Michael J. Quinn, PhD, Dean
Jean Jacoby, PhD, Associate Dean
Mara Rempe, PhD, Associate Dean

Objectives

Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of liberal education, the College of Science and Engineering at Seattle University seeks to provide dynamic, integrated, and challenging academic programs in science, engineering, and health. The college is dedicated to preparing students for responsible roles in their chosen professions and to advancing the educational qualifications of practicing professionals. The college seeks to foster among all students an understanding of scientific inquiry and a critical appreciation of technological change, and to inspire them to lifelong intellectual, professional, and human growth.

Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering

Many students come to Seattle University interested in science or engineering but unsure of the focus of their studies.

Pre-Science offers the opportunity to explore the different science programs while being a part of the College of Science and Engineering. Certain courses are common to all science programs, so there is time to learn about the degree programs available. Advisors help direct students toward a major that fits their interests and talents.

Science and Engineering Advising Center
Phone (206) 296-2500
E-mail pre-sci@seattleu.edu

Pre-Engineering provides an opportunity to get started in an engineering program while learning about the different branches of engineering. Initially the curriculum consists of common classes for all engineering disciplines, giving students time to choose the best program for them. Advisors help direct students toward a major that fits their interests and talents.

Science and Engineering Advising Center
Phone (206) 296-2500
E-mail pre-eng@seattleu.edu

Accreditation

Individual programs within the college are accredited by the following professional bodies:

• Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering) http://www.abet.org.
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (diagnostic ultrasound)
• In addition the Chemistry Department is approved by the American Chemical Society to grant ACS certified B.S. degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. See departmental listing for requirements.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants for admission to the College of Science and Engineering must have completed at least four years of high school mathematics, including the equivalent of pre-calculus, except for Pre-Science. At least two years of laboratory science for all majors except mathematics and computer science. Laboratory biology and chemistry are required for BS Biology, and laboratory chemistry and physics are required for all engineering programs.

Transfer applicants will be considered when their overall college grade point average is at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale and when their cumulative grade point average in all engineering, mathematics, or science courses is also at least 2.50. A history of withdrawals, incompletes, and repeated courses lessens the chances for admission. To be accepted for transfer credit, required engineering, mathematics, or science courses must be graded C (2.00) or above. No technology courses will be accepted as transfer credit.

College of Science and Engineering Requirements

Students seeking the bachelor’s degree in the College of Science and Engineering must complete a minimum of 180 credits, including the university core curriculum requirements. A bachelor of science in civil engineering or in civil engineering with a specialization in environmental engineering requires 192 credits. For all of the engineering programs, for all degrees in computer science, diagnostic ultrasound, and for the bachelor of science in mathematics, the student’s cumulative grade point average for graduation must be at least 2.50. In addition, for these programs, the minimum Seattle University grade point average for all courses applied to major and major department requirements is 2.50.

The core requirements have been modified for several of the degree programs, as described in the individual departmental sections of this Catalog, but in no case may a student have fewer than 45 credits in the combination of history, humanities, and social sciences. Students also must complete the specific departmental requirements for their particular degree.

A maximum of 15 credits taken by an undergraduate non-matriculated student may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree in the College of Science and Engineering. For post-baccalaureate students taking courses in preparation for graduate health professional programs, any pre-professional courses taken in non-matriculated status may be applied toward a second bachelor’s degree in the College of Science and Engineering.

No course may be taken without the indicated prerequisites. Only the dean may waive this policy.

Pre-Health

Rebecca A. Bregel, Pre-Health Advisor

Seattle University students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health professions are encouraged to utilize the many resources and activities available for pre-health students. These students are pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, occupational therapy, public health and biomedical research, among others.

Although many pre-health students major in the sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, general science), a student can be any academic major and still be considered “pre-health.” Students should explore their options, considering academic strengths and professional goals, when considering major and minor options.

Resources and Opportunities for Pre-Health Students 

The Pre-Health Advisor is available to meet with students to help with discernment, academic planning and applying for health professions graduate schools. Advising is available through information sessions, workshops, one-on-one meetings and a variety of web-based resources. The Pre-Health Advisor offers advice about career exploration, practice for professional school interviews, and feedback on application materials. Students are encouraged to meet with the pre-health advisor in their freshman year to discuss their career goals, pre-requisites and timeline for degree completion.

A series of workshops are provided to help students prepare to apply for health professions graduate schools.  Additionally, each spring, we hold the Health Professions Graduate School Fair, which is an opportunity for students to meet with admissions representatives from around the country.  Students also have the opportunity to meet with the Pre-Health Advisory Committee in spring, just prior to starting the application process for health professions graduate school. The committee will conduct an interview and provide a letter of evaluation for each interested applicant. Further information on the Pre-Health Advisory Committee process is available through the Science and Engineering Advising Center.

Pre-health students are also encouraged to participate in activities coordinated by the Seattle University Pre-Health Club, the primary SU student organization for students interested in health professions. Pre-Health Club provides professional development, academic and social opportunities for SU students.  Other program opportunities include service activities, field trips, a mock MCAT exam, and meetings with health care professionals.

General Requirements and Timing

Competition is strong for entrance into health professions graduate programs. The schools look for evidence of intellectual ability, understanding of the profession based on your own direct experience, a sense of service and personal qualities appropriate to the profession. Since required academic course work is challenging and professional demands are high, it is important that you regularly assess whether your original goal is still right for you.

Students pursuing most clinical health professions, including medicine and dentistry, should expect to complete the following science sequences, at a minimum:

General Chemistry: CHEM 121/CHEM 131, CHEM 122/CHEM 132, CHEM 123/CHEM 133

• General Biology: BIOL 161/BIOL 171, BIOL 162/BIOL 172, BIOL 163/BIOL 173
• Organic Chemistry: CHEM 255/265, CHEM 256/CHEM 266, (also CHEM 357/CHEM 367 depending on major)
• One of two Physics sequences: PHYS 105, PHYS 106, PHYS 107; or PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123

To understand required and recommended course pre-requisites, students should consult the catalogs of their intended professional and graduate programs. Although most medical, dental, and veterinary schools typically require the same basic science sequences, many recommend or require additional coursework, which may include biochemistry, statistics, calculus, cell physiology or psychology.  Requirements vary more significantly in other health professions like physical therapy, occupational therapy and optometry, for example. Students should consult regularly with their major academic advisor and the Pre-Health Advisor to create an academic plan which incorporates the appropriate pre-requisite coursework.

Pre-Health students can expect to start the application process at least a year in advance of anticipated matriculation. Most professional schools require as a part of the application process nationally standardized exams that draw on your academic background and analytical skills. These exams are often taken over a year in advance of the time you expect to enroll in the professional school, so planning the timing of required science courses is important. The required standardized tests such as the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Optometry Admission Test (OAT), Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Dental Admission Test (DAT) are administered individually on computer by appointment with a testing service. The health professions schools to which you are applying will ask you to provide transcripts and individual letters of recommendation from people who are able to speak directly about your strengths.

Pre-Health Advising Contact Information

To learn more about pre-health advising and resources for Seattle University students, please contact the Pre-Health Advisor at the information below.

Rebecca A. Bregel
Science and Engineering Advising Center: 300 Engineering
206/296-2500
bregelr@seattleu.edu or prehealth@seattleu.edu
www.seattleu.edu/prehealth