Pre-professional Programs

Although there is no pre-law major at the University of Florida, most law schools agree that a broad, liberal, diverse, and challenging education is the best preparation for law school. Taking difficult courses from demanding instructors is the best generic preparation for legal education. Pre-law students must develop analytic and problem-solving skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, oral communication and listening abilities, research skills, and organization and priority management skills. In short, pre-law students should register for demanding courses that challenge them to read, write, and think critically.

Pre-law students are encouraged to consult the pre-law web site. After reviewing the Web site, students should attend pre-law group advising sessions and workshops. In the junior year, students are invited to make individual advising appointments with the Pre-law adviser in the Academic Advising Center.

Pre-law students are encouraged to carefully assess their interest in and motivation for attending law school. The pre-law timeline, featured on the web site, encourages students to "shadow" attorneys, conduct informational interviews, complete internships, and speak to admissions officers to learn about law schools and the legal profession. Students should also consider studying overseas, writing an honors thesis, and completing an internship. These activities will enhance the depth and value of their undergraduate education and may also distinguish them from other top law school applicants.

Students intending to go to medical, dental, veterinary medical, optometry, podiatry or chiropractic school may choose almost any major; however, these students should not pursue majors that prepare them for specific health professions such as therapeutic recreation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or pharmacy.

All students considering medical, dental, veterinary medical, optometry, podiatry or chiropractic school should review the Health Professions Handbook, available online at www.advising.ufl.edu/prehealth.

Students also are encouraged to attend workshops offered by the Academic Advising Center. Health profession workshops for first- and second-year students are offered in the fall semester. Application workshops are offered in the spring for students who are in the process of applying to a professional school. An interview workshop is offered early in the fall for those who have already applied. For more information on workshops or to meet with a pre-health professions adviser, contact the Academic Advising Center.

Pre-health students should plan to complete the following courses. It is important to note that some health professions do not require all of these courses, and some require more. Also, requirements vary from program to program, so students should carefully investigate the requirements of the institutions to which they plan to apply.

Mathematics: At least two semesters of college-level mathematics; one semester of calculus (MAC 2311 or 3472) is recommended. Some medical schools stipulate additional calculus courses.

General Chemistry: CHM 2045-2046 and 2045L-2046L; or CHM 2050-2051 and CHM 2045L-2046L; or CHM 2047 and 2047L.

Organic Chemistry: CHM 2210-2211 and 2211L; or CHM 2215-2216 and CHM 2215L-2216L; or CHM 3217-3218 and CHM2211L.

Biochemistry: One semester is recommended by most professional schools and required by many medical schools. BCH 4024 or CHM 4207.

Physics: PHY 2053-2054 and PHY 2053L-2054L; or PHY 2048-2049 and PHY 2048L-2049L.

Biology: BSC 2010-2011 and BSC 2010L-2011L.

English: At least two semesters at the college level. Some medical schools require three courses in English with emphasis on composition. Many medical schools do not stipulate whether their English requirements are for composition or literature courses, but composition courses are recommended to strengthen communication skills and help prepare for admission tests.

Pre-veterinary students should take:

Pre-optometry students should take:

Pre-dental students should take: