Preprofessional Programs

Engineering. Susquehanna students planning a successful career in engineering major in physics and carefully select courses to prepare them for an engineering specialty: bioengineering, chemical, computer, electrical, mechanical and civil. After graduation they are employed in industry/government, where they are trained for a specific field/job; or they go directly to a graduate a school and earn an advanced degree in engineering.

Prelaw. Susquehanna students have an outstanding acceptance and achievement record at a wide variety of law schools across the country. The American Association of Law Schools recommends several program emphases for students interested in attending law school. These include oral and written communication, critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals, and creative thinking skills. Traditional foundations for careers in law have been majors in such fields as economics, English, history, philosophy and political science. Business and accounting majors also represent excellent preparations for careers in law. The growing fields of medical and environmental law invite science and psychology majors. Students preparing for law careers may also want to minor in legal studies. Students should declare this minor as sophomores to ensure that required courses will fit into their program. Susquehanna University has a general articulation agreement with Capital University Law School. Assistant Professor of Political Science Michele DeMary is the prelaw advisor.

Premedicine and other Prehealth Professions. Susquehanna graduates have successfully pursued advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, chiropractic medicine, podiatry, and physical therapy. The Health Professions Advising Committee, chaired by Associate Professor of Biology Margaret Peeler, coordinates the preparation of students for professional schools in these areas by advising students about career opportunities in the health professions, establishing internship experiences, and supervising the application process.

Successful candidates for admission to medical school and other health professional schools must demonstrate a strong level of competence in science. Most students pursue science majors such as biology, biochemistry, and psychology. However, students can pursue any major, provided they complete the science prerequisites, which commonly include at least one year of biology, and one year each of chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Students should consult the catalog descriptions of their majors of interest to determine the recommended sequence of courses. In addition to the academic advising students receive within their major department, the Health Professions Advising Committee also consults with students as they plan schedules and progress through their major. Candidates for professional schools must maintain high grade point averages and score well on standardized aptitude tests, such as the MCAT, which are normally taken during the junior year. Students should complete all prerequisite courses by the end of their junior year and to prepare thoroughly for these exams.

Students are strongly encouraged to investigate their career options through internships. Susquehanna students have numerous opportunities for internships including participation in a semester-long program at Sunbury Community Hospital as well as service learning and travel options focusing on medicine in Central America. Sophomore and junior years are the ideal times for these internship experiences.

Preministry and Church Occupations. Susquehanna has a special interest in preparing students for service in the church. This service can include the ordained ministry, parish work, the diaconate, social ministry and ministry in music. These career goals typically require graduate study. While students may major in any field, they are encouraged to emphasize the broadening aspects of the liberal arts. Susquehanna's historic relationship with the Lutheran Church (ELCA) attracts many students to its service, but graduates have also entered service in many other denominations. Chaplain Mark Wm. Radecke can give advice on the many options available in this area.