Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Ogden College Hall, Office 1017
Phone: 270-745-4449
Website: https://www.wku.edu/ogden/
Email: ogdencollegedeansoffice@wku.edu
Dr. David N. Brown, Dean
David.Brown@wku.edu
Dr. Stuart Burris, Associate Dean
Stuart.Burris@wku.edu
Dr. Cathleen Webb, Associate Dean for Research
Cathleen.Webb@wku.edu
Mission
The mission of Ogden College of Science and Engineering is to empower individuals to become leaders through academic achievement, global connections, and engagement in research, education and service.
Vision
Ogden College of Science and Engineering is a community of creative and critical thinkers achieving local to global impact.
Ogden College of Science and Engineering encompasses the applied and basic sciences, offering a broad range of degree programs in agriculture, biology, chemistry, computer science, construction management, engineering, geography, geology, architectural science, advanced manufacturing, mathematics, meteorology, physics, astronomy, and psychology.
We are recognized by the high quality and success of our students and graduates, which results from personal attention to student professional development through engagement with faculty in projects that expand on classroom instruction.
Students and faculty at WKU have benefited from its membership in Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). ORAU is a consortium of 114 colleges and universities and a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ORAU works with its member institutions to help their students and faculty gain access to federal research facilities throughout the country; to keep its members informed about opportunities for fellowships, scholarships, and research appointments; and to organize research alliances among its members. Programs cover a wide variety of disciplines including earth sciences, epidemiology, engineering, physics, geological sciences, pharmacology, ocean sciences, biomedical sciences, nuclear chemistry, and mathematics. Many of these programs are especially designed to increase the numbers of underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in science and engineering related disciplines.
For more information about ORAU and its programs, contact: Dr. Cathleen Webb, Associate Dean of OCSE and the ORAU counselor for WKU.
Ogden College is home to the Health Professions Advisement Center (HPAC). WKU has an outstanding track record of students gaining entry to the health professions. At HPAC, students interested in attending a school or college of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, veterinary medicine, chiropractic medicine, podiatry or physician assistant, will receive information, advice and guidance on their preparation for admission to professional school.
In collaboration with the College of Education, Ogden College offers the SKyTeach Program for those interested in teaching science and math at middle or high school levels. This program is a replication of a nationally recognized program in teacher preparation developed at the University of Texas - Austin. WKU received $2.4 million in funding from Exxon/Mobil through the National Mathematics and Science Initiative to develop the SKyTeach program at WKU.
Those interested in more detailed information regarding programs offered by departments of the College should follow the links listed under departments or email the Dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering directly.
- Department of Agriculture and Food Science
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences
- Department of Mathematics
- Applied Statistics, Minor (313)
- Mathematical Economics, Bachelor of Science (731P, 731)
- Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts (528)
- Mathematics, Bachelor of Arts (728)
- Mathematics, Minor (Minor for Employment in Industry and/or Graduate Studies in Mathematics) (417)
- Middle Grades Mathematics, Bachelor of Science (730)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
- Department of Psychological Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Programs
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Architectural Science, Bachelor of Science (518)
- Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science (534P, 534)
- Computer Information Technology, Bachelor of Science (555)
- Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (629P, 629)
- Computer Science, Minor (341)
- Construction Management, Bachelor of Science (533)
- Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science (537P, 537)
- Engineering Technology Management, Bachelor of Science (5007)
- Land Surveying, Certificate (1700)
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science (5006)
- Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science (543P, 543)
- Systems Engineering, Minor (476)
- SKyTeach
Degrees
- Middle School Science, Bachelor of Science (734)
- Neuroscience, Bachelor of Science (5013) - Now admitting for Fall 2025
Certificates
- Pre-Dentistry Advisement
- Pre-Forestry Advisement
- Pre-Medicine Advisement
- Pre-Occupational Therapy Advisement
- Pre-Optometry Advisement
- Pre-Pharmacy Advisement
- Pre-Physical Therapy Advisement
- Pre-Physician Assistant Advisement
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine Advisement
- Pre-Chiropractic Advisement
- Pre-Podiatry Advisement
Pre-Dentistry Advisement
Advisors: Noah Ashley, Eric Conte, Steve Huskey, Les Pesterfield, Ajay Srivastava
Contact: Dr. Les Pesterfield
Office: Kelly Thompson Hall 4011
Phone: 270-745-6246
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Students planning a career in dentistry should follow the pre-dentistry curriculum at WKU. All applicants to dental school must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) approximately one year prior to intended matriculation. Most schools of dentistry have a requirement for observation/ shadowing a practitioner. Students should plan on completing their hours of required observation by the end of the junior year.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 226 & BIOL 227 | Microbial Biology and Diversity and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 446 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 446 | Biochemistry I | |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 342 & CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 116 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
It is highly recommended that students planning a dental career complete the entire four-year curriculum and receive the baccalaureate degree before entering a dental college. A few dental schools will accept students after three years of undergraduate work. One year of satisfactory work in dental school can then be transferred to WKU in order to receive the Bachelor of Science degree. All requirements for the Colonnade Program and the core courses for a major and minor must be completed before leaving WKU. Courses taken in dental school may then (at the discretion of the department chair) be accepted by the major and/or minor departments at WKU allowing the student to receive the bachelor’s degree.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should,in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional schools of their choice.
Pre-Forestry Advisement
Advisor: Dr. Martin Stone
Office: Environmental Sciences & Technology Building 258
Phone: 270-745-5963
Email: Martin.Stone@wku.edu
Students interested in forestry as a career may enter Western Kentucky University and complete a plan of study comparable to the first two years of a four-year forestry degree program. The program outlined is designed to qualify students to transfer into the forestry program at the University of Kentucky. This program will permit students with grades of “C” or better to transfer to the degree program of Bachelor of Science in Forestry without loss of credits. Students desiring to attend schools other than the University of Kentucky should contact the pre-forestry advisor for specific requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following groups: | 10 | |
| Fundamentals of General Chemistry and Fundamentals of General Chemistry Laboratory and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory and College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 222 & BIOL 223 | Plant Biology and Diversity and Plant Biology and Diversity Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 348 | Plant Taxonomy | 4 |
| PHYS 101 | Concepts of Motion | 3 |
| MATH 116 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| MATH 119 | Fundamentals of Calculus | 4 |
| COMM 145 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication | 3 |
| AGRO 110 | Introduction to Plant Science | 3 |
| AGRO 350 | Soils | 3 |
| SFTY 171 | Safety and First Aid | 1 |
| SPAN 101 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
| GEOG 210 | Environment and Ecological Policy | 3 |
| CE 160 & CE 161 | Principles of Surveying and Principles of Surveying Lab | 4 |
| AGEC 360 | Agricultural Economics | 3 |
| AGRI 291 | Introduction to Data Analysis and Interpretation | 3 |
| Restricted electives | ||
| Total Hours | 67 | |
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Medicine Advisement
Advisors: Kevin Williams, Steve Huskey, Les Pesterfield, Simran Banga, Ajay Srivastava, Ali Er
Contact: Amy Kandler
Office: OCH 1013
Phone: 270-745-8894
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
The pre-medicine curriculum has been developed with two objectives in mind. The first objective is to provide the undergraduate student with an academic background that will enable them to succeed in the medical school of their choice. The second objective is to provide the academic credits to earn the Bachelor of Science degree after four years of study.It is required that students planning a medical career complete the four-year curriculum and receive the Bachelor of Science degree before entering a medical college.
During the first two years of undergraduate work, the pre-medicine student should complete the majority of the basic science courses that constitute the minimal prerequisites for entrance into medical school.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 224 & BIOL 225 | Animal Biology and Diversity and Animal Biology and Diversity Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 446 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 446 | Biochemistry I | |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 342 & CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| Select one of the following groups: | 8-10 | |
| Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I and Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II | ||
| University Physics I and University Physics I Lab and University Physics II and University Physics II Laboratory | ||
| Total Hours | 52-54 | |
In addition to the basic science courses, classes should be taken from the WKU Colonnade requirements. In preparation for the MCAT, it is strongly recommended that the pre-medical student choose BIOL 319, BIOL 327, BIOL 330 and BIOL 382, MATH 183, or MATH 136 as electives. PSY 100 / PSYS 100, PSYS 350 and SOCL 100 are all also recommended among Colonnade classes.
During the junior and senior years, students with direction from their pre-medicine advisor, should complete courses to constitute a major and a minor in addition to completing the Colonnade Program requirements for a degree. All applicants to medical school must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
In 2018, in partnership with The Medical Center of Bowling Green and WKU, the University of Kentucky, School of Medicine opened a branch medical campus in Bowling Green, KY. Pre-medical students have the opportunity to complete pre-medical studies and all four years of medical school in Bowling Green.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional schools of their choice.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Advisement
Advisors: Steve Huskey, Mark Schafer, Matthew Shake
Contact: Amy Kandler
Office: OCH 1013
Phone: 270-745-8894
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Students may fulfill pre-occupational therapy requirements at Western Kentucky University and become eligible to submit applications for admission to any doctoral or master’s level occupational therapy schools within the United States. These schools vary slightly in their requirements so students should decide after 4 or 5 semesters on the college(s) of occupational therapy to which they plan to submit an application for admission and arrange their schedules in accordance with the requirements of that particular school. Students applying to Occupational Therapy school should take the GRE.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses typically required | ||
| BIOL 131 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 231 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| MATH 183 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| or BIOL 382 | Introductory Biostatistics | |
| PSY/PSYS 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY/PSYS 440 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOCL 100 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| AH 290 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Courses often required | ||
| PSY/PSYS 220 | Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| CHEM 109 | Chemistry for the Health Sciences | 4 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s Assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Optometry Advisement
Advisors: Ali Er, Les Pesterfield
Contact: Dr. Les Pesterfield
Office: Kelly Thompson Hall 4011
Phone: 270-745-6246
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Students may fulfill pre-optometry requirements at Western Kentucky University and become eligible to submit applications for admission to any optometry school within the United States. These schools vary slightly in their pre-optometry requirements. Students should decide after 4 or 5 semesters on the college(s) of optometry to which they plan to submit an application for admission and arrange their schedules in accordance with the requirements of that particular school.
The professional optometric program requires four years of study in a school of optometry. This is in addition to the three or more years of pre-optometry requirements. Applicants to all of the optometry schools are required to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
In the fall of 2016, the Kentucky College of Optometry (Pikeville, KY) welcomed their inaugural class. Through a Memorandum of Agreement between WKU and KYCO, qualified WKU students will have preferred admission status at KYCO.
The courses listed below are required as prerequisites for most optometry schools. Each science course must be accompanied by its appropriate laboratory:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 226 & BIOL 227 | Microbial Biology and Diversity and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 446 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 446 | Biochemistry I | |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| PHYS 332 & PHYS 233 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II | 4 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| MATH 136 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| PSY/PSYS 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| MATH 183 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
It is recommended that students take the additional coursework of PHYS 359 – Optics. There may be additional course requirements that vary with each optometry school.
All students in the curriculum are strongly encouraged to work toward a bachelor’s degree, even though a degree is not required for admission to some optometry schools. If accepted before graduating from WKU, one year of satisfactory work in optometry school can generally be transferred to WKU in order to receive the Bachelor of Science degree. All requirements for the Colonnade Program and the core courses for a major and minor must be completed. Courses taken in optometry school may then (at the discretion of the department chair) be accepted by the major and/or minor department at WKU allowing the student to receive the bachelor’s degree.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Pharmacy Advisement
Advisors: Jeremy Maddox, Rodney King, Carnetta Skipworth
Contact: Dr. Carnetta Skipworth
Office: Kelly Thompson Hall 4043
Phone: (270) 745-8741
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Students planning a career in pharmacy should follow a pre-pharmacy curriculum at WKU. After completion of a minimum of 70 credit hours, students are often able to apply for admission to a school of pharmacy for the remaining four years of training.
The following curriculum contains courses required for admission to most pharmacy schools in our region. Students should investigate the requirements of each school to which they plan to attend in order to ensure every requirement may be included in their pre-pharmacy program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 131 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 231 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Microbial Biology and Diversity and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab | ||
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 342 & CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| ECON 202 | Principles of Economics (Micro) | 3 |
| or ECON 203 | Principles of Economics (Macro) | |
| MATH 136 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 183 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| or BIOL 382 | Introductory Biostatistics | |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| or PHYS 255 | University Physics I | |
| COMM 145 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication | 3 |
| Total Hours | 59 | |
All students in the curriculum are strongly encouraged to work toward a bachelor’s degree, even though a degree is not required for admission to some pharmacy schools. If accepted before graduating from WKU, one year of satisfactory work in pharmacy school can generally be transferred to WKU in order to receive the Bachelor of Science degree. All requirements for the Colonnade Program and the core courses for a major and minor must be completed. Courses taken in pharmacy school may then (at the discretion of the department chair) be accepted by the major and/or minor department at WKU allowing the student to receive the bachelor’s degree.
The Carpenter-Dent Trust Fund offers scholarships to eligible pre-pharmacy students who are residents of Allen, Simpson or Warren County.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Physical Therapy Advisement
Advisors: Steve Huskey, Gary English, Mark Schafer
Contact: Dr. Steve Huskey
Office: Kelly Thompson Hall 3118
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
The pre-physical therapy program at Western Kentucky University is designed to prepare students for application to accredited programs in physical therapy. It is recommended that the student complete a baccalaureate degree while completing the pre-requisite requirements of the physical therapy schools to which they plan to apply. It should be noted that all physical therapy schools have adopted a Doctorate/Ph.D. level program, and as a result, a baccalaureate degree is required. Completion of the following prerequisites does not guarantee admission into a physical therapy school; it merely places the candidate into a competitive pool of applicants from which the successful candidates will be selected and interviewed.
Most physical therapy schools require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time they enter the program. A grade of “C” or better is required in all prerequisite courses. Applicants must also show evidence of having completed at least 50 hours of physical therapy observation and/or volunteer experience at two or more health care facilities.
Many physical therapy schools require the following courses before being considered for admittance. These are general recommendations, as specific requirements may vary by school.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY/PSYS 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY/PSYS 220 | Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 131 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 231 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| PHYS 332 & PHYS 233 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II | 4 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introductory Biostatistics | ||
or PH 383 | Biostatistics in the Health Sciences | |
or MATH 183 | Introductory Statistics | |
| Total Hours | 46 | |
The GRE is also required and should be completed approximately a year in advance of intended matriculation to PT school. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, for both overall and prerequisite science courses, is required. However, the competitive nature of the application process over the last several years indicates that overall and science GPAs should both be 3.4 or higher to seriously contend for entrance.
WKU graduated their inaugural DPT class in Spring 2016; for more information go to http://www.wku.edu/physicaltherapy.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Physician Assistant Advisement
Advisors: Kerrie McDaniel
Contact: Dr. Les Pesterfield
Office: Kelly Thompson Hall 4011
Phone: 270-745-6246
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare provider that has earned a Master’s Degree from an accredited PA school and passes a national licensure exam (PANCE). They must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. It is a relatively new health profession, which has grown tremendously over the last 20 years. The successful candidate will have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation, completed the pre-requisite coursework, taken the Graduate Record Exam (where necessary), as well as completed extensive shadowing and healthcare work experience (minimum of 1000 hours, oftentimes more in order to be competitive). Due to the extensive health care experience required, students are encouraged to begin as soon as possible.
Many PA schools require the following courses before being considered for admittance. These are general recommendations, as specific requirements may vary by school.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 131 & BIOL 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology and Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology | 8 |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| PSYS/PSY 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYS/PSY 220 | Introduction to Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| SOCL 100 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| BIOL 382 | Introductory Biostatistics | 3 |
| or MATH 183 | Introductory Statistics | |
| AH 290 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Microbial Biology and Diversity and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Total Hours | 58 | |
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Advisement
Advisors: Paul Woosley, Mike Stokes, Steve Huskey
Contact: Dr. Paul Woosley
Office: Environmental Sciences & Technology Building 269
Phone: 270-745-3151
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Kentucky students have the opportunity to attend veterinary medical school at reduced tuition at Auburn University, Auburn, AL or Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has made this possible through its participation with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The State of Kentucky pays approximately $25,000 annually for each student at Auburn or Tuskegee. Each year the School of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn reserves 34-40 positions for students from Kentucky who meet admission requirements. If admitted, Kentucky students pay the same fees as Alabama residents. Two to six positions may also be available each year at Tuskegee Institute on the same basis.
The minimum education requirement for admission to the School of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, is the satisfactory completion of an approved curriculum at an accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required overall and for the required courses.
Students may apply to one or both institutions as they near completion of the pre-veterinary requirements. The GRE is required for both Auburn University and Tuskegee.
The following courses have been approved by Auburn University:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 200 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| MATH 116 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry (or higher level) | 3 |
| HIST 101 | World History I | 3 |
| or HIST 102 | World History II | |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 342 & CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| ANSC 140 & ANSC 141 | Introduction to Animal Science and Introduction to Animal Science Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOL/CHEM 446 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Dance Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| COMM 145 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication | 3 |
| SOCL 100 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| or AGRI 108 | Rural Sociology | |
| PSY/PSYS 100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| or ECON 150 | Introduction to Economics | |
| Select 6 hours of 300-400 level science electives | 6 | |
| Comparative Anatomy | ||
| Principles of Animal Nutrition | ||
| Physiology of Reproduction in Domestic Animals and Physiology of Reproduction in Domestic Animal Laboratory | ||
| General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology | ||
| Genetics | ||
| Immunology | ||
| Animal Physiology | ||
| Cell Biology | ||
| Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II | ||
| Total Hours | 75 | |
This curriculum is planned for completion in three years. By choosing the correct electives in the pre-veterinary program and transferring credits for the first year of veterinary school to Western Kentucky University, students may receive the Bachelor of Science degree from WKU. This is a suggested curriculum; the sequence of courses may be varied to suit individual situations. Every effort is made to advise each student based upon the individual’s background and academic capability.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Chiropractic Advisement
Advisor: Amy Kandler
Contact: Amy Kandler
Office: OCH 1013
Phone: 270-745-8894
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Many chiropractic schools require the following courses before being considered for admittance. These are general recommendations, as specific requirements may vary significantly by school. These courses must be completed with a minimum grade of ' C', higher preferred. Requirements are subject to change each year, so please be sure to research schools of interest for current prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 131 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 342 & CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| PHYS 332 & PHYS 233 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II | 4 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| Many schools additionally recommend/require: | 39 | |
24 hours of life/physical sciences (half with labs) | ||
15 hours of humanities & social sciences | ||
| Total Hours | 82 | |
There is no centralized application service for chiropractic schools. You will apply directly to your schools of interest usually via an online form housed on their website. Application deadlines vary, and some schools have early decision deadlines or conduct rolling admissions policies.
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.
Pre-Podiatry Advisement
Advisor: Amy Kandler
Contact: Amy Kandler
Office: OCH 1013
Phone: 270-745-8894
Email: hpa@wku.edu
Website: http://www.wku.edu/wkuhpa
Many podiatry schools require the following courses before being considered for admittance. These are general recommendations, as specific requirements vary by school. Plan to complete these courses before taking the MCAT. All prerequisite courses should be completed with a minimum grade of 'C'. Requirements are subject to change each year, so please be sure to research schools of interest for current prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 120 & BIOL 121 | Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 122 & BIOL 123 | Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 446 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| or CHEM 446 | Biochemistry I | |
| CHEM 120 & CHEM 121 | College Chemistry I and College Chemistry I Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 222 & CHEM 223 | College Chemistry II and College Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 340 & CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 5 |
| CHEM 342 & CHEM 343 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 5 |
| PHYS 231 & PHYS 232 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I | 4 |
| PHYS 332 & PHYS 233 | Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II | 4 |
| ENG 100 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| ENG 300 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| Total Hours | 48 | |
Please note: Recommended courses are based on WKU’s assessment of specific professional school requirements. Students should, in consultation with their advisor, review the requirements at the professional school of their choice.