Undergraduate
Special Programs
Graduate Preprofessional Programs
Preparation for a career in the graduate health professions (e.g., medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, et al) is a multi-dimensional task. One important aspect is intellectual and academic development—the college education. The preprofessional student is urged to select a degree program that is of greatest interest to them. There is no preprofessional major. Most graduate health profession careers depend upon daily use of science, so a strong science foundation is critical in the student’s preparation. These careers also require academic breadth and depth, so a balanced science/non-science curriculum is advised. While some health professional programs (dental, pharmacy, veterinary medicine) may not require an undergraduate degree for especially strong applicants, the vast majority of the successful applicants have an undergraduate degree. Having a bachelor’s degree provides the necessary background, and serves as a backup plan if the student does not matriculate to a professional program.
Students may choose from a variety of majors while completing preprofessional requirements. Students are encouraged to consult with prospective major academic advisor, as well as the School of Science Preprofessions Health advisor (if enrolled in a School of Science degree program; if not, see the health professions adviser in the Health and Life Science Advising Center).
There are many schools across the country for each health profession from which to choose and we encourage students to apply to multiple programs. However, our preprofessional course advising is aligned with the programs with which we are most closely affiliated – IUPUI, IU Bloomington and Purdue University in West Lafayette.
Post-baccalaureate students may choose to take prerequisite courses through the School of Science for entry into professional programs. These students should consult with the health professions' advisor for help with the admission process and course selection.
Graduate professional programs require not only specific prerequisite courses, a strong GPA, and a profession-specific or general entrance test, but also experience including shadowing in the field, volunteering and leadership activities. See your health professions adviser to discuss opportunities.
Pre-Medical Program
Students planning to apply to medical school must choose a degree program in addition to taking courses that fulfill the admission requirements for their chosen medical school. While many opt to complete their degrees with science majors, any major is acceptable. Freshmen should declare their chosen major and seek advising for their degree requirements from the academic advisor in their major department. IUPUI offers preprofessions health advising for the School of Science at the Preprofessional and Career Preparation (PREPs) office and for majors outside of the School of Science advising is conducted by the Health Life Sciences Advising Center (HLSAC). Pre-medical students should consult their preprofessions health advisor within their first semester at IUPUI. Baccalaureate students who are selecting courses in the School of Science to prepare for medical school are also invited to use the preprofessions health advising service for help with the admission process.
Following are the IUPUI courses that meet the requirements for application to IU School of Medicine and most medical schools around the country, and represent the content for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Please see medical school websites for any school specific requirements. The premedical student should complete the bachelor's degree. The MCAT is required for all medical schools.
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 cr. |
| CHEM-C105 / CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106 / CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C341 / CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C342 Organic Chemistry II* | 3 cr. |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 cr. |
| PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry | 3 cr. |
| PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology | 3 cr. |
| SOC-R100 Introduction to Sociology | 3cr. |
*CHEM-C344 (Organic Chemistry II Laboratory) is not required for the IU School of Medicine. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the course as it may be required by other universities.
Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Optometry
Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Optometry are career goals and not majors at the undergraduate level. Students generally select a bachelor degree of their choice in which they can excel and incorporate specific pre-requisites prior to entering a dental, veterinary or optometry school. Since these careers involve a strong background in life and physical sciences as well as working with people, students often choose a major in Biology, Psychology or Chemistry to fulfill their requirements. Students should also include coursework in humanities to ensure they are well rounded. In very rare situations, a handful of students are admitted to these professional programs after completing only the 90 hours of pre-requisites; however this is not the norm. A bachelor degree is strongly recommended. Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Pre-Optometry coursework requires careful planning and preparation. Advising for degree requirements is provided in the department where the major is housed. Pre-Professional advising on pre-dental, pre-optometry, and pre-veterinary professional development such as resources for shadowing, internships, research, and volunteering as well as interview preparation is available in the Pre Professional and Career Preparation (PREPs) office. Post baccalaureate and graduate students working on pre-dental requirements are also advised in the same manner. Pre-requisites listed below are for Indiana University and Purdue University programs. Students applying to different programs are encouraged to check with the schools admissions office for a current listing of specific program pre-requisites.
Pre-Dentistry
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required for admission to dental school. Applicants should also show evidence of manual dexterity and complete 40 hours of shadowing in General Dentistry.
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry | 3 cr. |
| or CHEM-C484 Biomolecules and Catabolism | 3 cr. |
| BIOL-N217 Human Physiology | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy | 5 cr. |
| CHEM-C105 / CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106 / CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C341 / CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C342 Organic Chemistry II* | 3 cr. |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 cr. |
| PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 cr. |
| PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology | 3 cr. |
| ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry I | 3 cr. |
*CHEM-C344 (Organic Chemistry II Laboratory) is not required for the IU School of Dentistry. Students are encouraged to complete the course as it may be required by other universities.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for admission to veterinary school. It is also recommended that students gain some practical experience working with animals before applying to a veterinary program.
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K322 / BIOL-K323 Genetics and Molecular Biology/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| BIOL-K356 / BIOL-K357 Microbiology/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| (or MICR-J210 Microbiology and Immunology) | (4 cr.) |
| BIOL-K483 Biological Chemistry | 3 cr. |
| CHEM-C105 / CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106 / CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C341 / CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C342 / CHEM-C344 Organic Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| MATH 23100 Calculus for the Life Sciences I | 3 cr. |
| (or MATH 22100 or MATH 16500) | (3 cr. or 4 cr.) |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 cr. |
| PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 cr. |
| STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods I | 3 cr. |
| (or STAT-N501 or SPEA-K300) | (3 cr.) |
| ANSC 22300 Animal Nutrition | 3 cr. |
| (may be taken at Purdue WL or online) | |
| ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry I | 3 cr. |
| COMM-R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 cr. |
| Arts and Humanities electives | 9 cr. |
Pre-Optometry
The Optometry Aptitude Test (OAT) is required for admission. It is suggested that students also have some exposure to the Optometry profession before applying to a program.
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K356 / BIOL-K357 Microbiology/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| Advanced Biology: BIOL-K322 Genetics and Molecular Biology | 3 cr. |
| (or BIOL-K324 Cell Biology) | (3 cr.) |
| (or BIOL-N217 Human Physiology) | (5 cr.) |
| (or BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy) | (5 cr.) |
| CHEM-C105 / CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106 / CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C341 / CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| ENG-W131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry I | 3 cr. |
| ENG-W270 Argumentative Writing | 3 cr. |
| (or ENG-W231 Professional Writing Skills) | (3 cr.) |
| MATH 23100 Calculus for the Life Sciences I | 3 cr. |
| (or MATH 22100 or MATH 16500) | (3 cr. or 4 cr.) |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 cr. |
| PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 cr. |
| PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology | 3 cr. |
| STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods I | 3 cr. |
| (or STAT-N501 or PSY-B305 or ECON-E270) | (3 cr.) |
| If the student does NOT have a bachelor's degree, additional courses are required: | |
| Arts and Humanities | 6 cr. |
| World language | 6 cr. |
| (students having completed 2 or more years in high school with C or better are exempt) | |
| Social and Historical Studies | 6 cr. |
| Additional credit hours to reach 90 credit hours |
Pre-Pharmacy
The Pre-Pharmacy program at IUPUI consists of approximately 70-90 hours of coursework required to apply to pharmacy schools. A bachelor degree is not required however; many students elect to complete a degree program in a science major before application to Pharmacy school. Students declaring pre-pharmacy upon admission are assigned to the Department of Biology for completion of the required courses. Admission information as well as professional development activities including resources for shadowing, volunteering, research and internships is provided by the Pre-Professional and Career Preparation (PREPs) Office. The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required by approximately 2/3 of Pharmacy schools. Purdue University does not require the PCAT for admission. Additional categories of electives are required for graduation from the pharmacy program at Purdue. Since they are not required for admission to the program, they may be completed concurrently with pre-requisite coursework or after admission to the program. Students must select one course from Humanities and Behavioral Sciences, Business and Administration and Science and Technology. Please see a pre-professional advisor in the PREPs office for options. Pre-requisite courses listed below are for the Purdue University School of Pharmacy. Students are encouraged to check with all schools they are applying to for specific course requirements.
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K356 / BIOL-K357 Microbiology/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| BIOL-N217 Human Physiology | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy | 5 cr. |
| CHEM-C105 / CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106 / CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C341 / CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C342 / CHEM-C344 Organic Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| ECON-E101 Survey of Economic Issues and Problems | 3 cr. |
| MATH 23100 / MATH 23200 Calculus for the Life Sciences I and II | 3 cr./3 cr. |
| (or MATH 22100 / MATH 22200 or MATH 16500 / MATH 16600) |
3 cr./3 cr. or 4 cr./4 cr. |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I | 5 cr. |
| ENG-W131 Reading Writing and Inquiry I | 3 cr. |
| ENG-W270 Argumentative Writing | 3 cr. |
Pre-Occupational Therapy (OT)
Students may select any undergraduate major and include a set of core courses needed for pre-requisites for a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy. Undergraduate degree programs in Biology or Psychology may be of interest to the pre-occupational therapy student. Advising for undergraduate degree requirements is available in the major department. Additional pre-professional advising including resources such as shadowing, internships, volunteering, and research as well as application and admission assistance to OT programs is provided in the Pre-Professional and Career Preparation (PREPs) Office. An advisor in the IUPUI School of Health and Rehabilitation Science is also available for consultation. Applicants must have completed a bachelor degree for consideration for a graduate program in OT. There is no entrance exam required. Students must have 12 observational hours in three different OT settings. Pre-requisite courses listed below are for Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Students are encouraged to check with all schools they are applying to for specific course requirements.
| BIOL-N217 Human Physiology | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy | 5 cr. |
| PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology | 3 cr. |
| PSY-B310 Life Span Development | 3 cr. |
| PSY-B380 Abnormal Psychology | 3 cr. |
| SOC-R100 Introduction to Sociology | 3 cr. |
| STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods I | 3 cr. |
| (or STAT-N501 or PSY-B305 or ECON-E270) | (3 cr.) |
| CLAS-C209 Medical Terms from Greek and Latin | 2 cr. |
| (or HIA-M330 Medical Terminology or RADI-R108 Medical Terminology (need dept. consent)) | 3 cr. or 1 cr. |
Pre-Physical Therapy (PT)
Students may select any undergraduate major and include a set of core courses needed for pre-requisites for a graduate degree in Physical Therapy. Undergraduate degree programs in Biology, Chemistry or Psychology may be of interest to the pre-physical therapy student. Advising for undergraduate degree requirements is available in the major department. Additional pre-professional advising including resources such as shadowing, internships, volunteering, and research as well as application and admission assistance to PT programs is provided in the Pre-Professional and Career Preparation (PREPs) Office. An advisor in the IUPUI School of Health and Rehabilitation Science is also available for consultation. Applicants must have completed a bachelor degree for consideration for a graduate program in PT. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to PT programs. Students must have 40 clinical observation hours for admission; 20 hours in an acute setting and 20 hours in an outpatient setting. Pre-requisite courses listed below are for Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Students are encouraged to check with all schools they are applying to for specific course requirements.
| BIOL-N217 Human Physiology | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-N261 Human Anatomy | 5 cr. |
| CHEM-C105 / CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106 / CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3 cr./2 cr. |
| PHYS-P201 General Physics I & PHYS-P202 General Physics II | 5 cr. & 5 cr. |
| (or PHYS 21800 & 21900 General Physics) | 4 cr. & 4 cr. |
| PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology | 3 cr. |
| PSY-B310 Life Span Development | 3 cr. |
| STAT 30100 Elementary Statistical Methods I | 3 cr. |
| (or STAT-N501 or PSY-B305 or ECON-E270 or SOC-R359 or SPEA-K300) | (3 cr.) |
| Two 3-credit hour courses in the humanities, social sciences area. | 6 cr. |
Pre-Physician Assistant (PA)
Students may select any undergraduate major and include a set of core courses needed for pre-requisites for a graduate program as a Physician Assistant. Undergraduate degree programs in Biology, Chemistry or Psychology may be of interest to the pre-PA student. Advising for undergraduate degree requirements is available in the major department. Additional pre-professional advising including resources such as shadowing, internships, volunteering, and research as well as application and admission assistance to PA programs is provided in the Pre-Professional and Career Preparation (PREPs) Office. An advisor in the IUPUI School of Health and Rehabilitation Science is also available for consultation. Applicants must have completed a bachelor degree for consideration for a graduate program as a Physician Assistant. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to PA programs. In addition, PA programs also require that students have accumulated a significant number of hours working or volunteering in a direct patient care setting prior to acceptance to a PA graduate program. Pre-requisite courses listed below are for Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Students are encouraged to check with all schools they are applying to for specific course requirements.
| BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-K103 Concepts of Biology II | 5 cr. |
| BIOL-N261 Anatomy & BIOL-N217 Physiology | 5 cr. & 5 cr. |
| (or BIOL-N212/214 & BIOL-N213/215 Human Biology I & II with lab) | (3/1 cr. & 3/1 cr.) |
| BIOL-N251 Intro to Microbiology | 3 cr. |
| (or MICR-J210 Microbiology & Immunology or BIOL-K356 & K357 Microbiology and Lab) | (4 cr. or 3/2 cr.) |
| CHEM-C105/CHEM-C125 Principles of Chemistry I/Lab | 3/2 cr. |
| CHEM-C106/CHEM-C126 Principles of Chemistry II/Lab | 3/2 cr. |
| CHEM-C341/CHEM-C343 Organic Chemistry I/Lab | 3/2 cr. |
| STAT 30100 (or SPEA-K300, or PSY-B305 or SOC-R359) | 3 cr. |
| SHRS-N265 (or HPER-N220, or FN 30300, or SHRS-W361) | 3 cr. |
| PSY-B110 Introduction to Psychology (or SOC-R100) | 3 cr. |
| HIA-M330 (or CLAS-C209) | 3 cr. (or 2 cr.) |