2013–2014 Undergraduate Catalog - University of the Cumberlands

• Pre-Seminary: The Ministry and Religious Vocations – University of the Cumberlands encourages students
who are preparing for full-time Christian service. We recognize that full-time Christian service includes serving
in the local church and in missions, but we also recognize that Christian service goes well beyond these areas
of ministry. Churches and denominations need people well-versed in many academic disciplines. The University’s
broad-based general education curriculum combined with study in a major field provides excellent preparation
for effective ministry in the future. In addition, the curricula of the Department of Missions & Ministry provides
several tracks that enable students to develop their interests in particular areas of ministry and religious vocation.
• Pre-Engineering – Detailed information for students who planning ultimately to pursue an engineering degree
may be found among of the programs of the Mathematics and Physics Department. These materials outline
the requirements and expectations for those wishing to pursue a rigorous dual degree program, potentially
earning an applied physical science degree from UC and an engineering degree from an engineering school
over five years of study.
• Pre-Law – Information on sound preparation for law school is described with the curricula of the History and
Political Science Department. There is no preferred major for admission to law school; however, popular
majors have been History, Political Science, English, and Business. Regardless of major, students who
go on to law school need to have effective communication and critical thinking skills. Moreover, students
should have a basic understanding of our legal system and an appreciation for the values that support it.
UC provides a variety of coursework that will prepare pre-law students to sit for the Law School Aptitude
Test (LSAT).
• Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary Science, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Physical Therapy – Most
students intending to pursue one of these professional areas after graduation choose to major in biology or
chemistry. Pre-professional advisors are available in both of these disciplines to assist in planning an
appropriate course of study and in understanding the entrance procedures and requirements of various
post-baccalaureate programs. More information on a recommended course of studies for these
pre-professional interests is provided with the curricula of the Biology Department and the Chemistry
Department later in this catalog.
• Pre-Pharmacy – Students interested in a pharmacy career generally begin their undergraduate studies
as chemistry majors before applying to a pharmacy school after two or three years of coursework. A minimum
of 60 hours of undergraduate courses is required for admission to most schools of pharmacy. With the
assistant of the Chemistr Department’s pre-pharmacy advisor, students will plan a specific program to meet
the requirements of the school of pharmacy to which the student plans to seek admission. More information on
an appropriate course of study for pre-pharmacy students may be found with the curricula of the
Chemistry Department later in this catalog.
• Pre-Physician Assistant – The recommended curriculum for students intended to pursue a career as a
physician assistant is detailed later in this catalog in the description of the programs of the Biology Department.
This interdisciplinary curriculum includes a rigorous course of studies in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
After three years of undergraduate coursework, strong students may be able to apply to a Physician
Assistant Studies program like UC’s dual degree program, which leads to both a B.S. and master’s degree after
five years of study. Or students may complete an undergraduate degree and then apply to the PA program
at UC or one elsewhere. See the Biology Department for more informationon the Pre-PA curriculum.
Other Special Curricula and Programs
University of the Cumberlands continues to develop flexible and innovative academic programs to serve the diverse
needs of students.
Independent Directions – The Independent Directions Program is designed for the highly motivated, academically superior
students. Students in the Independent Directions program design their own curriculum. They are assigned a facilitator to
assist them in the design of their programs and serve as their academic advisor.
To be admitted to the Independent Directions Program, students must
• have completed at least 30 semester hours
• have a GPA of at least 3.25
• present a plan of study indicating how program requirements will be met. The plan must be approved by the
facilitator, the pertinent department chairs, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Independent Directions are as follows:
• All general graduation requirements must be met (including general education, number of upper-level credits,
minimum grade of “C” in all major courses, residency requirements, etc.)
• An interdisciplinary major of at least 54 hours must be completed which must be approved by the facilitator, the
pertinent department chairs, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
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