Pre-Professional Education
Pre-Professional Health: Clinical Psychology
Pre-Professional Health: Dentistry
Pre-Professional Health: Medicine
Pre-Professional Health: Others
Pre-Professional: Pre-Engineering
Pre-Professional: Pre-Law
Pre-Professional: Pre-Ministry
Pre-Professional: Pre-Veterinary
Rhodes College offers an interdisciplinary major and minor in Educational Studies which consists of a combination of courses in education and other disciplines in the liberal arts. The major has three tracks: Teaching and Learning; Community and Social Change; and Policy and Reform.
Students may also choose to pursue teacher licensure as part of their Educational Studies major. Students interested in this opportunity should schedule a meeting with an Educational Studies faculty member to discuss the process. Students who want to be teachers should select the Teaching and Learning track. In addition to declaring their major, students pursuing teacher licensure at Rhodes must complete an application to the licensure program, which includes completing required PRAXIS exams. Students seeking licensure in secondary education must double major in the content area in which they plan to teach. Students seeking elementary licensure are not required to double major. Note that in addition to major requirements, all students pursuing teacher licensure must complete a semester-long student teaching practicum, which may be completed in their eighth semester or post-graduation in a ninth semester.
Contact Person:
Dr. Zac Casey, caseyz@rhodes.edu, 901-843-3742
Education Web Site: http://www.rhodes.edu/education
The major in Educational Studies requires 51 or 52 credits. The required courses for the major are listed below. More information about elective courses for the three tracks can be found in the College Catalogue (http://catalog.rhodes.edu/catalog/requirements-major-educational-studies)
Core Requirements: (7 courses)
- Foundations (both required)
- Foundations of Education ED 201 (F8)
- Educational Psychology PSY 222
- Human Behavior (one of the following)
- Infant and Child Development PSY 229 (for elementary candidates; some sectionsF11)
- Adolescence PSY 230 (for secondary candidates)
- Evidence-based therapies PSYC 324
- Learning & Motivation PSYC 326
- Quantitative Skills (one of the following)
- Psychological Statistics PSYC 211 (F6)
- Econ Stat ECON 290 (F6)
- Probability Stat MATH 111 (F6)
- Philosophy, Ethics, Policy, & History (one of the following)
- Philosophy of Education PHIL 270 (F11)
- Ethics PHIL 301 (F1)
- Essays in Education ENGL 265
- Urban Education Policy POLSCI 240
- History of Race & Education
- Educational Equity and Disparities (one of the following)
- Urban Education ED 220
- African American Experience in U.S. Schools ED 225 (F9, F11)
- Race, Class, Gender, & Sexuality ED 320 (F9)
- Education Senior Seminar 485
Required Courses for Secondary Licensure: (4 courses and Student Teaching in ninth semester is required)
- Principles of Curriculum and Instruction EDUC 355
- Academic Writing ENGL 290
- Educational Technologies EDUC 300
- Literacy & Reading in the Content Areas EDUC 310
Required Courses for Elementary Licensure: (5 courses and Student Teaching in ninth semester is required)
- Principles of Curriculum and Instruction EDUC 355
- Literacy & Reading in the Content Areas EDUC 310
- Elementary Literacies EDUC 370
- Educational Technologies EDUC 300
- One additional course from electives
Community-integrative Education ED 360/660: (3-4 semesters; 3-4 credits total)
- Over the course of the major, students will be placed in three to four diverse schools (360) or with community partners that have educational components/missions (460).
- All students must complete at least one section/credit of EDUC 360.
- Students will have their first field placement in their first semester after declaring. The ED 360/460 course instructor will work with majors to ensure that the school/community placement complements each student’s course of study.
- Students seeking elementary licensure must complete four credits/semesters of EDUC 360; those seeking secondary licensure must complete three credits/semesters.
- Students must adhere to all Shelby County School rules and protocols in their placements.
Three tracks: (5 elective courses/20 credits for students not seeking licensure, see College Catalogue).
All majors will choose of three following tracks:
- Teaching and Learning,
- Community and Social Change,
- Policy and Reform.
The minor in Educational Studies requires 24 credits.
- Education 201, 355, and 485
- Psychology 222
- Eight credits selected from the following courses:
- Education 220, 225, 265, 300, 310, 320, 370;
- Education 451, 460 (2 or 4 credits);
- Economics 295 (2 credits);
- English 290; Language Acquisition and Pedagogy 240;
- Philosophy 255, 270;
- Political Science 240;
- Psychology 229, 230, 250, 326;
- Urban Studies 250
PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH: CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Students interested in careers in Health Professions may include those intending to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology, Dentistry, Medicine, Physical Therapy, or any other professional medical sector. Rhodes does not have a pre-medical (or any other pre-professional) major. Students preparing for a health career may major in any subject, depending on the course work required by individual programs. There are certain courses that are required for admission to some health professional schools and to prepare for their entrance exams, which are typically taken in the spring of the junior year or that summer. Students who are considering a career in a health field should contact the appropriate health professions advisor.
Contact Person:
Dr. Katherine White
901-843-3235
Required Courses for Psychology Major:
- PSYC 150 Foundational Issues in Psychology (F8)
- PSYC 200 Research Methods and Statistics
- PSYC 211 Statistical Methods (F6)
- PSYC 350-353 (one Advanced Methods course)
- Seven additional courses (See Catalogue for requirements.)
Recommended Courses:
- PSYC 224 Psychological Disorders
- PSYC 318 Counseling Psychology
- PSYC 324 Evidence-Based Therapies
- PSYC 338 Psychological Assessment
- NEUR 270 Neuroscience (if interested in Clinical Neuropsychology PhD)
- PSYC 317 or PSYC 318 (if interested in Clinical Neuropsychology PhD)
Recommended GPA:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.50
Also Recommended:
- At least one year of research experience.
- Experience presenting research at undergraduate or professional conference.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH: DENTISTRY
Contact Person:
Jessica Kelso 901-843-3081
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA website: http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa
Required Courses: Standard
- Introductory Biology I and II with Lab (130, 131, 140, 141) (F7)
- Foundations of Chemistry and Lab (120, 125L) (F7)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with Lab (211, 212, 212L)
- Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory (240, 240L)
- Introductory Physics I and II, with Lab (109 or 111, 113, 110 or 112, 114) (F6, F7) Depending on school: upper-level science courses such as Microbiology and Biochemistry.
Although often listed as strongly recommended, at least one upper level Biology course is needed for a student to be a competitive applicant; this should be taken prior to applying. Most schools want to see demonstrated coursework in writing, and AP credit can satisfy this at most dental schools.
Required Experience:
Dental experience through internships, volunteer, shadowing, or employment is required, and at least some experience in general dentistry is required. Continuous service to the community is desired and may include dental experience but does not have to be solely related to dentistry. Service should show commitment to helping others.
Strongly Recommended:
Pre-dental students should seek experience developing three-dimensional perception and fine motor skills with hands and fingers. Activities include playing a musical instrument, sculpture, needlepoint, models, woodworking, etc.
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PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH: MEDICINE
Contact Person:
Jessica Kelso 901-843-3081
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA website: http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa
Required Courses: Standard
- Introductory Biology I and II with Lab (130, 131, 140, 141) (F7)
- Foundations of Chemistry and Lab (120, 125L) (F7)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with lab (211, 212, 212L)
- Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory (240, 240L) Biochemistry (315)
- Introductory Physics I and II, with Lab (109 or 111, 113, 110 or 112, 114) (F6, F7)
- Introduction to Psychological Science (150) (F8)
- Introductory Sociology (ANSO 105) (F8)
If a student plans to apply to medical school for matriculation directly after graduation, the majority of courses listed above need to be completed by the end of their third year in order to be prepared for the MCAT.
Students should speak with their HPA advisor regarding any AP or IB credits, particularly in regard to science coursework.
Although often listed as strongly recommended, at least one upper-level Biology course is needed for a student to be a competitive applicant; this should be taken prior to applying. HPA advises two upper-level courses in most cases. Most schools want to see demonstrated coursework in writing, and AP credit can satisfy this at most medical schools. TX residents should check with HPA for advising related to FYWS.
Required Experience:
- Clinical experience, through internships, volunteering, shadowing, or employment is required. While research is an incredibly valuable experience, it does not provide clinical experience and may not be used as a substitute Continuous commitment to obtaining experience in medicine is required and should begin no later than the start of sophomore year.
- Service to the community is desired. This may include clinical work, but does not have to be solely medically related. Service should show commitment to helping others and be continuous throughout college.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH: OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Contact Person:
Jessica Kelso 901-843-3081
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA website: http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa
HPA provides advising for the following programs: Chiropractic Medicine, Genetic Counseling, Non-MBA Health Administration, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatric Medicine, Public Health, Speech and Language Pathology, and others.
Required Courses:
The course requirements and suggested GPAs for these fields vary greatly not only by profession, but also by programs within the same profession. Some programs may require technical or lower division courses that we do not offer at Rhodes, including Lifespan Development, Nutrition, and Medical Terminology. Students should meet with their HPA Advisor regularly for planning related to all coursework.
Clinical experience and service to the community is required for some professions, while strongly recommend and desired for others.
Students interested in any of the above programs should consult with an HPA Advisor early in their academic career.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL: PRE-ENGINEERING
Rhodes offers several dual degree engineering programs: a dual bachelor’s degree program with Washington University (St. Louis), a BS-MS degree program with Washington University in St. Louis, a dual BS program with Christian Brothers University, and a BS-MS degree program in Biomedical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with the University of Memphis. Students receive a bachelors from Rhodes (BS or BA), and a second degree (BS or MS) from the partner institution.
Contact Person: Ann Viano, Ph.D
Department of Physics
901-843-3912; viano@rhodes.edu
Website: https://sites.rhodes.edu/pre-engineering
Degree offered: N/A
Tracks or Concentrations: the pre-engineering certificate lists courses for those interested in mechanical, electrical, biomedical, and chemical engineering.
Total Credits required for the major: N/A
Minor: N/A
Courses appropriate for students seeking foundation credit:
- PHYS 111-112 Introductory Physics for the Physical Sciences I and II (F6, F7). Lecture and required laboratory (PHYS 113-114) must be taken together.
- CHEM 120 General Chemistry (F7). Lecture and required laboratory (CHEM 125) must be taken together.
- MATH 223 Multivariable Calculus (F6)
- COMP 141 Computer Science I: Programming Fundamentals (F6)
Courses appropriate for students considering a major:
• NA
Class Sections available Fall 2023:
- PHYS111 Introductory Physics for the Physical Sciences I (F6, F7). Lecture and required laboratory (PHYS 113) must be taken together.
- CHEM 120 General Chemistry (F7). Lecture and required laboratory (CHEM 125) must be taken together.
- MATH 122, 223 Multivariable Calculus (F6)
- COMP 141 Computer Science I: Programming Fundamentals (F6)
Rhodes offers several dual degree engineering programs: a dual bachelor’s degree program with Washington University (St. Louis), a BS-MS degree program with Washington University in St. Louis, a dual BS program with Christian Brothers University, and a BS-MS degree program in Biomedical Engineering or Electrical Engineering with the University of Memphis. Students receive a bachelors from Rhodes (BS or BA), and a second degree (BS or MS) from the partner institution.
The Pre-Engineering Certificate specifies a set of courses for physics or chemistry majors interested in pursuing graduate study in engineering. The courses to satisfy the Pre-Engineering Certificate requirements are specified in the table below:
| Mechanical/Electrical Engineering | Biomedical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| A Physics major and the following: | A Physics major and the following: | A Chemistry major and the following: |
| PHYS 111-112* | PHYS 111-112* | PHYS 111-112* |
| MATH 251 (Differential Equations) |
MATH 251 (Differential Equations) |
Math 223 (Multivariable Calculus) |
| COMP 141 (Comp Sci I: Programming Fundamentals) |
COMP 141 (Comp Sci I: Programming Fundamentals) |
COMP 141 (Comp Sci I: Programming Fundamentals) |
| CHEM 120/125L (Foundations of Chemistry with Lab) |
CHEM 120/125L (Foundations of Chemistry with Lab) |
PHYS 220 (Engineering Fabrication) |
| PHYS 220 (Engineering Fabrication)* |
CHEM 211 (Organic Chemistry I) |
PHYS 304 (Electronics) or >300-level elective |
| PHYS 304 (Electronics) or >300-level elective* | BIOL 130/131L (Biology I and Lab) |
4 credits of PHYS or CHEM 451/452 or faculty advisor approved experience* |
| 4 credits of PHYS or CHEM 451/452 or faculty advisor approved experience* | BIOL 140/141L (Biology II and Lab) |
4 credits of PHYS or CHEM 451/452 or faculty advisor approved experience* |
| Recommended but not required: PHYS 220 (Engineering Fabrication) |
||
| Recommended but not required: 4credits of PHYS or CHEM 451/452 or faculty advisor approved experience* |
*can also fulfill major requirements
**by permission of instructor
Additional Notes:
Students considering a dual degree program should arrange an appointment with the engineering liaison faculty member listed above as early as possible in their Rhodes career.
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Rhodes does not have a pre-law program per se. Students considering careers in law can major in any subject, preferably one that they enjoy and in which they do well. We do offer pre-law advising for students in any department who are interested in applying to law school. Students interested in applying to law school should set an appointment with the college's pre-law advisor by the fall of their junior year. Pre-law advising will include suggested courses, personal statement review, application advise, and testing preparation.
Contact Person:
Professor Anna Eldridge, Pre-Law Advisor
901-843-3330
Recommended Courses:
The Association of American Law Schools recommends that a student’s undergraduate education fulfill the following objectives:
- The student should learn to express thoughts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- The student should develop creative power in thinking as well as logical reasoning about research, fact completeness, and fact differentiation.
- The student should acquire a critical understanding of human institutions and values with which law deals.
While there are no required courses, any student considering law school should select some courses that emphasize language precision and the careful analysis of language such as Constitutional History, Rights of the Accused, Philosophy of Law, Business Law, or Political Philosophy courses. Forensic experiences, including public speaking, theater, mock trial, and the like, are also highly recommended.
Taking the LSAT:
The Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) should be taken in the summer before the senior year or at the very latest in October of the senior year. Law schools have become more likely to use the student’s best score, rather than the average of multiple scores, but there are still disadvantages to re-taking the exam. For example, law schools are likely to look more favorably on the applicant who made the high score in one try, and the applicant’s re-take score could be worse. Thus, the test should only be re-taken if the initial score fell well outside the student’s practice-test range, extraordinary problems arose in taking the exam, or significant new preparation techniques will be employed.
Recommended GPA:
At least 3.5 for a good law school. Possibly a 3.0 for a lesser school. Students with GPA’s between 3.0 and 3.5 may improve their chances if they score well on the LSAT (at least the 50th percentile).
Additional Information:
Any student considering a career in law should arrange a "pre-law appointment" with Anna Eldridge as soon as possible, but preferably no later than fall of the junior year.
Internships are not required for law school applications. Internships may provide opportunities to learn what types of law are of interest to the student, but do not meaningfully impact the application itself. Rhodes offers a variety of internship opportunities for students interested in learning more about various legal fields.
Mock Trial:
Student who want to participate in our mock trial program must register for Trial Procedures (Political Science 262) in the fall of their first year. This two-credit course is mandatory for all student who plan to compete in mock trial. This course is appropriate for first year students.
Additional Notes:
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PRE-PROFESSIONAL: PRE-MINISTRY
Rhodes has a supportive, advisory pre-ministry program for students who are considering seminary or divinity school following graduation, and for those who are exploring vocations in ministry and church-related professions. Many Rhodes students have a broad-based understanding of ministry and may wish to explore the pre-ministry program in preparation for careers in pastoral ministry, global service, medicine, social work, teaching, counseling, or law. Students interested in attending seminary or divinity school as preparation for a career in teaching or research should contact the Chaplain or any member of the Department of Religious Studies.
Contact Persons:
Students considering a career in ministry should speak with Dr. Stephen Haynes, Professor of Religious Studies (901-843-3583) or with Rhodes’ Chaplain, Rev. Beatrix Weil (901-843-3822) as soon as possible in their undergraduate careers. By registering with the Preparation for Ministry program, students will have access to advisers, supervised ministry opportunities, and a supportive structure for exploring vocations in ministry.
Because requirements for ordination to the ministry vary greatly among religious denominations, students interested in ordination should also contact a church representative to familiarize themselves with these requirements.
Preparation:
There is no "required curriculum" for students considering the ministry. Traditionally, however, a well-rounded curriculum in the liberal arts and sciences has been the standard preparation for seminary or divinity school. In addition to the Basic Humanities Requirement ("Search" or "Life"), these courses in Language, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Psychology can provide a particularly strong background for seminary or divinity school:
- Addiction, Recovery and Spirituality (RS 300)
- Anti-Semitism (HIST 405)
- Faiths in Conflict (HIST 205)
- Greek & Roman Studies 101-102: Elementary Greek
- Greek & Roman Studies 265: Barbarians and Gentiles: Cultures in the Ancient Mediterranean
- Hebrew 101-102: Biblical Hebrew
- History 243: The Civil Rights Movement
- History 277: Modern Islamic Thought History 375: Islamic History and Civilization
- International Studies 334: Religion & Politics
- Introduction to African-American Religion (AFS 205)
- Philosophy 240: Philosophy of Religion Politics and Law 214: Modern Ideologies
- Psychology 311: Counseling Psychology Religious Studies 210: History of Christian Thought Religious Studies 211: Contemporary Theology Religious Studies 214: Early Christian Literature
- Religious Studies 231: Faith, Health and Justice (F1) Religious Studies 233: Pain, Suffering and Death Religious Studies 251: Religion in America
- Religious Studies 253, 255, or 258: Living Religions
- Religious Studies 460: Health Equity Internships
- Spanish 365: Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Spain: Past and Present
Languages:
Hebrew and Greek are required at some seminaries in order to study the original biblical texts. Latin, Arabic, Spanish, French, and German may be necessary for certain areas of advanced study.
Experiential Education and Supervised Ministry:
Students should also gain experience in urban studies or urban ministry, faith-based social services, international programs, and local church ministries through internships and volunteer programs. Contact the Chaplain′s office for supervised ministry opportunities and other church-related internships.
Seminary Inquiry:
Seminaries, divinity schools and global mission recruiters frequently visit the Rhodes campus. Because there are a variety of theological degrees (M.Div, MTS, MA, D.Min, Th.D, Ph.D) and combined degrees (with social work, law, public policy, or counseling) students should consult with their advisers about the graduate degree best suited to their vocation. During Junior and Senior years, pre-ministry students have opportunities for weekend visits to theological schools to more closely consider graduate study and the discernment of vocation.
Taking the GRE and Applying to Graduate School:
Most seminaries and divinity schools attended by Rhodes graduates are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and will require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Undergraduate GPA requirements for admission are at least 2.50 for the M.Div. and higher for research degree programs. Rhodes students have a nearly 100% acceptance rate at major seminaries and theological schools. Scholarships for attending seminary, divinity school, or graduate school in religion are generally competitive and based on undergraduate achievement. In recent years, Rhodes students have been accepted and offered significant scholarships by Columbia Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Emory University, Candler School of Theology, Union Theological Seminary in New York, Harvard Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, Virginia Theological Seminary, McCormick Theological Seminary, Boston University School of Theology and University of Chicago Divinity School.
Additional Notes:
PRE-PROFESSIONAL: PRE-VETERINARY
Contact Person:
Jessica Kelso 901-843-3081
Director of Health Professions Advising
HPA web site: http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa
Required Courses: Standard
- Introductory Biology I and II with Laboratories (130, 131 140, 141) (F7)
- Foundations of Chemistry and Laboratory (120, 125L) (F7)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with Laboratory (211, 212, 212L)
- Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory (240, 240L)
- Introductory Physics I and II, with Laboratories (109 or 111, 113, 110 or 112, 114)
- Upper level Biology or Chemistry courses. Many programs specify courses such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetics
Requirements vary by school, but most require one to five additional upper level courses. Consult with your HPA Advisor and the prospective programs when in doubt. Additional courses may be required, including Public Speaking, which we offer, and Animal Nutrition, which can be taken remotely from another institution.
Required Experience:
Pre-vet students are expected to obtain animal experience prior to their application to vet school. This can be as an employee, volunteer, or intern. Animal experience is counted separately from under-veterinarian-supervision-experience. Many schools specify hours required under the supervision of a veterinarian and additional experience.