Pre-Professional Studies
Overview
A broad liberal arts education is an asset for students who wish to pursue a professional education, and entrance examinations and admissions requirements for many professional schools favor individuals who have benefited from an undergraduate liberal arts education. Since its founding, McDaniel College has offered pre-professional education, and graduates have proceeded to study and practice the learned professions with distinction. Your advisor can help you plan your course of study and connect you with the appropriate pre-professional program coordinator to help you meet your goals.
Pre-engineering studies
Engineering
Students interested in becoming engineers can achieve their goal by completing three years at McDaniel College and two years at the University of Maryland at College Park or another qualified engineering school. Successful completion of this five-year program qualifies you to receive both the Bachelor of Arts degree from McDaniel College and the Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the engineering school.
You may also want to consider the possible advantages of completing a standard four-year undergraduate science or mathematics major before entering an engineering school. With an additional two years of study at an engineering school, you can complete a B.S. in Engineering, and you may be able to complete a master's degree.
NOTE: Modifications of the program can, and often must, be arranged to meet your needs and to satisfy the requirements of the engineering school at which you plan to complete the program.
The Five-Year Program
• 96 semester hours at McDaniel College
• Completion of the The McDaniel Plan Requirements
• 24 hours in at least one of the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Contact
Dr. Vasilis Pagonis, Physics
(410) 857-2481
Pre-law
You can major in any department —law schools give preference to students with high academic achievement and backgrounds of broad cultural and social education. The best preparation is a broad liberal arts background that includes courses that strengthen your command of English; develop your ability to think clearly, concisely and logically; and increase your understanding of human institutions and values. The McDaniel Plan provides pre-law students with all they need to be admitted to and excel in law school.
Here are some pointers to consider in plotting your course for law school:
- Avoid taking courses on a pass/fail basis.
- Since the title of independent study courses and internships give admissions committees little or no information about their content or level of difficulty, remember to explain them in your application.
- Although the LSAT does not include math problems, there are problems requiring sharp logical and analytical reasoning. Enrolling in a Logic course should increase your understanding of the logical reasoning section of the test.
- Consider taking courses in Philosophy, Statistics, Economics, Psychology, and Sociology
- Although not required for admission to law school, Accounting is a helpful tool for lawyers. Accounting and Information Systems are excellent choices.
- You have free reign to select natural science courses for your pre-law program. The 8 credits required for the BA degree will be adequate for your needs. If you are interested, however, in environmental law or patent law, you may wish to select science courses accordingly.
- The Social Sciences offers courses that help increase your understanding of human institutions and values. They also give you greater insight into the American judicial system, American government, and other law-related issues.
- Cultural competency is a plus for anyone, in the legal profession as in any walk of life. These courses introduce you to cultural pluralism, public policy, educational policy, and Social Work. They provide insight into issues, institutions, and policy-making in the U.S.
Remember that your professors are here to help you reach your goal.
Pre-law Advising / Resources
Contact
Pre-law Advisor Dr. Charles Neal
Professor of Political Science and International Studies
(410) 857-2143
Teacher Certification
McDaniel College has provided programs for teacher preparation and certification for more than 100 years. The College offers minors in Elementary and Secondary Education. Students who complete the minor in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or P-12 Art, Music, or Physical Education are eligible for teacher certification in the state of Maryland (and more than 45 states involved in the Interstate Reciprocity Agreement).
McDaniel’s teacher education programs are fully approved and accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Note that course requirements for the Education Minor are subject to changes reflecting Maryland State Department of Education certification regulations. Students interested in the Education Minor should consult with the coordinator as soon as possible. We are here to help you achieve your goals to become an educator.
In compliance with Title II Section 207 of the Higher Education Act, the College is required to report the percentage of students who pass teaching exams required for state teacher licensure. The 2005-2006 results for the College and overall rates for all colleges and universities in Maryland follow:
• Tests of Basic Skills (Praxis I): McDaniel College, 100%; Maryland average, 99%
(College data include undergraduate, post baccalaureate and specialty programs.)
• Tests of Professional Knowledge: (Praxis II): McDaniel College, 100%; Maryland average, 98%
(Scores represent students in elementary and secondary education programs.)
• Tests of Content Knowledge: (Praxis II): McDaniel College, 100%; Maryland average, 99%
(Scores represent students in elementary and secondary education programs.)
• Tests of Teaching Special Populations: (Praxis II): Maryland average, 95%; McDaniel College did not have enough test takers to report data.
• Summary Totals of Pass Rates: McDaniel College, 100%; Maryland average, 97%
(Summary data include undergraduate, post baccalaureate, and specialty programs.)
Contact
Teacher Certification Coordinator Dr. Margaret C. Trader
(410) 386-4668
Pre-medical and health professions studies
Since 1874, men and women graduates of the College have gone on to practice medicine and the other health professions. In addition to the science courses required for admission to professional schools, the College recommends a number of courses in other disciplines and an internship experience that will help prepare you for admission and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the study and practice of medicine and the other health professions.
Professional schools expect that candidates for admission will achieve well-above-average grades in their undergraduate studies. Requirements of professional schools vary; students should seek advice from the Pre-Health Professions advisor early in their undergraduate career.
Many students in the past who have gone on to study medicine have pursued majors like Biology or Biochemistry, but it’s important to note that medical schools take 40% humanities majors and 60% science majors. All students have to take a certain set of foundation courses. There is no “Pre-Med” major; medical schools prefer someone with a broad background, in addition to the science “prep” courses—like the Humanities, Social Sciences, etc. The McDaniel Plan curriculum has prepared students very well by providing a more expansive educational background.
Which major to pick? We advise that it be one that you love and will do well in academically. Medical schools these days require a 3.8 or higher GPA and an MCAT (Medical School Admission Test) score of 30/45 or higher.
We are here to help you plan your courses, find relevant internship experiences, connect with medical professionals working in the field, and gain admission to medical school.
Contact
Coordinator Dr. Ralene Mitschler
(410) 410-857-2406