Pre-Professional Programs

The chemistry program at Saint Xavier University provides specialized training in science within the context of a broad liberal arts education. Students who intend to pursue post-graduate studies in one of the following areas should, early in their academic careers, discuss plans with their academic advisors.

A student must be academically strong in order to succeed in professional school. Students who plan to apply to professional school will need to fulfill the following guidelines for success:

  • University GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Professional admission test scores (MCAT, DAT, PCAT, VAT, OAT) average or above average
  • Personalities and maturity compatible with chosen profession
  • Strong letters of evaluation from teachers and professionals
  • Practical experience in and direct knowledge of the chosen profession based on extra-curricular work or volunteer activities in the profession

Pre-Medical Professions Programs

The Pre-Medical program at Saint Xavier University is a four-year baccalaureate program which prepares students for entrance into medical school in the areas of dentistry, medicine and veterinary medicine. Although students may choose from a wide variety of majors, most premed students major in the sciences.

High School Prerequisites

Students should have a strong high school background in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, and must meet the University's general requirements for admission.

Pre-Medical Committee

The following faculty members serve as the Pre-Medical Committee at Saint Xavier University:

Dr. Stanley Boyer, Biology
Dr. John Jones, Biology
Dr. Robert Van Lanen, Chemistry

This Committee has access to the Deans of Admissions of professional schools, advises students, acts as a clearing house for information, attends meetings at various medical and professional schools throughout the year, and consolidates letters of evaluation into a Committee letter which is sent to schools when requested by students. The Committee also helps individual students to arrive at a realistic decision regarding application to a professional school.

Pre-Medical Curriculum

Preparation in a health related area requires a sound foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. The Saint Xavier University core provides the student with the required liberal arts courses. The minimum basic science program for pre-professional students in health related careers includes:

  • BIOL 111/112 General Biology I and II
  • CHEM 111/112 General Chemistry I and II
  • CHEM 252/252 Organic Chemistry I and II
  • CHEML 251/252 Organic Chemistry Lab I and II
  • Mathematics through MATH 113 (Trigonometry) or MATH 201 (Calculus I)
  • PHYS 201/202 or 211/212 General or University Physics I and II
  • Many medical schools suggest 1 semester of biochemistry and require 2 years of biology or other courses

Pre-Pharmacy Program

The Pre-Pharmacy program at Saint Xavier University is a vigorous two-year program that prepares students to enter and succeed in pharmacy programs. Students will need a strong high school background in biology, chemistry and mathematics, and must meet Saint Xavier's general admission requirements. Pre-Pharmacy students will be assigned an academic advisor to assist in course selections and give advice regarding admissions to a College of Pharmacy. A student who wishes to attend Pharmacy School should check the requirements of the particular school to which he/she wishes to apply.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Stanley Boyer, Biology
Dr. Frances Crean, Chemistry
Dr. Robert Van Lanen, Chemistry

University of Illinois at Chicago

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois has approved courses at Saint Xavier University for its pre-pharmacy requirements for admission to its four-year doctoral pharmacy program. Completion of all course work does not necessarily guarantee admission to the College of Pharmacy at the University of Illinois.