Forensic Science

Eastern University and Temple University now offer an accelerated 4+1 program that leads to both a B.S. in Chemistry from Eastern and a P.S.M. in Forensic Chemistry from Temple. See the Department of Chemistry section for more details.

Pre-Medical

Medical schools do not require a specific college major. However the minimal admissions requirements at the college level include the following courses, which should be taken by the end of the junior year (before MCAT is taken - https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/):

• Chemistry: one year of general chemistry [start in first semester of freshman year], then one year of organic chemistry, followed by a semester of biochemistry.  Biochemistry II is also recommended.
• Biology: one year of general biology. Also recommended cell bio, molecular bio.
• Physics: one year of general physics [calculus I is a prerequisite].
• English: one semester of composition and one semester of literature
• Statistics
• General Psychology
• General Sociology

Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Podiatry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy

Requirements are similar as above but also contain some additional necessary coursework. Therefore, students should check with specific schools and programs they are interested in for any unique course requirements (i.e., pre-optometry has additional math and science requirements). All above pre-professional students are advised by Dr. Maria Fichera. Pre-pharmacy students can consult with Dr. Jeanne Bundens.

Pre-Engineering

Eastern University and Villanova University have entered into an agreement that leads to two degrees, the B.A in Math (from Eastern) and M.S. in Engineering (from Villanova). Students will study for four years at Eastern University, including several undergraduate Villanova Engineering courses, followed by graduate coursework in Engineering at Villanova. Details and program requirements may be found in the Department of Mathematics section of the handbook under the heading Pre-Engineering Concentration.

Pre-Law

This Pre-Law program offers an interdisciplinary introduction to law and legal institutions that emphasizes the skill-sets that are necessary for success in law school, law school admissions, as well as graduate programs and careers related to law. Law schools do not require applicants to have a specific major or to have taken specific classes, but they do emphasize that analytical and logic skills are essential to success in their programs. The pre-law minor offers students a guided path to developing these skills while allowing the freedom to major in a subject that interests them.

Pre-Occupational Therapy and Pre-Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy graduate programs do not require a specific college major; however courses required for the B.S. in Exercise Science (Kinesiology) provide a strong foundation for the field. Students pursuing Occupational or Physical Therapy should consult the graduate schools to which they are applying for requisite courses. Pre-requisite coursework varies according to the professional track and institution. Courses in the biological sciences (two semesters of general biology and two semesters of anatomy and physiology), physical sciences (two semesters of chemistry and two semesters of physics), psychology, and statistics are generally required for physical therapy school. Courses in the aforementioned biological sciences and several courses in psychology as well as statistics are generally required for occupational therapy. However, the required coursework in the physical sciences varies among the occupational therapy programs. 

Pre-Physician Assistant

Physician Assistant programs do not require a specific college major. (See www.aapa.org.) In general, most programs require a minimum of 200 hours of patient care experience as well as course work. Biology - five laboratory/lecture courses from a Biology Department to include at least anatomy and physiology and microbiology; Chemistry - four laboratory/lecture courses from a Chemistry Department, to include at least organic chemistry; Psychology - one course in psychology; Statistics - at least one statistics course and possibly calculus; Humanities - at least five courses in the humanities area; English composition; Literature; and Medical terminology. Other recommended electives include nutrition. Pre-physician Assistant students are advised by Dr. Maria Fichera.

Nursing

Eastern University is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing to offer a traditional pre-licensure Nursing program including clinical nursing education leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Teacher Certification

Eastern offers the major in Elementary Education with additional education certification areas in bi-lingual, early childhood, secondary, special, and teaching English as a second language (ESL). Details of these program requirements for certification in the state of Pennsylvania are found in the Education section of “Courses.”

ROTC

Valley Forge Military College will provide Senior Division Academic Instruction of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and Saint Joseph’s University will provide either the two-year or four-year curricula of the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps on their respective campuses, for qualified, full-time Eastern students. Registered Eastern University students making satisfactory academic progress will be granted academic elective or activity credit applicable toward graduation for their successful completion of ROTC courses. The maximum number of credits granted for either program will not exceed two activity credits and 12 professional elective credits.

For further information on the programs, scholarships and career opportunities, contact

Professor of Military Science
Valley Forge Military College
1001 Eagle Road
Wayne, PA 19087

or Professor of Graduate Course Work.

Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Coursework

Undergraduate students may register for graduate courses (500 and 600-level) for the following purposes:

1. To provide enrichment in the undergraduate program of study:
   The student must have a 3.0 grade-point average, senior standing (88 credits) and written approval of the Graduate Program Director for the requested course. Eligible undergraduate students may enroll in two graduate courses without formally applying to the Graduate program. The graduate credits will be billed at the undergraduate rate within the student’s regular semester load. The graduate course(s) may fulfill the requirements and credit hours of the student’s undergraduate degree.
2. To earn graduate credit to be held in escrow until the student enters a graduate program of study:
   The student must have a 3.6 grade-point average, senior standing (88 credits), and must formally apply to the Graduate program through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Eligible undergraduate students may enroll in two graduate courses before completing the undergraduate degree. The graduate credits will be billed at the graduate rate, which will be in addition to the student’s regular undergraduate semester load. The graduate course(s) may not fulfill the requirements or credit hours of the undergraduate degree. When the student earns an undergraduate degree and enters a graduate program of study at Eastern, the course grades and credits will be awarded.