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 is required and physics is highly recommended 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.

Specific Core requirements are described in the individual departmental sections of this Catalog. 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 K. Pazdral, MA, DEd, Academic and Pre-Health Advising Supervisor

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 

Pre-Health advising is available for 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. Pre-Health Advising offers information about career exploration, professional school essay review, practice for professional school interviews, and feedback on application materials. Students are encouraged to meet with Pre-Health advising at least once a 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 Career Fair, which is an opportunity for students to meet with admissions representatives in various healthcare fields from around the country.  Students who are applying to medical or dental school have the option to go through the Health Professions Evaluation process and work with the Health Professions Advising Committee in spring and summer prior to starting the application process for medical or dental school. The evaluation process helps prepare applicants as well as evaluating them. Each student who completes the process receives a letter of evaluation sent to the school to which they are applying. These letters assist the schools in choosing which students to interview.

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, service, and social opportunities for SU students.  Other program opportunities include service activities, field trips, and meetings with health care professionals.

General Requirements and Timing

Competition is strong for entrance into professional and graduate school programs in healthcare. Schools look for evidence of intellectual ability, understanding of the profession based on direct shadowing or clinical experience, a commitment to service, and personal qualities appropriate to the profession. Since required academic course work is challenging and professional demands are high, it is important for students to regularly assess their original career goals.

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

• A full year of General Chemistry with labs
• A full year of General Biology with labs, plus at least 2 additional quarters of advanced Biology
• Two to three quarters of Organic Chemistry with labs depending on professional school goal
• A full year of introductory Physics with lab (either algebra or calculus based)

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, genetics, statistics, calculus, cell physiology, anatomy and physiology, sociology, and 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 for health professions graduate school at least a year in advance of anticipated matriculation. Most schools require 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 professional school in the health sciences, 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 by appointment with a testing service. The health professions schools to which you are applying will ask you to provide transcripts, a personal statement outlining your motivations, a list of professional experiences, and individual letters of recommendation.

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 K. Pazdral, MA, DEd
Science and Engineering Advising Center: 300 Engineering
206/296-2500
prehealth@seattleu.edu
www.seattleu.edu/prehealth