ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT

The Office of Academic Engagement enriches student learning through distinctive and integrative opportunities that connect classroom knowledge with action and experience. The Office of Academic Engagement houses Academic Outreach, American Humanics, the Experiential Transcript, the Georgia Education Mentorship (GEM) Program, the Leadership Certificate Program, Service Learning, and Student Research. For more information visit /engagement

ACADEMIC OUTREACH

As a part of the Community Action Team for Service (CATS), GCSU students serve the surrounding area by leading programming for P-12 students. Members of CATS may serve as facilitators for environmental studies field trips, lead educational presentations in local schools, organize and run camps, or work with the Boys and Girls Club. All students are eligible to participate in CATS. For more information about Academic Outreach, contact Ruth Eilers at ruth.eilers@gcsu.edu or 445-0810 or visit /academicoutreach.

EXPERIENTIAL TRANSCRIPT

Just as the official academic transcript provides a complete record of a student's academic progress, the experiential transcript records ways in which a student uses opportunities outside the classroom to enhance and validate classroom knowledge.

The experiential transcript records achievement in the following categories: service learning, community service, scholarly and creative endeavors, international experiences, cross cultural endeavors, internships, undergraduate research, special awards and recognition, and distinguished campus leadership.

Together, the academic transcript and the experiential transcript reflect the student's total college educational experience.

For more information about the Experiential Transcript, contact Sara Faircloth at sara.faircloth@gcsu.edu or 445-3209.

STUDENT RESEARCH

The Office of Academic Engagement coordinates campus-wide initiatives to support and encourage student research.

The Corinthian: the Journal of Student Research at GCSU recognizes student achievement in research by providing an opportunity for the publication of selected papers. Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines are invited to submit their scholarly work to be included in an annual volume that is published each spring.

The annual GCSU Student Research Conference offers opportunities for students from a wide variety of disciplines to improve professional writing and presentation skills and display and present their scholarly research.

For more information about Student Research, contact John Bowen at john.bowen@gcsu.edu or 445-1227.

SERVICE LEARNING

Service learning connects classroom learning to community needs through partnerships with non-profit agencies. Students participating in academic classes with designated service learning components are able to apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom to "real world" settings. Such experiences reinforce and support academic learning while providing beneficial resources to the community.

For more information about Service Learning, contact Sara Faircloth at sara.faircloth@gcsu.edu or 445-3209.

GEM PROGRAM

Each year, the GEM program matches approximately twenty outstanding GCSU students with prominent state leaders in fields such as business, education, politics, healthcare, law, and industry. These executives serve as mentors for participating students, promoting their personal and professional growth by providing opportunities for them to identify and understand the principles and practices of leadership and success that benefit both the professional world and the community.

Established in 2002, and initially funded by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, GEM is a creative partnership between GCSU and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the GEM program, contact John Bowen at john.bowen@gcsu.edu or 445-1227.

AMERICAN HUMANICS

American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to preparing students to become skilled professionals and leaders in the nonprofit sector.

American Humanics is open to students from all disciplines and serves to enhance a bachelor's degree through a connection to potential employment opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

For more information about American Humanics, contact Sara Faircloth at sara.faircloth@gcsu.edu or 445-3209.

LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Leadership Certificate Program (LCP) provides ongoing leadership training, education, and development opportunities for participating students through purposeful instruction, enriching programming, direct experience, and active reflection. The leadership growth and development of these students directly benefits the GCSU organizations and programs with which they work, and further prepares them for future leadership endeavors.

LCP members will have the opportunity to participate in skill-based workshops, discussion forums, adventure retreats, leadership conferences, student-led presentations, and special leadership courses offered by the LCP.

For more information about the Leadership Certificate Program, contact John Bowen at john.bowen@gcsu.edu or 445-1227.

HONORS AND SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Honors and Scholars Program is designed for intellectually talented and motivated students. We provide small sections of general education classes, multidisciplinary colloquiums, dinner-seminars, book discussions, and a variety of other academic, cultural, and social events. We have staff offices in Lanier Hall and student accommodations, classrooms, study rooms, and space for social events in Bell Hall – the only residential hall on the college's historic Front Campus.

BENEFITS

Benefits of the program include small classes taught by Georgia College's best professors; special multidisciplinary colloquiums; the opportunity to live in Honors Residential Learning Community with its focus on global citizenship; undergraduate research (as part of the Scholars Program); dinner-seminars, book discussions, and other academic, cultural, and social events; membership in the Eta Sigma Alpha Honorary Society; the opportunity to participate in a specially designed Honors study abroad program; and the distinction of Honors graduation.

REQUIREMENTS

Students may remain in the Honors Program as long as they maintain a Georgia College & State University cumulative average of 3.3 and continue to take honors classes or participate in scholars experiences. If the average falls below 3.3, they are allowed a probationary period of one semester to return to good standing. Such students may continue to take honors courses during the probationary semester but are not eligible for recognition unless their cumulative Georgia College & State University average returns to 3.3 by the end of the probation semester. Students who are dropped from the program for academic reasons may not apply for readmission.

COURSES

We offer Honors sections of general education (core curriculum) classes and special multidisciplinary Honors colloquiums. The colloquiums are often team taught, and include field trips and guest speakers. Honors students may also apply to do an Honors Option for Honors credit in a non-Honors class.

HONORS RESIDENTIAL LEARNING COMMUNITY

All Honors students have the opportunity to participate in the Honors Residential Learning Community, an important "learning beyond the classroom" experience, which focuses on the theory and practice of global citizenship. In this community, we explore the idea of global citizenship: what it means to be a global citizen and what role concepts such as nationalism and patriotism play in a global society. We also study a select number of global issues each year -- issues that transcend national boundaries and geographic regions to affect all of us. These issues might include, but are not limited to, the environment and environmental justice, human rights, corporate responsibility, international development, natural resource management, public health, global migration, and globalization. Most importantly though, we explore ways in which we can positively impact these issues from here on campus. In this sense, we connect the local to the global and, in so doing, we take our first steps towards global citizenship.

As our Residential Learning Community reaches out beyond the classroom and beyond campus, we expect some students to participate in international service and service-learning programs. These students will bring their experiences back to campus, continuing our education and reinforcing our commitment to global citizenship.

DINNER-SEMINARS

Each year we offer a dozen or so dinner-seminars with Georgia College professors or visiting scholars on a wide variety of topics. These informal, "learning beyond the classroom" experiences at a professor's home are designed to stimulate thought and discussion, and promote student-faculty interaction. Dinner-seminars are limited to 10-15 students depending on space. The Honors Program provides the dinner.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

Each year we offer a half dozen or so book discussions facilitated by Georgia College professors over dinner. As with our dinner-seminars, these "learning beyond the classroom" experiences at a professor's home are designed to stimulate thought and discussion, and promote student-faculty interaction. Each book discussion group is limited to about ten students. The Honors Program provides books and dinner.

SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Scholars Program gives Honors and non-Honors students the opportunity to experience the processes of modern research, writing, presentation, and publication.

Scholars work one-on-one with a faculty member to develop and execute a research project. They then have an opportunity to present this research on campus and, possibly, at a state, regional, or national undergraduate research conference. There also exists the possibility, depending on the quality of the work, to publish the research in The Corinthian Journal of Student Research at GCSU or in an off-campus journal.

Research opportunities exist in all disciplines: the sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, education, and business.

The Scholars Program is especially recommended for students planning to apply for graduate or medical school.

Honors students wishing to participate in the Scholars Program should have 60 hours of course credit and a minimum 3.5 institutional GPA.

APPLICATION/SELECTION

We will automatically make available Honors Program applications to students who have been accepted to Georgia College and who have a 3.50+ high school GPA (as calculated by our Admissions Office) and a 1200+ SAT score (or a 26+ ACT score). Other admitted students may submit Honors application for review. International students require a 3.50+ high school GPA and an 88+ TOEFL score.

Honors Program applications are reviewed by a faculty committee. The committee considers academic achievement and potential, evidence of intellectual curiosity, record of leadership and service, and special talents (e.g., athletic, artistic, and other).

Honors Program applications must be postmarked by March 15.

All Honors Program applicants will be notified of their Honors application status via e-mail by April 1.

Students admitted to the Honors Program must let us know whether or not they accept via e-mail by May 1.

FACULTY INVOVLEMENT

There are numerous opportunities for faculty involvement in the Honors & Scholars Programs at numerous levels of commitment, both in and beyond the classroom. Faculty can lead dinner-seminars, facilitate book discussions, supervise research, participate in Honors colloquiums, and teach Honors classes.

Contact information

Dr. Steven Elliott-Gower

Director, Honors & Scholars Program

214 Lanier Hall, CBX 029

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490

Tel: (478) 445-4025

E-mail: honors@gcsu.edu

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER

Dwight Call, Assistant Vice President for International Education

The International Education Center of Georgia's Public liberal arts university promotes international and cross-cultural learning, as well as respect for diversity and assists the University in producing graduates who are prepared to accept their responsibilities as citizens of the world. In order to achieve its mission, the International Education Center works with faculty members and students to internationalize both curricular and co-curricular dimensions of the liberal arts education offered at Georgia College & State University in its many programs on campus and abroad, thereby helping students develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and effectively participate in the global society.

To achieve those objectives, the International Education Center works collaboratively with colleges and departments, as well as administrative and program offices, to internationalize the University. The International Education Center:

• Works with faculty to incorporate a global perspective within the curriculum; oversees the International Plan for those departments that choose to add it as an option for its majors, directs the International Studies Minor; and assists with the International Business Minor, the African Studies Minor, the Latin American & Caribbean Studies Minor, and the European Union Certificate Program;
• Organizes international programs and lectures on campus;
• Oversees international student recruitment and admissions;
• Provides international student advisement, services and programming;
• Organizes study opportunities abroad and prepares students to participate in study and internship programs abroad;
• Manages student and faculty exchange agreements with partner universities worldwide;
• Assists faculty members to extend their own awareness of the world and to incorporate that awareness into the courses they teach, as well as assisting international faculty who are resident at GCSU.

The International Education Center staff includes the Assistant Vice President for International Education, the Associate Director of International Education / International Student Advisor, two Study Abroad Advisors, the International Admissions Counselor, a Senior Secretary, several Student Interns, and a Student Worker. The staff is assisted by the International Education Committee, which is comprised of two dozen faculty and staff members from throughout GCSU, as well as by volunteers who serve on the University System of Georgia's System Council for International Education, Study Abroad Committee, Faculty and Curriculum Committee, Committee on International Students and Scholars, and Regional Councils for Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Up-to-date information on the International Education Center, including the most current newsletter and useful World Links, is available at the International Education Center Web site.

INTERNATIONALIZING THE CURRICULUM AND THE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MINOR (INST)

The International Education Center encourages the incorporation of an international dimension into existing courses and works to develop broad, interdisciplinary courses, which include global awareness. Courses and specific requirements of the International Business Minor can be found listed under the College of Business; the International Studies Minor, African Studies Minor, and Latin American & Caribbean Studies Minor under Inter-Disciplinary Studies; and the European Union Certificate under Government & Sociology.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND LECTURES

The International Education Center educates the GCSU community to international diversity and intercultural difference by introducing the knowledge, skills and diverse backgrounds of international students, visiting international and domestic faculty, and GCSU students and faculty who return from experiences abroad into discussions in the regular classroom, into all-campus lectures and panel discussions, and into specially organized programs and lecture series such as those offered during International Week in October and the international symposium on Global Citizenship in February. The International Education Center also assists other departments and campus organizations in giving an international scope to their programs, lecture series, discussions and film series. The International Education Center works closely with Casa Mondo – the cross-cultural living experience – which brings together U.S. and international students from all corners of the world in a unique living environment.

INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS

The International Education Center manages International Admissions, evaluating applications and transcripts according to the procedures and regulations outlined in the Admissions section of this Catalog for students seeking admission to degree programs. Prospective international students may download admissions materials from the International Education Center Website, telephone, (478) 445-4789, email intladm@gcsu.edu or write International Admissions, Campus Box 49, Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA 31061 USA.

International students who will attend GCSU under the terms of an exchange agreement with their home institution will be admitted according to the provisions specified in each agreement. Students should contact their home institution's exchange coordinator or the International Education Center at GCSU for specific guidelines.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

The International Education Center provides information and counseling to more than 100 international students from more than 50 countries on such issues as non-immigrant student visa regulations and procedures, medical insurance, housing, financial and work issues, taxes, adjustment to life in the U.S., and academic concerns. The International Education Center also advises the International Club and organizes community and campus activities, such as the International Dinner, International Week, the International Buddies Program that pairs newly accepted international students with current members of the International Club, the Connections Programs that matches international students with community hosts, and the International Student Orientation. The International Student Handbook is available online.

STUDY ABROAD

The International Education Center organizes study opportunities abroad and then advises and assists students to participate in the various approved study exchange and internship programs abroad offered by GCSU, the University System of Georgia and other accredited academic institutions. Studying or working abroad enables students to increase knowledge of a foreign language, provides the opportunity to gain insight into and appreciation for the cultures and institutions of other peoples, facilitates the development of relevant career skills and contributes to personal maturity, a sense of independence, self-knowledge, and confidence.

To participate in study abroad, a student must be in good standing. Semester exchange students must have at least a 2.75 GPA. With prior written approval from the Assistant Vice President for International Education and the student's advisor, credit for study abroad can be applied toward core or major degree requirements for graduation. Students will be advised exactly how they should register for their courses abroad. The specific study abroad or exchange program will be tailored to fit each student's course of study. The number of credits awarded will be determined in advance of registration and study. Grading will be based on evaluation reports of the exchange institution or study abroad program.

Many summer semester and academic year study opportunities are available in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia, and Europe. In addition, the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Health Sciences have specific programs geared toward the needs of their own students. For further information contact the International Education Center in 223, Lanier Hall or telephone (478) 445-4789.

Regular federal and state financial aid can often assist students to study abroad. For details contact the Financial Aid Office in 103 Parks Hall or telephone (478) 445-5149. In addition, special study abroad scholarships available through the International Education Center in 223 Lanier Hall or telephone (478) 445-4789 can enable students who could not otherwise participate in study abroad.

Study abroad program and scholarship information is available from the International Education Center Website.

Students enrolling in approved study abroad programs that do not otherwise require their registering for coursework at GCSU will register for INST 2985: Study Abroad Seminar, a one credit-hour course. Students will register for the course for the semester they plan to study abroad, but must attend sessions during the final weeks of the semester prior to their departure and receive an "incomplete" until final requirements for the course are met after their return to GCSU. The course will be offered on a Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory basis. If students do not complete the Study Abroad Seminar, they will risk forfeiture of any GCSU scholarship, which may have been awarded, and will need to repay it.

STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

The GCSU International Education Center staff will advise all students going abroad on the study abroad programs that best meet their needs and the study abroad scholarships that are available to them.

International Education Center staff will advise students regarding Weir, Wellington, and Wells Study Abroad Scholarships, for which they may submit applications to the International Education Center. These scholarships require the same 3.0 GPA standard that is required for other GCSU scholarships. The Assistant Vice President for International Education and the International Education Committee review scholarship application materials and recommend Weir, Wellington, and Wells Study Abroad Scholarships.

International Education Center staff will also advise students interested in studying abroad on other available scholarships:

1. Federal Aid, which is based solely upon financial need and may be used for any recognized study abroad programs. For programs in which the majority of course work is registered with an institution other than GCSU, an approved Financial Aid Consortium Agreement must be in place before Federal Aid will be disbursed. Information is available in the Financial Aid Office. Federal Aid may be awarded as grants or loans.
2. Information on other scholarships is available in the International Education Center.

The Financial Aid Office will manage disbursement of all study abroad scholarships and Federal Aid. In addition, the Financial Aid Office will establish the required financial aid consortium agreement with any non-GCSU program, which certifies the student's Federal Financial Aid eligibility. Any funds awarded through GCSU will be managed by the Financial Aid Office.

EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS WITH PARTNER UNIVERSITIES WORLDWIDE

The International Education Center oversees GCSU and University System of Georgia exchange agreements with other universities and manages faculty and student exchanges with those universities. GCSU has active exchanges with the following institutions, whose individual Web sites can be accessed from the International Education Center Web site. In addition, membership in the International Student Exchange Program and agreements with the School for International Training, School for Field Studies, and other quality academic programs abroad enable GCSU to send its students on semester or year-long exchange or study to many countries of the world.

FACULTY ABROAD AND INTERNATIONAL FACULTY

The International Education Center assists faculty members in designing, funding and implementing study, teaching and research ventures abroad, and later, in incorporating those experiences into the curriculum. In addition, the International Education Center gives support to the nearly 20 per cent of its faculty, who are native to other countries.

MILITARY SCIENCE

Dr. Jan Mabie, Chair
Department of Government and Sociology

GENERAL INFORMATION

Georgia College & State University participates in a partnership program with Georgia Military College that permits students to take military science courses. Military science courses conform to the subject requirements of the Senior Division Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program established by the Department of the Army. The mission of the ROTC program is to attract, motivate, and prepare selected students to receive a commission in the United States Army, Army National Guard or Army Reserves. In addition to providing courses required to earn a commission through the ROTC program, military science instruction and associated activities have the aim for all students of developing leadership and managerial potential, providing an understanding of the requirements and organization for national security, and instilling a strong sense of personal integrity and individual responsibility. Additional information may be obtained by calling (478) 445-2731.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Military science courses are grouped into basic course ROTC subjects and advanced course ROTC subjects. The basic course is comprised of MSCI I (Military Science I) and MSCI II courses in the 1000 and 2000 series. The advanced courses (MSCI III and MSCI IV) consist of 3000 and 4000 series courses. There is no military services obligation for basic course non-scholarship students.

Leadership laboratory periods, an integral part of military science instruction in addition to the classroom work, will be held for special training and applied leadership experience. Occasional ceremonies highlight the presentation of awards or the honoring of a distinguished guest.

BASIC COURSE

The basic course is designed to provide the student a basic level of military education emphasizing leadership and the understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of military art and science. This basic foundation aids the development of leadership potential of the individual student and serves to qualify him or her for the advanced course.

ADVANCED COURSE

The objective of the advanced course is to prepare students to serve as commissioned officers in the United States Army. This goal is accomplished by providing qualified students with knowledge and experience in leadership, management, and tactics, and by developing self-reliance through experience and practical application. Cadets have to successfully complete the Advance Course to be commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

The professor of military science may grant direct advanced course attendance to any qualified student. Qualification is contingent upon demonstrated prior military experience attained by veterans. Such experience includes the following: (1) Three years of High School Junior ROTC (2) Prior Service (3) National Guard or Reservists who have completed their basic training; or (4) attendance at the Army's ROTC Basic Camp (Leaders' Training Course).

ROTC BASIC CAMP (LEADER'S TRAINING COURSE)

This camp is held at Ft. Knox, KY and is available to college students during the summer between their sophomore and junior years. The purpose of the camp is to qualify students who might not otherwise qualify for the advanced course. Travel to and from the camp, uniforms, housing and meals are furnished by the Army. Additionally, the student will earn approximately $750. While at camp, students have the opportunity to compete for two-year scholarships. Students must have a 2.0 grade point average and a minimum of 54 semester hours of academic work to attend. There is no military services obligation for attending the ROTC Basic Camp.

ROTC ADVANCED CAMP (LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & ACCESSIONS COURSE)

All advanced course students attend the ROTC advanced camp at Fort Lewis, WA. This camp is conducted for 33 days during the summer and is usually attended between the junior and senior years. Each student is furnished transportation to and from camp, uniforms, meals and housing, and is paid at one-half the pay of a second lieutenant.

OPTIONAL ADVANCED TRAINING

During the summer periods additional training is offered to qualified students on a competitive basis. Optional training includes basic parachute instruction, (Airborne School) air assault instruction, and cadet troop leadership training. In each instance, instruction, meals, housing and travel are offered at no expense to the student.

SCHOLARSHIPS

On-campus scholarships are available to students who attend or transfer to Georgia College & State University. Prior enrollment in ROTC is not required. Freshmen with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, an SAT score of 920 or higher, or an ACT of 19 or higher are eligible to apply for a three-year Active Duty (AD) Army Scholarship. Sophomores with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible to apply for a two-year AD Army Scholarship. No scholastic test scores are required for two-year scholarship applicants.

SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE

All students enrolled in the advanced course under ROTC contract are paid a monthly subsistence ten months each year. The allowance is up to $5,000 per year, based on Military Science Level.

PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

Dr. Michael L. Gleason, Interim Director

GENERAL SCOPE

Preprofessional programs are those in which a student completes two to four years of college as a prerequisite for admission to a school where the professional studies will begin. Since admission to professional schools is highly competitive, so it is vital that students maintain good grades in the courseworks. Preprofessional programs are career choices, not academic majors. In general, all students must choose a department major at GCSU and work toward its completion along with the required coursework requested by the professional program of interest to the student.

Our preprofessional advising programs are divided into two categories: prebaccalaureate and baccalaureate. Prebaccalaureate programs require two to three years of preprofessional courses. Upon successful completion of the preprofessional curriculum for a specific area and acceptance by a professional school, students transfer to that school to complete the baccalaureate or higher degree in the professional major. Georgia College & State University has prebaccalaureate transfer programs in engineering, forestry/natural resources, occupational therapy, medical technology, pharmacy, and physician assistant. However, it is increasingly common for a student to have completed his or her Baccalaureate degree prior being successfully admitted to the latter three programs. Baccalaureate programs involve the completion of an undergraduate degree before matriculation into professional school. These programs include dentistry, law, medicine, optometry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Most preprofessional course requirements can be met at any accredited college or university. However, preprofessional advising at Georgia College & State University is one of our strengths, as our University maintains a strong advising program. The GCSU's preprofessional advising program is designed to enhance professional school admission opportunities and facilitate a student's transfer into a professional school. The advisement structure includes a director of preprofessional advising and at least one faculty advisor for each preprofessional program area as described on the following pages.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Preprofessional Program implements structured curricula and specialized advising for numerous career areas. Each curriculum incorporates the courses required by the professional schools into the strong Georgia College & State University liberal arts core curriculum. These courses facilitate development of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that provide the key to successful performance in professional schools and life-long learning. Sound preprofessional advising, the accessibility of the individual advisers, and frequent contact with professional school representatives keep students well informed about the admission requirements and the application process for each program.

PROGRAM GOALS

• Prepare students for admission and successful performance in professional schools.
• Provide academic challenges necessary for the development of the discipline, study skills, and knowledge base necessary to achieve success in professional programs.
• Assist students in the professional school admission process and provide recommendations.
• Assist students in their career exploration through internships, service learning, and volunteer or shadow experiences with professionals.

PREPROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Director

Biology and Environmental Science

Chemistry and Physics

Kinesiology

Government and Sociology

Mathematics

Psychology

Each preprofessional advisor works with the student to plan a curriculum designed to meet the requirements for professional school admission. The preprofessional advisor is frequently a student's academic advisor, but this will vary depending upon the student's major. Preprofessional advisors should be consulted during the professional school application process. Since preprofessional requirements will vary, it is important to refer to catalogs of specific professional colleges and to consult with their admissions counselors. Also, keep in mind professional colleges in many states do not accept out-of-state students.

PLANNING FOR CAREER FLEXIBILITY

All preprofessional students must declare a major. Students who are enrolled in a preprofessional program must, from the beginning, face the reality that admission to professional schools is a highly competitive process. Often by their junior year, preprofessional students find that they clearly do not have the grades to seriously consider professional school or they may have decided on another career. Of those who do apply, many are not accepted. Collectively, these realities demonstrate the need for students to consider paths to other careers. A foremost consideration of the preprofessional advisor is counseling students into a curriculum that provides career options. Advisors work closely with students to select a major that leaves alternate career choices open should they not be accepted into a professional school.

CHOOSING A MAJOR

Preprofessional programs are career choices, not academic majors. The majors that successful professional school applicants select are as diverse as the students themselves. Very few professional schools require, or even necessarily prefer, that applicants come from any particular undergraduate major. However, the liberal arts education that students receive at Georgia College & State University is an asset to any professional school applicant.

Preprofessional students should major in a subject that they enjoy and are thus more likely to perform well in academically. A wise choice of major should take into account (1) what field holds the most interesting career prospects in the event that professional school plans do not materialize, and (2) the fact that majoring in something one enjoys, rather than feels compelled to pursue, is likely to stimulate the superior academic performance that is of utmost importance in professional school admission.

CURRICULA

The typical undergraduate preprofessional courses required for professional school application varies by student, major, professional school interest. The preprofessional advisor can help the student outline a course plan. Since admission requirements vary slightly for each professional school, it is the student's responsibility, and not that of the preprofessional advisor at GCSU, to consult the professional school's catalog or contact one of its admission counselors and verify the course plan.

CURRICULUM PLANNING AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL APPLICATION DEADLINES

Preprofessional students must be aware that a professional school may require receipt of an application a full year, if not more, in advance of the intended date of admission. Furthermore, many preprofessional students must schedule their professional school admission test even earlier. Specialized tests are usually required for dental, law, medical, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary schools. Others may require the Graduate Record Examination. By overlooking a deadline, even by a few days, some students delay their admission to professional school by a full year. Most professional schools admit new students in the Fall. Thus, deadlines for completing the application process must be carefully observed. In four-year programs students must plan their curriculum well in advance, since they have only three years of college to prepare for admission examinations, and ideally meet all professional school course admission requirements. With proper scheduling a course plan can be designed so that the baccalaureate requirements for the academic major can be completed during the senior year.

A professional school often evaluates the student on the academic average earned predominantly during all the years of college. Thus, successful professional school applicants are generally those students that achieve good grades from the beginning of their college experience. Such considerations make it imperative that the preprofessional student be assigned an advisor immediately shortly after entering the University. Students should be assigned a preprofessional advisor during their freshman year. If this has not occurred, you should contact Mr. Mike Augustine at the Center for Student Success (478-445-1628). Early contact with a preprofessional advisor will help students stay on track and complete the preprofessional requirements in the most expedient manner.

PREDENTISTRY

Suggested major: Biology or Chemistry

Dentistry is devoted not only to the repair of teeth but also to the treatment and health maintenance of all the oral tissues. Most dentists engage in general practice. However, about 10% take additional training beyond the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree to enter one of the eight recognized specialties: dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology, oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, or prosthodontics. A few enter the field of dental education or research. The Medical College of Georgia has Georgia's only school of dentistry.

APPLICATION TO DENTAL SCHOOL

A candidate must take the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) the spring or fall before the year of prospective dental school admission. The DAT covers one's knowledge of biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Therefore, these courses must be completed before the senior year. Quantitative reasoning ability and two- and three-dimensional spatial perception are also included on the DAT. Applications to dental school should be submitted during the summer before the senior year and should be in by early fall. The student should see the preprofessional adviser and other appropriate individuals early in the fall semester of the senior year to arrange letters of recommendation.

PREENGINEERING

Suggested major: Mathematics

Although Georgia College & State University students may transfer to any of several engineering schools, the majority enroll in the Dual Degree Program established between Georgia College & State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT). In this program the candidate completes 90 semester hours (about three years) at Georgia College & State University. If students compile a good record in the Dual Degree courses, with particular emphasis on calculus and physics, and receive a recommendation from the Dual Degree coordinator, they will be admitted to GIT. However, the following point should be noted: At times, the enrollments in certain engineering majors at GIT reach a critical level, and GIT reserves the right to place very high entrance requirements in those majors for its own students as well as for transfers. The Dual Degree Program is not recommended for international students since GIT rarely accepts undergraduates on student visas. Upon completion of the engineering major requirements at GIT, a Dual Degree student receives both an undesignated (no major) Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia College & State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from GIT in the engineering major. The engineering majors offered by GIT include aerospace, ceramic, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical and nuclear, or textile engineering.

PREFORESTRY/NATURAL RESOURCES

Suggested major: Biology

The profession of forestry has as its primary function the active management of forestlands and resources through the application of sound economic and ecological principles. In Georgia's school of forestry at The University of Georgia, students may concentrate in forest management, fish and wildlife biology, forest water resources or forestry sciences. Upon graduation from forestry school, possibilities for employment can be found with federal, state, or local agencies as well as with private consulting firms, industry and conservation organizations. Job opportunities depend on the training focus for the specific graduate and the geographic area of the job search.

APPLICATION TO THE SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Students are admitted to the School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia in the fall semester. Separate applications must be made for admission to the University of Georgia and to the School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Both applications may be obtained from the School of Forest Resources at UGA. Because of limited enrollment, admission to this school is competitive and not all qualified applicants may be accepted. Therefore, careful thought should be given to alternate career plans and completion of an undergraduate degree such as biology or another area of interest. Students will be evaluated for admission on: (1) Grade point average in the required preprofessional courses, (2) Personal interview with the admissions committee, and (3) Letters of recommendation.

PRELAW

Suggested major: any undergraduate major is acceptable, but political science and history are most popular.

Many law school graduates enter private practice, while others work for corporations and in branches of civil service from the local to federal level. Beginning pre-law students are advised to obtain a copy of the Pre-law Handbook from the Educational Testing Service (P.O. Box 944, Princeton, NJ 08540) and to consult it regularly throughout their college career.

Law schools require that applicants have a college degree as a prerequisite for admission. However, legal educators agree that the development of habits and skills conducive to legal reasoning are more important than the choice of major and subject matter. Undergraduate courses should be geared to the development of (1) verbal skills, (2) habits of thoroughness, intellectual curiosity, and scholarship, (3) the ability to organize and communicate information, and (4) a diverse cultural background. Law school educators recommend that pre-law students take courses that offer opportunities for (1) a variety of reading assignments selected from well-directed class discussion, (2) ample preparation and criticism of written and oral reports, and (3) independent research projects and essay examinations. The liberal arts curriculum at Georgia College & State University has been designed to promote development in these areas. Pre-law students who are eligible to participate in the Honors and Scholars Program should take advantage of the small group settings of honors seminars and other honors activities. These will prove invaluable in furthering the development of the previously noted skills. Leaders of the bench and bar have been asked in questionnaires which pre-law subjects they consider most valuable. In order of preference they listed English, government, economics, American history, mathematics, and philosophy. Accounting and public speaking are also recommended.

APPLICATION TO LAW SCHOOL

A pre-law student should take the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) during the fall semester of the senior year. Undergraduate grades and LSAT scores are the most important criteria in law school admissions. Application to law school is made through a centralized Law School Data Assembling Service the summer following the junior year. Most law schools admit new students only in the Fall semester.

In addition to their major adviser students in pre-law will have a pre-law advisor. This faculty member should be consulted for assistance in selecting electives and be advised on progress in the major. Prearranged appointments will enable the pre-law advisor to review progress and suggest additional strategies.

PREMEDICINE

Suggested major: Any major is acceptable, Biology or Chemistry are popular

Medicine is a diverse profession, requiring both technical and interpersonal skills. Medical schools encourage applications not only from physical and biological science majors but also from students in the social sciences and the humanities. Medical schools even urge science majors not to over specialize in science but to get a broad, liberal arts education thus developing the skills of intellectual inquiry and critical thinking that are essential for successful performance in medical school.

The ability to communicate well is becoming increasingly important to medical school admissions, and essay writing is now a significant factor in one's MCAT scores. Students are therefore strongly advised to take science, interdisciplinary courses, seminars, literature, and other courses that involve writing formal papers and speaking in class.

APPLICATION TO MEDICAL SCHOOL

A candidate for medical school should file applications the summer after the junior year. Most medical schools require applications to be submitted electronically through the central processing service, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) should be taken in the spring of the junior year. Before taking the MCAT, students should complete the science courses that it covers: a year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The MCAT evaluates reading, writing, and quantitative skills with a strong emphasis on writing ability, scientific problem-solving, and analytical thinking. Students should consult a premedical advisor in the Spring semester of the junior year to arrange letters of recommendation and to obtain help in submitting applications to the most appropriate medical schools.

PREMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Suggested preprofessional major: Biology or Chemistry

Medical laboratory technology provides physicians with information for patient diagnosis and treatment. These professionals utilize laboratory techniques based on knowledge in chemistry, immunology, microbiology and biology. Most of these professionals work in hospital laboratories or in physicians' offices, but other positions exist with veterinarians, toxicologists, pharmaceutical companies, and research centers.

APPLICATION TO MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS

Students should apply to a medical technology program about one year in advance. The principal criteria for admission are college grades and letters of recommendation from preprofessional advisers and other college faculty or community professionals.

PREOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Suggested major: Exercise Science and Psychology

Occupational Therapists are concerned with helping people whose lives have been disrupted by physical injury or illness, birth defects, aging, psychological, emotional or developmental problems. These professionals help individuals to regain the skills needed to function in their daily activities of self-care, work, school, play and leisure. The preprofessional curriculum must include specific courses in psychology as well as in chemistry and physics. This career requires at least two years of preprofessional courses. Upon completion of these courses, students apply to an occupational therapy program to complete the professional training. The degree awarded is a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Students who do not get accepted for transfer to an occupational therapy program are encouraged to pursue an undergraduate degree in a related area and to reapply to professional school.

PREOPTOMETRY

Suggested major: Biology

The optometrist is licensed to examine, diagnose, and treat conditions of the visual system, and to prescribe corrective lenses or vision therapy. Optometrists also often detect other diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, diabetes, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis, and refer patients to appropriate specialists for treatment. Most optometrists engage in private practice, but careers also exist in government service, teaching, and research in optics, physiology, and public health.

APPLICATION TO OPTOMETRY SCHOOL

There are no optometry schools in Georgia, and only a few out-of-state schools admit non-resident students. The preoptometry student should obtain information from individual optometry schools and also consult the adviser for this area before preparing applications. Most optometry schools require the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), which should be taken the spring of the junior year or fall of the senior year. The OAT includes biology, chemistry, physics, verbal ability, quantitative skill, and reading comprehension. Application to optometry school should be made the summer preceding the senior year.

PREPHARMACY

Suggested major: Chemistry or Biology

Community pharmacists are the most common representatives of their profession, but careers in pharmacy are also available in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes; in teaching and research; and in pharmaceutical sales. The degree offered in pharmacy is the Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D.

Many students complete an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry before entering pharmacy school. However, the pre-pharmacy requirements can be completed in 2-3 years. The three schools of pharmacy in Georgia are the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy, Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, and South University School of Pharmacy. The pre-pharmacy curriculum varies slightly among pharmacy schools. Therefore, it is important that students consult with admissions counselors at the individual schools.

APPLICATION TO PHARMACY SCHOOL

A year in advance of pharmacy school admission, a student must complete the application and take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), given three times a year. The PCAT tests knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, reading comprehension, and general academic ability.

PREPHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Suggested major: Biology, Chemistry or a Health Sciences major

The physician assistant, working with physicians and other health professionals, performs many clinical functions that enable the physician to devote more time to duties requiring his particular knowledge and skill. This professional performs duties based on guidelines established by the state granting certification. In most settings the physician assistant obtains medical histories, performs physical examinations, orders and interprets laboratory results and other information and assess and treats common illnesses, including writing prescriptions. Successful completion of the National Certifying Examination is required to practice as a physician assistant in Georgia.

APPLICATION TO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM

A year in advance of PA admission, a student must complete the application and take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

PREVETERINARY MEDICINE

Suggested major: Biology

Veterinary medicine frequently deals with the recognition, treatment, control, and prevention of disease among animals. The traditional functions, including treatment of companion, sport, food, and fiber animals have continued to be a major concern of veterinarians, but new areas are rapidly emerging. To name a few: cancer research, immunology, genetics, public health, and legal and environmental medicine. Jobs for veterinarians are found in both private and public sectors, including federal and state government, universities, and various cooperatives.

APPLICATION TO VETERINARY SCHOOL

At least a year before matriculation, pre-veterinary students hoping to attend UGA must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and the Advanced Biology GRE. Most schools required the GRE though some will take the MCAT instead. Candidates who have some acquaintance with the veterinary profession with both large and small animal care are preferred. This may be accomplished through having a farm background or through work with a community veterinarian. Undergraduates should seek opportunities to cultivate such experience and knowledge before applying.