Pre-Professional Science
About the program
This curriculum permits maximum flexibility for a student with specific professional goals in science. Beyond the basic required courses, a student may develop a program of study with a specific emphasis or a broad introduction to several fields of science. This curriculum is particularly appropriate for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary science. Also, this major can be adapted for the specific needs of those students interested in graduate school in the interdisciplinary life or physical sciences such as molecular biology, toxicology, or forensic science.
Coursework in Pre-Professional Science
The curriculum incorporates a variety of topics to prepare students for opportunities in the field of Pre-Professional Science, and includes courses such as:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- General Chemistry
- Calculus
- Genetics
- Organic Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Physics
Back to top »
Experiential & hands-on learning opportunities
Work study positions: The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers several work-study positions, giving students a chance to fine-tune their laboratory skills while working side by side with professors.
Internships: Students are strongly urged to explore career opportunities and to establish mentors through an internship.
Back to top »
What can I be with a major in Pre-Professional Science?
A major in Pre-Professional Science leads to traditional career paths, as well as less expected fields. For example:
- You could be a(n) ...
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Biochemist
- Veterinarian
- Pharmacist
- Technical Writer
- Scientific Photographer
- Forensic Chemist
- Medical Illustrator
- Toxicologist
Back to top »
Recent Pre-Professional Science graduates and their careers
Ferrum graduates credit their program of study for landing jobs or other opportunities in their fields.
Amy Hayes '00: of Rocky Mount, was a student in the George Washington School of Medicine, class of 2004. (MD)
Patricia Moyer '02: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. (DVM)
Brook Powell '06: Jefferson College of Health Sciences. (PA)
Cody Matthews '07: Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine. (DO)
David Ellington '08: Shenandoah University Physician's Assistant Program. (PA)
Back to top »
Pre-Professional Science Faculty
Chris Aylesworth
Program Coordinator of Pre-Professional Science
Assistant Professor of Biology
Director of Professional Health Sciences
D.V.M., Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
(540) 365-4542
caylesworth@ferrum.edu | View Profile
George Byrd |
View Profile
Associate Professor of Agriculture
Program Coordinator of Agriculture
Ph.D., University of Georgia
(540) 365-4378
gbyrd@ferrum.edu
Michaela Gazdik |
View Profile
Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology
Ph.D., The State University of New York at Albany
(540) 365-4369
mgazdik@ferrum.edu
Katherine Goff |
View Profile
Assistant Professor of Biology
Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(540) 365-4468
kjordan@ferrum.edu
Jason Powell |
View Profile
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(540) 365-4376
jpowell@ferrum.edu
Carolyn L. Thomas |
View Profile
Professor of Environmental Science and Biology
Program Coordinator of Biology
Ph.D., Virginia Tech
(540) 365-4368
cthomas@ferrum.edu
Back to top »
Faculty & Staff: Click here to submit your profile.
Find out more
Information is only an email away. Contact Dr. Aylesworth, Director of Professional Health Sciences at caylesworth@ferrum.edu.
Experiential Term »
Honors Program »
International Programs »
Service Learning »
Back to top »