Fort Hays State University offers pre-professional study in preparation for entry into professional programs at other colleges and universities. Four-year, pre-professional programs are available in physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary, medicine and dentistry. All of these programs meet the requirements for further study at the graduate level.

Pre-Medical and Other Health Professions

Pre-Medicine

Emphases in Pre-Medicine are available through the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biological Sciences.

Faculty advisors in several departments support the pre-medical program at Fort Hays State University. Students seeking acceptance into medical school should work with their advisor on the following while at FHSU: 

1. pursue a Bachelor's degree in one of the liberal arts or sciences;
2. successfully complete the required pre-medical courses, primarily in the fields of biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and the social sciences; and
3. take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).

Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Osteopathy and Pre-Podiatry

Students interested in these three pre-professional programs generally follow the course outlined in the pre-medicine program above. However, all students wishing to study a pre-chiropractic, pre-osteopathy or pre-podiatry academic program should consult one of the pre-medicine advisors.

Pre-Dentistry

Fort Hays State University students seeking admission to dental school should contact the Pre-Dental advisors to get the latest information regarding dental schools and their prerequisites. Pre-dental students should pursue a regular Bachelor's degree in one of the liberal arts or sciences, excel in the required Pre-Dental course work (mainly in biology, chemistry, and physics), and take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The Pre-Dental advisors can also offer guidance to the application service for dental schools (AADSAS), changes in dental school requirements and curriculum, and the interview process for prospective dental students.

Pre-Optometry

The pre-optometry advisors at Fort Hays State University offer guidance to students seeking admission to an optometry school regardless of the student's major. The successful applicant to optometry school will have:

1. completed a Bachelors' degree in one of the liberal arts or sciences;
2. mastered the basic pre-requisite course work, mainly in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics; and
3. done well on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT).

Guidance regarding the application service for optometry school admission (OptomCAS), interviewing as part of the admissions process, and the curricula that optometry schools offer to their students, will also be provided by the Pre-Optometry advisors.

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-pharmacy at Fort Hays State University is a two-year program advised by several faculty members. The required courses for pre-pharmacy - mainly in the fields of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics - and the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), should be completed by students seeking admission into pharmacy school. The pre-pharmacy advisors can also assist students in completing the pharmacy school application through PharmCAS, preparing for interviews at the pharmacy schools, and extra-curricular activities that can help prospective pharmacy students achieve success.

Other Pre-Professional Curricula

Pre-Law

Pre-law at Fort Hays State University is a reputable four-year program available through the Department of Political Science. Students seeking admission to law schools should pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and concentrate their elective courses on a variety of pre-law subjects. Membership with the Pre-Law Society, which provides networking opportunities with other students, attorneys, judges and universities, is also recommended to students. Law schools prefer exceptional scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The pre-law advisor can offer guidance to form the best academic experience and ensure access to top law schools across the country.

Pre-Theology

The four-year pre-theology program at Fort Hays State University has been crafted to meet the suggestions of the American Association of Theological Schools. An advisor is available to help students decide which Bachelor of Arts degree to pursue-philosophy, English, or history-and how to tailor their academic experiences to best result in a successful career. Pre-theological students should consult denominational authorities for specific information about acceptable theological schools and their requirements.

Pre-Engineering

Those planning to receive a pre-engineering degree from Fort Hays State University should consult the program advisor. Pre-engineering students have two options: the 2+2 Program or the 3+2 Program. 2+2 Program students major exclusively in Engineering, and are exposed to basic pre-engineering coursework during the first two years of their education. Following course completion, they can continue in their FHSU studies with careful consideration of other universities' program requirements or transfer to the engineering school of their choice. Stu- dents enrolled in the 3+2 Program will obtain additional credits for a B.S. in physics to accompany their pre-engineering program credits. After completion of this program at FHSU, they can transfer to the engineering school of their choice. Although this program requires three years of residence at FHSU, students will attain a broad educational background designed to further their careers.

Pre-Political Management

Fort Hays State University's pre-political management program trains students in political campaigning practice and theory in a hands-on environment. FHSU students should consult with program advisor to ensure success. Students who choose this degree will focus their studies to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Political Management. They will be exposed to course topics such as campaign management, fundraising, media and politics and others. The curriculum will ensure success in careers such as political reporter in news networks, political firm consultants, and politic experts for campaign parties and interest groups.

Pre-Public Administration

Those seeking a degree in pre-public administration will work with the advisor to create coursework tailored to their needs. Those who complete the program will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration. Those with an interest in public service positions and governmental jobs at the local, state and federal level should find success in this degree.

Pre-Physical Therapy (Health and Human Performance)

The B.S. in Health and Human Performance, with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Therapy concentration, is designed to assist students in their preparation for entrance application for professional programs in physical therapy. Individuals wishing to enter a professional health program should pursue an undergraduate major in the discipline of their choice, but should take whatever additional courses may be necessary as prerequisites for admission to the specific professional school of interest. Students are encouraged to locate the specific admissions requirement for the school of interest and work with their program advisor to ensure that all admissions requirements are met prior to graduation from Fort Hays State University.