PreProfessional Program

The PreProfessional Program is an integrated program open to all Wesleyan students that enhances the academically rigorous preperation for graduate school.

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M.D. Anderson PreProfessional Program

This unique Texas Wesleyan University program helps students as they pursue graduate/professional schools and to prepare for professional careers by:

  • Developing an understanding of the nature of professional practice;
  • Stimulating awareness of professional ethical and civic responsibilities;
  • Promoting inter-professional understanding and cooperation.

For over thirty years, Texas Wesleyan University has partnered with the M.D. Anderson Foundation to augment the rigorous academic preparation to afford students every tool necessary for submitting a successful application for graduate/professional schools. Texas Wesleyan students have been accepted at over 100 post-baccalaureate programs throughout the United States and many are making important strides in their fields of law, dentistry, medicine, ministry, and counseling.

Participation in the PreProfessional Program is limited to students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 but is open to incoming freshman, transfer or returning students regardless of the number of semester hours completed. The program gives students a competitive edge not only in the application process but also in developing life skills such as leadership, critical analysis, ethical judgment, social responsibility, and networking.

Contact Dr. Chitra Chandrasekaran, Program Director or Ann Smith, Program Coordinator for personalized guidance and insight into succeeding beyond Texas Wesleyan University. The PreProfessional office is located in room 314 of the Polytechnic United Methodist Church (PUMC); the phone number is 817-531-4484. Look for them on Facebook too!

Benefits

The students in this program receive school and career information about medical, dental, legal, ministerial, and professional counseling fields. Specific activities that further the mission of the program include the following

  • Plenary luncheons featuring community professionals discussing ethical issues & current topics
  • Career societies that afford opportunities to interact with students who have similar professional goals, develop leadership experience, and network with experienced professionals
  • Mentoring and networking with professionals in their chosen field
  • Classes and seminars concentrating interpersonal/intrapersonal skills, the admission process, practice tests, the interview process, professional public speaking, and ethical decision making

The PreProfessional Program has been active on the Texas Wesleyan University campus for over 25 years. Funded by the M.D. Anderson Foundation, PreProfessional is a four-year program that serves students desiring to enter the medical, dental & health careers, law and legal careers, church and religious careers and licensed professional counseling field.

Preparation for Your Career

Choosing to attend Texas Wesleyan University is the first step in preparation for your career. You may choose to be "PreLaw" or "PreMed" or even "PreSeminary" meaning that as an undergraduate, you think that you would like to go to graduate school after you receive a Bachelor's degree. It is important to realize that "PreLaw" or "PreMed" or even "PreSeminary" are not majors*; it indicates an interest in professional post- Baccalaureate education leading to a specific career. When you designate such an interest, this also means to us, the faculty and staff at Texas Wesleyan, that we need to give you excellent, up-to-date advice and assistance to help you fulfill your lifetime goals.*A "major" is a prescribed course of study culminating in a Bachelor's degree, such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, History, Math, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Theatre, etc.

PreProfessional courses are designed to prepare students not only for the academic rigors of graduate school, but also for the intense admissions process including the entrance exam, the personal statement and the interview. Additionally PreProfessional offers networking opportunities with like-minded peers and with local professionals who come to the campus to share their expertise and insight.

Scheduling

All courses meet jointly on alternating Mondays for a luncheon and plenary session featuring a professional from one of the targeted fields who shares information regarding current topics and issues that provide understanding about the professional's work in the community.

On the other Mondays, each career field meets in a "PreProfessional society" setting where the focus is relevant to that particular career path.

The following courses are recommended for students in the PreProfessional Program, but not all courses are required.

Fall semester:

3PR 1001. Introduction to the Learned Professions I 0 hours
A series of seminars, panel discussions, and field trips examining the nature of the learned professions.

3PR 2101. Intra-personal Awareness and Moral Development 1 hour
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater or consent of the Director
A series of seminars examining one's personal and moral self-development.\

3PR 3101. Application Process and Mentorship 1 hour
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater or consent of the Director
A series of seminars reviewing the application process and admission procedures of the professional schools. Students participate in an off-campus mentorship under a community professional and have video taped practice interviews for professional schools.

3PR 4001. The Learned Professions I 0 hours
Prerequisite: Senior standing and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater or consent of the Director
A series of seminars, panel discussions, and field trips examining the nature of the learned professions.

3PR 4302. Ethical Thinking and the Professions 3 hours
An exploration of the processes involved for ethical decision-making in the professions. Several models are examined, including the medical and legal models for the critical examination of the conflicts that arise in professional life.\

3PR 4320. Moot Court Workshop 3 hours
Prerequisite: POL 2314, sophomore standing
A course that focuses on law in action in the form of simulated appellate court proceedings--"moot court" actions. Students discuss major constitutional issues through case briefs, a written appellate brief, and oral argument. Students are afforded the opportunity to participate in intramural and intercollegiate competitions. Open to all interested students, regardless of major, minor, or career goals.

Spring semester:

1002. Introduction to the Learned Professions II 0 hours
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater or consent of the Director
Additional seminars, panel discussions, and field trips examining the nature of the learned professions.

2102. Interpersonal Communication Skills 1 hour
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater or consent of the Director
A series of seminars examining interpersonal communication and human relations skills.

3102. Admission Tests and Mentorship 1 hour
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater or consent of the Director
A series of seminars reviewing procedures for preparing for standardized admission tests and the planning of an individual review schedule. Students continue the off-campus mentorship and practice interviews.

4002. The Learned Professions II 0 hours
Prerequisite: Senior standing and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater or consent of the Director
Additional seminars, panel discussions, and field trips examining the nature of the learned professions.


4130. Ethics Bowl Competition 1 hour
Prerequisite: PreProfessional 4302 or consent of instructor
The analysis of ethical issues for Ethics Bowl Competition cases, preparation for and participation in National Ethics Bowl Competition.

Course Overview
  1. The zero hour courses (1001, 1002, 4001, 4002) do not incur tuition costs and thus only meet on Mondays from 12:00PM - 12:50 PM.
  2. The sophomore and junior courses (2101, 2102, 3101, 3102) are one hour courses, incur a one hour tuition fee, and meet on Mondays & Wednesdays from 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM.
  3. The sophomore courses (which in actuality can be taken any year) focus on interpersonal and intra-personal skills in professional life.
  4. The junior courses (which can be taken after attaining 60 credit hours) research professional schools, begin the admissions process, develop and edit the personal statement, complete practice admissions tests, and videotape practice interviews.
  5. The senior course is reserved for those students who are in their last year of classes, having already selected a graduate school and begun in earnest the admissions process. This course focuses on career exploration and tactical preparation for graduate school.

Program Requirements

How can I enroll in PreProfessional courses?

You must be an enrolled student of Texas Wesleyan University. (For university enrollment information, please contact Admissions.) Once you are able to enroll in classes, talk to your academic advisor and express your interest in the PreProfessional program. He/she will help you begin the registration process for enrollment or you can contact the PreProfessional advisors or staff for further information.

Program Requirements

The PreProfessional Program requires a 3.0 GPA for participation. For those entering as Freshman, an SAT score of 1000 or an ACT score of 22 is accepted. While the PreProfessional Program offers assistance to aid in your application for the graduate school of your choice, only you can control your GPA.

College is a huge transition, and it takes several weeks- or even months- to fully acclimate to the academic and lifestyle changes that are necessary for a successful college career. Not only is the PreProfessional Program available when you are ready for graduate school, but the advisors and staff of the PreProfessional Program are on hand to offer assistance, resources, and insight to help you throughout your educational journey.

If you have concerns or questions regarding the admission requirements for the PreProfessional Program, please do not hesitate to contact us at 817-531-4484 or PreProfessional@txwes.edu

 

What are the tuition fees for PreProfessional courses?

Tuition for PreProfessional is based on the level of course you are taking; for example, PreProfessional 1001/1002 offers zero credit hours and thus is exempt from tuition fees. However, you must attend the free catered luncheons and society meetings as scheduled. The upper level PreProfessional courses are worth credit hours and are charged accordingly. The credit hour is indicated by the second digit in the course number, i.e. 3102 offers one credit hour for the tuition fee of one hour, likewise 4301 is a three hour course with a three hour tuition fee.


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Nicholas Demetre
Nicholas Demetre
Major: Criminal Justice
Class of 2011

"I plan to go to law school after Texas Wesleyan and focus on corporate law. Crimes of corporations against individuals and giving people a voice are what interest me."

Contact Information

PreProfessional Program
Location: PMC 314
Phone: 817-531-4484
Email: preprofessional@txwes.edu
Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm


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