Winthrop offers programs which prepare students for professional study in a variety of fields. Some of these are degree programs preliminary to advanced study in such disciplines as engineering, medicine, nursing, dentistry and law. A Winthrop faculty adviser will help students plan their studies to meet the requirements of several professional schools.
A student who wishes to prepare for application to schools of dentistry or veterinary medicine should acquire a broad foundation in the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities and the social sciences. The specific requirements for admission to the College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina are 8 semester hours of each of the following: general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology, and science electives. In addition, 6 semester hours of English composition and mathematics are required. Other dental schools have similar requirements. Students interested in dental medicine should seek advice about which science electives would be best. The Dental Admission Test (DAT) must be taken no later than the fall of the senior year. A B+ average in science courses and an acceptable score on the DAT are essential for dental school admission.
The Pre-Engineering program provides students with the opportunity to complete an engineering degree at another university in four or five years by transferring from Winthrop after completing the necessary mathematics and science courses as well as basic courses in English, social sciences and humanities. Engineering programs require students to complete fundamental courses in calculus, differential equations, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering science during their first several years of college. Students who begin their college career at Winthrop have the advantage of completing these basic courses in smaller classes where they get individual faculty attention and access to modern instrumentation.
After two or more years of study at Winthrop, Pre-Engineering students have two options available to further their engineering education:
The Association of American Law Schools and the Law School Admission Council do not prescribe a specific major or series of courses as preparation for law school. Although most pre-law students major in the social sciences or humanities, almost any discipline is suitable. More important than the major is the acquisition of thorough intellectual training, including a broad understanding of human institutions as well as analytical and communications skills. Early in their undergraduate careers, students considering law school should meet with the pre-law adviser in the Political Science Department for assistance in planning a suitable course of pre-law study compatible with the student's major subject. Additional information for students considering legal studies can be found in the Pre-Law Handbook.
A student who wishes to prepare for application to medical school should acquire a broad foundation in the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities and the social sciences. Medical schools intentionally limit the absolute requirements for entry to encourage diversity among their applicants. Most medical schools require 6 semester hours each of English and Mathematics, and 8 semester hours each of biology, physics, biochemistry, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Beyond these requirements, pre-medical students may select any major program they may wish to pursue. The most important requirements for admission to a medical school are at least a B+ average on all science courses taken and a good score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is normally taken in the spring before the senior year.
A student who wishes to prepare for application for Pharmacy school should acquire a solid foundation in the chemical and biological sciences. The specific requirements for admission to the Pharm.D. program at the South Carolina College of Pharmacy include 8 hours of general chemistry, 8 hours of organic chemistry, 6 hours of physics, 3 hours of calculus, 3 hours of statistics, 8 hours of biology, 6 hours of anatomy and physiology, 9 hours of liberal arts electives, 6 hours of English composition and literature and 3 hours of economics, psychology and verbal skills. The most important requirement is that students maintain a B+ average on all science courses.
Adviser
Dr. William Kiblinger
A student who wishes to prepare for admission to a seminary program should have a well-rounded undergraduate education that emphasizes critical thinking skills, a capacity for close and careful reading, and a facility with written and oral communication skills. The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Philosophy & Religion at Winthrop highlights the development of these skills. Courses in the program provide essential elements for a student to prepare for graduate seminary work in theology and biblical studies.
Seminary admissions requirements vary depending on denomination, affiliation, and the student’s interests (counseling, pastoring, chaplaincy, type of degree, etc.). The department offers pre-seminary advising to help students identify prefer-ences and determine how best to structure their undergraduate program for seminary success.
A student who wishes to prepare for admission to either of the two physical therapy
programs in South Carolina (USC or MUSC) must complete a 4-year baccalaureate degree.
Regardless of the major, the student must complete course work in statistics, chemistry,
physics, biology, anatomy, physiology, and psychology. A minimum grade point average
of 3.0 is required. The student must present acceptable scores on all three components
(verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and writing) of the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE). In addition to acceptable grades and GRE scores, the student must have some
experience with the practice of physical therapy. This is best accomplished through
an internship course or other volunteer work. Winthrop also has an agreement with
the physical therapy program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC that provides
five guaranteed interviewed slots and two admission slots for Winthrop University
students. Contact the Biology Department for application guidelines.
A student who wishes to prepare for application to schools of veterinary medicine should acquire a broad foundation in the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. The requirements for entry into schools of veterinary medicine are more variable than those for schools of medicine and dentistry. A student pursuing a career in veterinary medicine should major in biology or chemistry and consult the pre-veterinary adviser.
Students may prepare themselves for application to programs in other health-related professions, such as nursing, occupational therapy, optometry and podiatry. Persons interested in these fields should consult the adviser for specific details.
The Health Professions Connection (HPC) is a resource provided for Winthrop students who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The purpose of the HPC is to provide information, advice, and assistance as students explore, prepare for, and apply to graduate/professional programs in the health professions.
Health professions covered by the HPC include (in alphabetical order): Athletic Training, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Chiropractic, Dentistry, Genetic Counseling, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition/Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, and Veterinary Medicine.
The HPC will operate as a Blackboard organization that is freely available to Winthrop students. Students who would like to join the HPC can do so by completing the online enrollment form.
Students may contact the HPC Coordinator, Dr. Matthew Stern, via e-mail at hpc@winthrop.edu.
