those seeking admission to a school of optometry and a Doctor of Optometry degree. The Pacific University College of Optometry, located at Forest Grove, is normally the school of choice for Oregon residents. Usually the student will receive a BA or BS in Biology at EOU before being accepted at a professional school. Typical prerequisite coursework includes one-year sequences of general chemistry with lab, anatomy and physiology with lab, and general physics with lab, in addition to courses such as microbiology with lab, calculus, statistics, general psychology, and English composition. Some optometry schools require observation experience under the supervision of an optometrist. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their pre-optometry adviser when selecting appropriate coursework. Admission is highly competitive. The majority of students being admitted have above average scholastic standing, have earned high pre-admission examination scores, have demonstrated a good general knowledge of the profession, have been active in extra-curricular campus and community activities that develop leadership qualities and have a carefully prepared application form.

PRE-PHARMACY
EOU offers a three year pre-pharmacy curriculum which prepares you for applying for admission to pharmacy schools. Although some pharmacy schools do not require a baccalaureate (B.A./B.S.) degree for admission, it is highly recommended that students plan to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. Most dental schools require an additional three years in the professional program to earn the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Prerequisite coursework typically includes one-year sequences of general biology with lab, anatomy and physiology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, and general physics with lab, in addition to courses in cell structure and function, microbiology with lab, calculus, statistics, speech, general economics, general psychology, and English composition. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their pre-pharmacy adviser when selecting appropriate coursework. Admission to pharmacy schools is highly competitive.

PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY
EOU offers all of the courses necessary for acceptance to most professional schools of physical therapy. During the student’s freshman and sophomore year, the student is encouraged to contact the professional schools which he or she desires to attend. The student and the pre-professional physical therapy adviser will then plan the junior and senior years to fulfill all of the specific professional school prerequisite requirements. Usually the student will receive a BA or BS in Biology at EOU before being accepted at a professional school. Prerequisite coursework typically includes one-year sequences of general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, anatomy and physiology with lab, in addition to statistics, general psychology, English composition, humanities and social science courses. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their pre-physical therapy adviser when selecting appropriate coursework. Admission to physical therapy schools is highly competitive based on scholastic standing.

PRE-VETERINARY MEDICINE
The pre-veterinary medicine curriculum at Eastern Oregon University is designed to meet the requirements for admission to schools of veterinary medicine as well as to place you in a position to complete a Baccalaureate degree within four years. Oregon residents normally apply to the School of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University after three or four years of study at Eastern. Students must complete a minimum of 120 quarter hours of coursework which includes one-year sequences in general chemistry with lab, general biology with lab, organic chemistry with lab, general physics with lab, in addition to courses which include biochemistry, genetics, mathematics, animal nutrition, and additional courses in biological sciences. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their pre-veterinary adviser when choosing appropriate coursework. Admission to the veterinary school is very competitive.

PRE-PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
The pre-physician assistant curriculum at Eastern Oregon University is designed to meet the requirements for admission to a school of Physician Assistant Studies, as well as to place you in a position to complete a Baccalaureate degree within four years. Students must obtain a B.A./B.S. degree prior to being accepted into most professional schools. Typical prerequisite coursework includes one-year sequences of general biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, anatomy and physiology with lab, in addition to courses which include microbiology with lab, upper division natural science coursework, general psychology, statistics, and English composition. Most professional schools require a minimum of six months to one-year in a responsible health care position (paid or volunteer). Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite requirements for the school to which they will be applying and to work closely with their pre-physician assistant adviser when selecting appropriate coursework. Admission to physician assistant programs is highly competitive, requiring high academic achievement