Pre-Professional Programs

To further the professional aims of many of Linfield’s students, the College has developed a number of programs that prepare them for specialized study at other institutions while ensuring them strong backgrounds in the broad spectrum of liberal arts. Some of Linfield’s pre-professional programs are cooperative in nature, enabling students to earn Linfield degrees while taking courses in their specialties at other schools. Other programs help students meet entrance requirements for professional schools that they might attend following graduation from Linfield. In all cases, students are urged to consult with their advisors as soon as possible after deciding to seek specific professional training.

Cooperative Programs

Engineering

Coordinator: Joelle Murray

Under an agreement with the engineering schools at Oregon State University, the University of Southern California, and Washington State University, students may attend Linfield for three years, pursuing courses in mathematics and the sciences in addition to the general education program in the humanities and social sciences, then apply for entrance into the professional engineering program (junior year) at the cooperating engineering school. In a minimum of two additional years, they complete all of the requirements both for the BA or the BS degree from Linfield (with an appropriate major), and for the BS in Engineering degree from the cooperating university. Special arrangements can be made for students wishing to enroll at other schools of engineering.

Since most “four-year” BS programs at engineering schools now take many students more than four years to complete, however, the cooperative program, often referred to as “3-2,” may take the student more than five years to complete.

Courses in the Linfield portion of the program include PHY 115/116 and 202; CHE 210/211; MAT 180, 190, and 200; a selection of advanced courses depending on the particular engineering field of interest; and general education requirements. Students considering the engineering program must consult with a program coordinator.

Preparatory Programs

Health Professions

McMinnville Campus

Coordinator: Kate Elias

Students at the McMinnville Campus may choose their courses so as to prepare for further study and careers in such health-related fields as medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The material below applies to such students. The college also offers an interdisciplinary major called Health Sciences at the Portland Campus which prepares students for some of these fields (see the description of that program in the Portland section of the print catalog).

Linfield has a long tradition of preparing students for professional training in the health professions. A large number of practicing physicians, surgeons, and dentists serving in all parts of the world began their scientific and liberal arts work at Linfield, and continued through some of the finest health professions training programs.

The student wishing to prepare for one of these fields will elect a regular departmental major. Any major is acceptable provided that the required basic science courses are completed. All the basic science courses required for entrance to the health professions listed are offered at Linfield. These requirements are slightly different for each profession, but generally include one year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Advisors should be consulted early because of varying requirements depending on the school chosen and the state of residence. For information about the following health professions please consult with the faculty listed:

Dentistry: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)
Medicine: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)
Medical Technology: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)
Nursing: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)
Optometry: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)
Occupational Therapy: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)
Pharmacy: Michael Roberts (BIO)
Physical Therapy: Janet Peterson (HHPA)
Physician Assistant: Janet Peterson (HHPA)
Veterinary Medicine: Kate Elias (Academic Advising)

More information on Health Professions may be found on the Biology Department pages on Information About Health Professions.

Engineering and Business Administration

Advisor: Joelle Murray

A substantial number of prospective students who indicate an interest in pre-engineering also have an interest in business administration. Some of these students may be attracted to a program which prepares them for graduate study leading to a master’s degree in technical management.

Graduate programs in technical management are offered at a number of high quality institutions under the names of technology management, industrial engineering, or operations research. At least three preparatory options are available to Linfield students: (1) the Applied Physics major; (2) the Chemistry major with additional courses in business; (3) the 3-2 Pre-engineering program. Students should expect to take MAT 180 and 190, as well as CSC 170.

Two points need to be stressed to those considering a career in technical management. First, a business degree alone is generally not adequate preparation for a career in technical management; most people engaged in the management of technology are technically trained. Second, this is a rigorous program, most suitable for students with a record of academic success.

Law

Coordinator: Kate Elias

In recent years there have been growing numbers of students wishing to pursue careers in law. A law degree does not limit one to the practice of law – it provides excellent preparation for careers in business, government, and education as well. Students interested in law should develop skills in reading, writing, and textual analysis.

Though there is no prescribed pre-law curriculum, the following courses are recommended: POL 225 (The Study of Law); POL 320 (Law, Rights and Justice); PHI 220 (Logic); and broad studies in history, literature, and philosophy.

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