Preparation for Study in One of the Health Professions
Students interested in studying one of the health professions (e.g., medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, nuclear medicine, etc.) can major in one of the sciences or they can choose one of a variety of non-science majors. However, in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program in the health sciences, the student must complete the prerequisite coursework specified by their program of interest. The Assumption University health professions advisor and the faculty of the natural science department assist the student in planning an appropriate course of study. The University also has a Health Professions Committee that can provide students with a letter of recommendation from the Natural Science Department. Through the Natural Sciences Club, the student may have the opportunity to meet members of the health professions. Many students interested in one of the health professions complete an internship in one or more areas related to their specific interests.
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Sciences Program
Assumption offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program in the pre-health sciences for students that need to complete additional science coursework prior to applying to a graduate program in one of the health sciences. Students in the program work with the health professions advisor, Professor Steven Theroux, and design a course of study. Applicants should have a B.A. or B.S. from an accredited institution and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. An application for the program can be obtained by calling Prof. Theroux at 508 767-7545. Completed applications are due February 1.
Pre-Law Program
To prepare students interested in law school to meet the many intellectual and ethical challenges of the legal profession, the Pre- Law Program combines Assumption University’s commitment to a strong liberal education with the personalized advising, co-curricular activities, and development opportunities necessary for success in law school and careers in law. In keeping with guidance from the American Bar Association and law school admissions staff, Assumption’s Pre-Law Program does not require a specific slate of courses. Instead, dedicated advisors help students from all majors identify law schools and areas within the law that best fit their interests and skills. They also help students tailor their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and community service opportunities in the way that best prepares them for law school and a career in the law. This approach provides students the freedom to choose a course of study that best suits them. Reflecting Assumption University’s commitment to the liberal arts and forming well-rounded individuals, the best preparation for law school is a field of study about which students are genuinely enthusiastic and in which they can excel. In addition to academic advising, Pre-Law advisors hold informational meetings for students, arrange meetings with Assumption University alumni who are in law school or in the legal profession, help identify legal internships, and organize professional development opportunities. They also aid students in identifying opportunities for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) preparation, while guiding them through the law school application process.
Assumption University’s Pre-Law Program emphasizes cultivating relationships among students, faculty, staff, and alumni interested in careers in law. Pre-Law students and the Pre-Law advisors form a community for sharing advice, mentoring, and networking to aid students in achieving their goals for studying law and pursuing a career in law. This student-centered approach distinguishes Assumption’s Pre-Law Program from programs offered at most colleges and universities. For more information contact one of the Pre-Law advisors, Prof. Carl Robert Keyes, ckeyes@assumption.edu, or Prof. Michael Matraia, mt.matraia@assumption.edu.
Pre-Law Certificate
Assumption’s Pre-Law Program also offers students the opportunity to earn a Pre-Law Certificate. Unlike other programs that require taking specific courses, Assumption’s Pre-Law Certificate allows students to earn the certificate by participating in a variety of activities during their undergraduate studies, making it possible to decide their own unique path to preparation for law school and careers in the law. This flexible program is designed to encourage deep engagement and meaningful experiences.
During their undergraduate studies, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and experiential learning opportunities that count toward the Pre-Law Certificate. Each activity earns points, and once a student accumulates the required number, they will receive their certificate upon graduation.
Here are some examples of activities and experiential learning opportunities:
- Internships: Students gain hands-on experience through internships selected with the help of Pre-Law Advisors.
- Classes: Students deepen their knowledge by taking classes of their choosing and reflecting in a brief writing at the conclusion of the course on how they think the course contributed to their preparation for law school and a legal career.
- Shadow Days: Students observe Assumption alumni attorneys in legal settings through shadow days.
- LSAT Preparation and Test-Taking: Students improve their law school application qualifications by completing an LSAT prep course and taking the LSAT.
- Campus & Community Engagement: Students participate in Pre-Law events or other programs on campus.
- Research & Writing: Students complete an honors thesis or engage in collaborative research with a faculty member.
Students can also earn points for activities such as participating in Model Senate or serving as an officer in student organizations. Each activity contributes to a comprehensive educational experience, preparing students not just for law school, but for a lifelong career in the legal field. By the time they graduate, students will have a personalized portfolio of experiences and skills that can help them be ready for law school and the legal profession.
Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Theology Certificate Program in Philosophy
The post-baccalaureate Pre-Theology Certificate Program consists of two components: (1) a course of study principally in Philosophy intended for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood after their University years; (2) a course of study principally in Theology for men seeking admission to the Assumptionist Congregation. If a candidate is judged to have completed the first course of study elsewhere, he may proceed directly to the second component of the program under the supervision of the appropriate department Chair and Assumptionist mentor. The first component recognizes the importance of solid philosophical training in the serious study of theology. A two-semester course in Philosophy and Theology anchors the curriculum. In addition, students complete five one-semester courses that introduce the chief areas of philosophical investigation and the history of philosophy and at least three electives chosen from a group of upper-level courses in Philosophy, Theology, Political Philosophy, and other approved areas. Each student will be provided with individual guidance by a member of the Philosophy Department. For further information contact the chair of the department.
The second component offers a course of study, principally in Theology, designed to satisfy the requirements established by the Assumptionist Congregation. Students may pursue up to 48 additional credits in courses offered as independent studies on topics such as Assumptionist and Augustinian Spiritual Thought; The Theology of Prayer; Sacraments and Worship; History of the Church in 19th Century France; The Theology of Religious Life; The History of the Assumptionists; Journal Writing, etc. Students may pursue courses from this component simultaneously with the first component. Each student will be provided with the individual guidance of an Assumptionist and a member of the Theology Department.
Air Force and Army Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC)
Assumption University students may participate in the Air Force or Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Qualified U.S. citizens who earn their degree from Assumption University and satisfactorily complete the ROTC program requirements will be commissioned as second lieutenants. Air Force ROTC offers a four-year and two-year program for qualified individuals to earn their commission; two- and three-year scholarship opportunities are also available to qualified individuals in specific areas of academic study. Army ROTC offers a four, three and two-year program for qualified individuals to earn their commission; two-, three- and four-year scholarships are also available to qualified individuals. For more details on either program, write to the Department of Aerospace Studies (Air Force) or Department of Military Services (Army), 100 Institute Road, Worcester MA 01609, call them at 508-831-5747 (Air Force), or 508-831-5268 (Army) or email them at airforce@wpi.edu or armyrotc@wpi.edu .