Program Overview

This post-baccalaureate credit certificate program provides an opportunity for students interested in pursuing a health professions career to strengthen their academic record and/or complete the requisite coursework for subsequent applications for admission to health professions programs (e.g. medical, pharmacy, dental, veterinary).

The program offers two options designed to meet the needs of students with distinct academic backgrounds. 

• The first option, academic record enhancement, is a one-year program for students that have already completed the core pre-health professions pre-requisite science courses but are not yet fully competitive for admission to health professions school programs. It is designed to make post-baccalaureate students more competitive for admission through a combination of advanced science coursework and health professions-related activities. Option I requires completion of a minimum of 18 units taken in post-baccalaureate standing.
• The second option, career-changer, is a two-year program for students whose academic background currently lacks the core pre-health professions pre-requisite science courses. It is designed to make post-baccalaureate students eligible and competitive for admission to health professions school programs through a combination of foundational science coursework and health professions-related activities. Option II requires completion of a minimum of 38 units taken in post-baccalaureate standing. A maximum of 6 units of previously completed post-baccalaureate coursework from another institution may be used toward completion of either option of the certificate program. Refer to the Graduate Study chapter of the University catalog for general information governing all certificate programs.

Students may begin the certificate program only during the Fall Semester of an academic year. Please see the departmental website for current application deadlines.

General Requirements for Admission to the Program

• Acceptance by the University to post-baccalaureate status.
• Completion of the most current certificate program application form, which can be found on the departmental website and acceptance by the selection committee. A limited number of students will be accepted into the program each academic year.

Additional Requirements for Admission to Option I (academic record enhancement) of the Program

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and completion of the core pre-health professions pre-requisite science courses with lab, (one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, college-level math, and one year of physics).
• Minimum 3.0 grade point average in all biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses.

Additional Requirements for Admission to Option II (career-changer) of the Program

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and completion of college-level math.
• A minimum 3.0 grade point average.

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U.S. Department of Education
Gainful Employment Disclosure 

Notice to Students Regarding Professional Licensure and Certification  

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