Dept of Biology
CL 121
Muncie, IN 47306-0440
765-285-8820
http://web.bsu.edu/biology

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Ball State University.
Muncie, IN 47306.

Department of Biology

Pre-Health Professional Programs

Preparing the student
for entry into health profession

    Welcome, We hope these pages will answer a few of your questions about the Pre-Health Professional Programs at Ball State in the Department of Biology. Ball State provides preparation for careers in the following professions: Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy, Optometry, Medical Technology, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Veterinary Medicine, and Chiropractic.

For curricular information concerning the specific Pre-health professional programs at Ball State University, please click on any of the careers of interest on the sidebar.

                                             Dr. Clare Chatot
                                             Director, Pre-Professional Program
                                             Department of Biology
                                            765-285-8827

The Ball State University Pre-Professional Health Program provides the necessary foundation for successful careers in medicine, dentistry, or other health professions. The success of our system is evident in the high percentage of Ball State applicants accepted into medical and dental schools.

One of the strengths of the pre-professional program is the availability of the Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental majors. Most universities only offer majors in Biology or Chemistry for those students planning careers in medicine or dentistry. The Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental majors, however, allow for a much broader education through their diverse class offerings. This wider range of courses better prepares students for the requirements of medical and dental schools.

Health professions require a solid and varied background in the sciences. Our personalized approach to science education is another asset of our pre-professional health program. It provides the perfect setting for undergraduate study in all of the sciences. The Ball State science departments can boast of a low student-to-professor ratio and small class sizes, enabling our students to have daily contact with professors in both lecture and laboratory. Most students find that this personalized approach is crucial to the quality of their education. Unfortunately, many of the larger universities cannot offer this interaction.

In addition to offering pre-professional majors and a solid preparation in the sciences, Ball State University offers many opportunities for students to participate in research and to gain hands-on experience in the sciences. Undergraduates are encouraged to become involved with the research
laboratories on campus. Research credit classes, undergraduate research grants, laboratory journal clubs, summer research opportunities, and the undergraduate fellowship program are a reflection of the strength of Ball State's commitment to undergraduate research. Also, a practicum for medical
observation is available each summer. This allows outstanding upperclassmen to be with a physician in a hospital setting for nearly a month and to earn undergraduate credit in the process. No matter what one's area of interest in health education, many opportunities are available at Ball State to enhance one's scientific education.

For those students who are focused on their premedical and pre-dental preparation, the Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Club is designed to enhance the understanding of health career challenges. This organization has been revitalized recently to accommodate the changing needs of the premedical and pre-dental students. Films, study sessions, speakers, medical presentations, and recreational events are among the many activities of the club. Because a division of the Indiana University Medical School is located at Ball State University, the club is able to interact directly with people involved in medical education.

With all of these academic programs and opportunities, students may feel that they will have little time for social, cultural, or athletic activities. However, premedical and pre-dental students are encouraged to participate in these events. Bands, Broadway musicals, symphony concerts, sporting events, and other campus social activities are examples of the wide range of entertainment which our university has to offer. This makes Ball State an exciting campus where a sound academic career can be balanced with a vibrant social life.