Pre-Professional Programs
Shepherd University offers multiple pathways to some of West Virginia’s most prestigious professional programs, enabling you to complete your bachelor’s degree in Shepherd’s small, supportive environment. You will benefit from the faculty mentors, academic support services, and welcoming community Shepherd is known for, while building a record of success that will carry you into medical, dental, or pharmacy school, or other professional programs.
PRE-MED PROGRAMS
MedSTEP with West Virginia University
Pre-med students with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA can apply to the MedSTEP Program after completing one full year at Shepherd University. Accepted students will be mentored by faculty and staff from the West Virginia University (WVU) School of Medicine Eastern campus and also attend monthly seminars and discussions about medical case studies. Participants are guaranteed an interview with the WVU School of Medicine.
PRE-OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE PROGRAMS
POMP with West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Students who have a science GPA of 3.4 or higher can apply to the POMP program as sophomores and participate in a series of osteopathic medicine programs throughout their time at Shepherd. After successfully completing all program requirements, students will receive guaranteed acceptance to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Lake Erie School of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Program
The EAP is comprised of two phases. Phase I involves four years of undergraduate education at Shepherd University or with sufficient credit hours to earn a Shepherd University degree, with at least 60 credit hours taken at Shepherd University while a full-time student. Phase II consists of the medical school education while at LECOM and its associated clinical training sites. https://lecom.edu
LECOM will admit up to 5 qualified Shepherd University students to the LECOM Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program (Phase II) per intended matriculation year, pending final review by the LECOM Admissions Committee.
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM)
Requirements for a Guaranteed Formal Interview are that Shepherd Students are currently enrolled or graduated within two (2) years with a minimum Sciences GPA of 3.3, a Minimum MCAT of 500.
PRE-PHARMACY PROGRAMS
BS Biopharm 3+1 with West Virginia University, Marshall University, or Shenandoah University
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry: Biopharmaceutical Sciences concentration complete three years at Shepherd while fulfilling the specific admission requirements for their chosen graduate program. In their third year, students can apply to a Pharm.D. program at West Virginia University, Marshall University, Shenandoah University or LECOM. Credits completed in the student’s first Pharm.D. year complete the bachelor’s degree at Shepherd. This program also allows flexibility for students wishing to pursue an MPH or MBA along with their Pharm.D.
PRE-DENTISTRY PROGRAM
DentSTEP Program with West Virginia University
Students who meet the program admission requirements can apply to the DentSTEP program as sophomores at Shepherd. Accepted students will complete all coursework necessary to enter West Virginia University’s DDS program, which guarantees two seats for qualified Shepherd students.
Dentistry at LECOM
LECOM will interview students prior to their enrollment at Shepherd University or within the first two years of study at Shepherd University. Students interviewing successfully will be offered provisional acceptance to LECOM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine program.
Podiatry
LECOM The Early Acceptance Program is comprised of two phases and is designed to facilitate the admission of Shepherd University students into LECOM’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program.
https://lecom.edu/school-of-podiatric-medicine/
LECOM will interview students prior to their enrollment at Shepherd University or within the first two years of study at Shepherd University. Students interviewing successfully will be offered a provisional acceptance
to LECOM’s Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. Phase I denotes the time spent while enrolled in the EAP prior to LECOM matriculation by anyone that will have four years of undergraduate education at Shepherd University or with sufficient credit hours to earn a Shepherd University degree, with at least 60 credit hours taken at Shepherd University while a full-time student. Phase II consists of the medical school education while at LECOM and its associated clinical training sites.
OTHER PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS
We prepare students to enter these other, competitive, professional programs:
- Physician’s Assistant
- Physiotherapy
- Veterinary Medicine
More Information
Dr. Robert Warburton
Dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Nursing
rwarburt@shepherd.edu