Pre-Professional Programs

Capstone Experience

The capstone experience for the physics minor can be satisfied either by an independent study project (ISU) arranged for this purpose, or by one of the upper level courses. IF the second option is chosen, the student must discuss this with the instructor prior to the start of the course. In either case, documentation of the capstone experience will consist of a paper, prepared in consultation with the instructor or independent study project advisor, which incorporates and ties together concepts learned in the physics courses selected. For more information, or assistance in selecting a minor advisor or an independent study advisor, see the Head of the Physics Department in Olin Hall 119. Majors in Physics or Applied Physics do not qualify for a Minor in Physics.

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Health Programs ADVISOR: E. Jacoby

Students at WPI who wish to pursue careers in the health professions (e.g. medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc.) should, in consultation with their academic advisors, plan their academic programs to include courses in biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics including laboratory experiences. Although required courses for certain majors will naturally overlap with professional school prerequisites more than others, entry into medical or other health professions schools may be accomplished through any major program of study. It is important for students to work closely with their faculty advisors as well as the pre-health advisor to formulate an academic plan of study that will include the courses required for admission to health professions schools while still allowing for completion of all degree requirements. Individual admissions requirements will vary by school and program. Students should consult admissions websites of individual health professions programs for specific information about prerequisites. Pre-med students are encouraged to consult the Medical School Admissions Requirement (MSAR) resource. WPI’s project-focused curriculum offers a tremendous advantage to pre-health students. Health professions programs value teamwork, as well as cross-cultural, research, and community service experience, all of which can be demonstrated through project work. Because students will graduate from WPI with a degree in an academic discipline, they will have other career opportunities should they decide not to pursue a career in a health profession or should they choose to work for some time after graduation before continuing on to a health professions school. Students and alumni applying to health professions schools should plan to meet with the prehealth advisor to discuss the application process and arrange a letter of recommendation from the pre-health committee (if required) to support their application. Such meetings should ideally begin during a student’s first year as an undergraduate student (or as soon as a student decides to pursue this path) and continue through their time at WPI.

Pre-Law Programs Advisor: K. Rissmiller

Law schools do not require that undergraduates complete any particular course of study. Thus, students who complete degrees in engineering and science may wish to consider careers in law. Undergraduates interested in attending law school are encouraged to choose from among the many courses offered which explore legal topics. For those with greater interest, WPI offers a Minor in Law and Technology described on page 121. Courses with substantial legal content are listed among those courses fulfilling the requirements of the minor. Enrolling in these courses will introduce students to the fundamentals of legal process and legal analysis. Students will study statutes, regulations and case law. These courses will, therefore, offer the student valuable exposure to the kind of material commonly studied in law schools and they may help demonstrate a student’s interest to law school admission committees. IQPs in Law and Technology, or other projects that involve library research and extensive writing may also be helpful. A pre-law advising program in the Social Science Department maintains information on careers in law, law schools, and the law school admission test (LSAT), which is universally required. Students may examine this material independently or make an appointment. Students with an interest in law are also encouraged to join the Pre-Law Society. To do so, contact Professor Rissmiller.

Teacher Preparation Program Advisor: S. Weaver

Licensed teachers in STEM fields are in continual high demand across the United States. By participating in and successfully completing this program, WPI students are able to obtain a degree in the major of their choice and