Pre-Professional Study

Pre-professional Programs

If you are interested in preparing for admission to law school, to programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry and other health-related professional schools, or a M.B.A. program, you can readily do so at the University of Maine at Farmington. Academic advisors and counselors from the Center for Human Development will assist you with information about admission, testing and financial aid.

Pre-law Study

There is no universally recognized pre-law major. While many people recommend a major in the social sciences as most appropriate, the Law School Admission Council suggests that students need to “think, read, and write well, and have some understanding of what shapes human experience. Because a lawyer’s work involves most aspects of our complex society, a broad liberal arts curriculum is the preferred preparation for law school.” So a demanding liberal arts major is preferred, with courses in political science, history, philosophy (especially Critical Thinking and/or Logic), and theatre recommended. Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. James Melcher is the current advisor for pre-law students. His office is located in the Roberts Learning Center.

Pre-medical and Other Health-related Study

There is no universally recognized pre-medical, pre-vet, pre-pharm, etc. major. Medical schools and other health-related professional programs require a minimum of one year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, and usually one semester of calculus. Since additional recommended courses include genetics, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and anatomy and physiology, most of these students choose to major in biology. However, you can choose any major that appeals to you while still taking the core required courses in science as a Pre-Professional Health minor or as general credits. Appropriate independent study, research, volunteering and internship opportunities are desirable to demonstrate your individual and humanitarian interests. For further information, contact Dr. A. Mariella Passarelli, Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Passarelli is the advisor for pre-medical students and other pre-professional students in health-related fields. Her office is located in Ricker Hall.

Pre-professional, M.B.A Study

The majority of graduate schools which offer M.B.A programs do not require a specific undergraduate major in order to be admitted to an M.B.A program. However, a background in the core areas of business is advisable. If you are not pursuing a degree in business or a related area, (such as Business Economics, Business Psychology, Social Enterprise, Art Administration, Rehabilitation Administration or a minor in Business) then you should consider courses such as Principles of Accounting, Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing, Managerial Finance as well as principles of Economics. Additional courses in Business, Economics and Mathematics (such as statistics and Mathematics for Economics and Business) will be helpful. For further information, contact Dr. S. Waleck Dalpour, Professor of Business. Dr. Dalpour is the advisor for pre-MBA students. His office is located in Roberts Learning Center.