Chapter V: Special Degrees and
Pre-Professional Studies
Special Joint Degree Programs
Liberal Arts Study for
Professional Undergraduate Programs
Pre-Legal Studies and Pre-Medicine
Several special degree programs are offered by the joint cooperation of
LS&A and some other college or school within the University. Admission
to some of these programs is highly competitive. Because many of these programs
require specific courses for admission, it is important for students to
identify program interests early in their undergraduate careers, and often
at the freshman level. Although the basic requirements are summarized in
this chapter, students should consult academic advisors associated with
the various programs.
Many LS&A students are interested in applying for admission to a professional
school either after two years of liberal arts studies or after completing
an LS&A degree. The second half of this chapter describes several pre-professional
courses of study. Pre-professional advising is available at both the Academic
Advising Center and the Office of Career Planning and Placement.
Architecture (Joint Program in Liberal Arts
and Architecture)
Students enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
wishing to consider joint degree programs, in which the B.S. or M.Arch.
degree is awarded by the College of Architecture and Urban Planning and
a second degree is awarded by the College of Literature, Science, and the
Arts, are advised to contact the architecture program chairman in A&UP
and the concentration advisor in LS&A. (This program is distinct from
the Pre-Professional Program in Architecture
described later in this chapter.)
Dentistry and Medicine (Joint Program in
Liberal Arts and Dentistry or Liberal Arts and Medicine)
The joint degree program in liberal arts and either medicine or dentistry
is designed to enable students admitted to the Medical School or the School
of Dentistry at the University of Michigan to complete the requirements
for a bachelor's degree from LS&A. Students may apply up to 15 credits
of courses elected during the first two years of medical or dental school
toward a degree. To be eligible for the bachelor's degree under this joint
program, a student must have been admitted to either the Medical School
or the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan and have completed
105 credits toward an LS&A degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. For the
A.B. or B.S. degree the 105 credits must include all but 6 credits of a
concentration plan. For a B.G.S. degree the 105 credits must include at
least 50 upper-level credits, of which 40 must be LS&A. All other requirements
for graduation from LS&A must be met, and at least 45 of the 105 credits
must be earned in residence in the College. A student's program must have
the approval of the pre-professional advisor, the concentration advisor,
and the Director of Academic Advising. In addition, a student must complete
all of the required courses for the Medical School or the School of Dentistry
with at least a "C" average.
When the above requirements have been met, the College grants a bachelor's
degree by accepting up to 15 credits from first-year and second-year Medical
School or School of Dentistry courses as approved by the Committee on the
Joint Program in Liberal Arts and Medicine/Dentistry.
Only students attending Medical School or the School of Dentistry at
the University of Michigan are eligible for this program. Applications for
admission to the joint program may be obtained in the Academic Advising
Center.
Engineering (Joint Program in Liberal Arts
and Engineering)
This program is designed to enable students to develop a course of study
which offers broader academic opportunities than those offered by either
college. The program is intended for students who wish to develop a depth
of understanding in the technical studies associated with the College of
Engineering and in the physical and natural sciences, humanities, and social
sciences in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. This integration
of technical studies with the liberal arts is the primary strength of the
program. It is open to students enrolled in Engineering or LS&A and
leads to concurrent bachelor's degrees from both colleges. It is intended
primarily for students who enroll as freshmen in one of the two colleges.
The variety of courses which can be elected by students in the joint
program makes it impractical to list specific requirements. Instead, each
student should consult faculty members and academic advisors in each college
to develop the best plan of study. Primary responsibility for planning the
academic program and continuing contact with academic advisors in the two
fields is assumed by the student, who also is responsible for becoming familiar
with the academic policies and procedures of both colleges and the academic
requirements and courses in both fields of concentration as described in
the Bulletins of the two colleges. In the event of difficulties or special
problems, students should consult Katharine McKibben (Academic Advising
Center, 1255 Angell Hall, 764-0332) or Dean Gene Smith or Dean James Wilkes
(College of Engineering, 2420 EECS, 763-3458.
It is usually possible for students carrying 16 credits a term to meet
all requirements in 10 or 11 terms.
Joint Degree Program Structure
Candidates for the combined Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.)
and liberal arts degree (A.B., B.S., or B.G.S.) must:
1. complete one of the degree programs in the College of Engineering;
2. complete a minimum of 90 credits of LS&A courses;
3. have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
In addition, candidates for the joint Bachelor of Science in Engineering
(B.S.E.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree
must complete the LS&A degree requirements (English Composition, the
race and ethnicity requirement, the quantitative reasoning requirement,
the language requirement, and an approved area distribution plan) and an
approved LS&A concentration plan. Candidates for the joint Bachelor
of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) and Bachelor in General Studies (B.G.S.)
degree must complete the LS&A English Composition requirements, the
race and ethnicity requirement, the quantitative reasoning requirement,
and a minimum 40 credits of LS&A courses 300-level or above with a GPA
of at least 2.0. No more than 15 of these credits may be elected from any
one division. (A division means a division number in the Time Schedule.)
Administrative Regulations
- Students may initially enroll in either the College of Engineering or
the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
- To be qualified for admission to the joint degree program, students
are usually expected to have completed 30 credits of courses with an overall
grade point average of at least 2.7. Entry of LS&A students to some
programs in Engineering may require a substantially higher grade point average.
- Students considering this program should discuss their plans with the
program advisor associated with the college in which they are enrolled.
Usually this contact should be made early in the sophomore year.
- Students must complete an application form indicating their program
in each college. Applications are available from Katharine McKibben (Academic
Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall, 764-0332), Assistant Dean James Wilkes
(College of Engineering, 2419 EECS, 763-6841), or Assistant Dean Gene Smith
(College of Engineering, 2419 EECS, 764-5158).
- Once admitted to the program, each student continues to register in
the college of initial enrollment. That college maintains the primary academic
record.
- Students should consult the academic advisor for each concentration
and secure approval for their class schedule according to the academic policies
and procedures of each college.
- Students must maintain good academic standing in both colleges to continue
in the joint degree program.
- Students in good academic standing who wish to withdraw from the program
may complete a degree in the college in which they are enrolled. Students
not in good academic standing are subject to the academic discipline policies
of that college.
- Upon completion of the requirements of both colleges, students are granted
concurrent degrees. By the beginning of the term in which graduation is
anticipated, a Diploma Application must be filed with each college,
and the academic advisor for each concentration (specialization) must provide
appropriate notification that departmental requirements are satisfied.
Individualized Joint Degree Programs
A student may be interested in a joint degree program with one other
school or college, even though it has not been officially established by
the College. Such joint degree programs are planned through the Academic
Standards Board. The student is expected to present a written statement
of the educational purpose of the joint degree. At least 150 credits are
required for a joint degree, including at least 100 credits of LS&A
courses. For a B.G.S. degree the 100 credits would have to include at least
40 upper-level credits.
A minimum of 30 hours of credit must have been completed on the Ann
Arbor campus before a student may apply for a joint degree program, and
the cumulative grade point average for work completed on the Ann Arbor campus
must be 3.0 or better. Any exception to these requirements must be approved
by the Academic Standards Board.
Joint degree programs with the School of Business Administration cannot
be arranged.
Inteflex (Integrated Premedical-Medical Program)
Inteflex is an integrated premedical-medical program sponsored jointly by
the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the Medical School.
The primary goals of the program are: (1) to provide a supportive and innovative
course of study for students interested in a career in medicine, (2) to
emphasize the role of the humanities and social sciences medicine, and (3)
to foster an interest in primary care medicine. The integrated curriculum,
drawn from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, encourages
innovative approaches to premedical education.
Inteflex admits 35 students each year and admission is limited to high
school graduates enrolling in college for the first time. Minimum qualifications
for admission to the program include a combined SAT score of at least 1200
or composite ACT score of 30, a high grade point average of at least 3.5,
and class standing in the top 10 percent of the high school class. The Program
encourages applications from qualified high school students with career
interests in primary care medicine, qualified underrepresented minority
students, and qualified students from small communities and rural settings.
For students specially admitted to Inteflex, the Program is divided into
two phases, the four-year liberal arts phase in LS&A (phase I)
and the four-year Medical School phase (phase II). Inteflex students
in Phase I are required to satisfy all the requirements for a Bachelor of
Arts Degree or a Bachelor of Science Degree as stated in this Bulletin,
in addition to Inteflex Program requirements. There is contact with medical
practice at the end of the first year in order for students to experience
and appreciate the social and interpersonal aspects of patient care early
in their training.
Advancement from Phase I to Phase II, while requiring no subsequent admissions
process for the Medical School, depends on a satisfactory cumulative undergraduate
grade point average and successful performance on the Medical College Admissions
Test (MCAT). In the phase II years, students are required to satisfy all
the requirements for a Medical degree.
Some Inteflex courses, programs, and services are available to all undergraduate
students, particularly students with an interest either in a career in medicine
or in the health sciences more broadly.
A new Inteflex curriculum is currently being planned that will feature new
courses on the social, political, economic, and humanistic aspects of medicine.
New opportunities for community based learning and practical experience
will also be available. These developments have been made possible by having
the undergraduate phase of Inteflex expanded to four years, making it possible
for students to complete a full LS&A degree and at the same participate,
either as a specially admitted student or a regular LS&A student in
the Inteflex Program.
For additional information, students should write to the Inteflex Office,
5113C Medical Science I, 1301 Catherine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0611;
or call at (734) 764-9534.
Natural Resources and Environment (AB, BS,
or BGS and Master of Landscape Architecture)
The School of Natural Resources and Environment offers an accelerated
program in landscape architecture for undergraduates in any liberal arts
area which enables a student to complete both a bachelor's degree from LS&A
and the three-year Master of Architecture (MLA) degree in six years of study.
Candidates for this program are selected by the Landscape Architecture Admissions
Committee following completion of the junior year, during which students
are expected to complete Biology 355 (Woody Plants), Psychology 476 (Environmental
Psychology), and Statistics 402 (Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis).
The Graduate Record Examination should be taken in either February or April
of the junior year. Candidates should have at least a 3.4 cumulative grade
point average at the end of the junior year and must earn a combined Verbal
and Quantitative score of at least 1100 on the General Test of the GRE.
Interested students should consult with the Landscape Architecture Program
during the sophomore year or early in the junior year. Students accepted
to the program will elect six additional pre-professional courses through
the School of Natural Resources and Environment for a total of 15 credit
hours in their senior year. Students are expected to complete all requirements
for their LS&A degrees by the end of the senior year, including a minimum
of 100 LS&A credit hours. AB/BS students who have completed 108 LS&A
credits and BGS students may apply for graduation at the end of the senior
year. Otherwise, the degrees will be awarded concurrently. For further information,
contact: Office of Academic Programs, 1024 Dana Building.
Public Policy (Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Policy)
The School of Public Policy offers an accelerated program in public
policy for exceptional undergraduates at the University of Michigan. The
program enables students in political
science, or economics,
or the B.G.S. degree program to
complete both a bachelor's degree and the two-year Master of Public Policy
(M.P.P.) degree in five years of study. Candidates for this program are
selected by the School of Public Policy during the junior year. In the senior
year, students elect the full sequence of Public Policy core courses, most
of which simultaneously satisfy concentration or cognate requirements for
the bachelor's degree while counting towards the M.P.P. degree. The A.B.
or B.G.S. degree is awarded at the end of the senior year, and the M.P.P.
degree after one additional year of study.
The eligibility requirements for the accelerated joint program include
completion of at least ninety credits toward the undergraduate degree which
must include one calculus (or higher level mathematics/statistics) course.
At least twenty-four of the ninety credits must be in economics or political
science, with no fewer than six credits in either department. These credit
requirements must be completed by the time of the first enrollment in Public
Policy; courses may be taken in the Spring or Summer half-terms if necessary.
In addition, applicants for the accelerated program must show an academic
record that is demonstrably superior to that of students entering on the
regular track. This means that the student record must meet or exceed the
median scores for the entering class: a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and a Quantitative
Graduate Records Examination (GRE) score of 660. Further information can
be found under the departmental program statements of Economics and Political
Science in Chapter VI, or by visiting the School of Public Policy in 440
Lorch Hall. Interested undergraduates should begin consultation in the sophomore
year; application is made in the junior year.
The Concurrent Undergraduate-Graduate Studies
(CUGS) Program
The Concurrent Undergraduate-Graduate Studies (CUGS) Program enables
a few students each year to enroll simultaneously in LS&A and the Rackham
Graduate School and to apply a maximum of 15 credits toward both an undergraduate
degree and a graduate degree. To be considered, a student must have at least
90 credits toward an undergraduate degree, must have satisfied the distribution
requirements, and must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.7.
Admission to CUGS is limited and depends heavily on the student's having
exhausted the undergraduate resources of his or her department so that graduate
study is the appropriate and logical next step in the student's program.
The admissions process begins with encouragement to proceed from the graduate
admissions committee of the department in which the student wishes to do
graduate work. The student must then receive the recommendation of the chairperson
of the undergraduate department/ program, as well as the Assistant Dean
for Student Academic Affairs for regular LS&A Students, or one of the
Directors of the Honors Program for Honors students, or the Director (Director's
representative) in the Residential College for RC students. An admission
application is completed and submitted to the Graduate School for approval
of both the graduate admission committee and Rackham Associate Dean of Admissions.
Liberal Arts Study for Professional Undergraduate
Programs
Several schools, colleges, and programs (e.g., Architecture and Urban Planning,
Business Administration, Dental Hygiene, Education, and Pharmacy) within
the University admit only students who have completed two years of liberal
arts study. The following information is for students interested in planning
the freshman and sophomore years in LS&A and then applying to one of
the schools below.
Architecture (Pre-Professional Program in
Architecture)
With the increasing application of the behavioral and environmental
sciences to architecture, it is important that prospective students acquire
a liberal arts background. Students are not admitted to the College of Architecture
and Urban Planning until they have completed at least 60 credits. A number
of introductory architecture courses are open to all freshmen and sophomores.
The College of Architecture and Urban Planning looks for evidence of interest
and strong commitment, preferably demonstrated by work experience related
to architecture or urban planning, and expects students to be familiar with
the field's professional literature. For additional information, contact
Christina Wylie (Office of Undergraduate Admissions).
The pre-professional program consists of a minimum 60 credits. Students
are urged to obtain and read the Architecture leaflet - available at the
Office of Undergraduate Admissions (1220 Student Activities Building), the
Academic Advising Center (1255 Angell Hall), or the College of Architecture
and Urban Planning (2150 Art and Architecture Building) for specific requirements.
Since admission to the College of Architecture and Urban Planning is
competitive, students are urged to develop program alternatives within LS&A.
Business Administration
Students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
degree should transfer to the School of Business Administration after completion
of the sophomore year. Junior standing (at least 55 transferable credits)
is a requirement for admission and students should apply during the second
term of the sophomore year.
Students may enter in the Fall Term only. The Admissions Committee begins
to consider applications January 15 for the Fall Term entering class. Preference
is given to applicants who submit applications on or before February 15.
The deadline for application is March 1. Applications are considered only
after completed application forms and official transcripts have been received.
LS&A students should obtain their transcript in a sealed envelope from
the Transcript Office. This envelope must be submitted together with the
application forms to the Business School.
Since there are a limited number of places in the B.B.A. program, admission
is highly competitive. Most students admitted have an overall GPA above
3.0. Particular attention is paid to grades in economics, first-term accounting,
and mathematics. Extra-curricular activities, part-time and summer work
experience, and the required essay (a part of the application form) play
an important role in choosing among applicants with similar academic credentials.
Consideration for admission requires evidence that a minimum of 55 transferable
credits will be completed by the proposed date of entrance and that the
required courses in mathematics, economics, first-term accounting, and written
communication have been completed with grades of at least "C."
Students may choose from among Mathematics 112, 115, and Honors Mathematics
to meet the math requirement. Students unprepared for calculus should elect
Mathematics 105. Economics 101 and 102 fulfill the economics requirement.
The requirement in composition may be completed by English 125 or presenting
evidence that the student has been exempted from these courses. Honors students
may substitute Great Books 191 or 192. Students are encouraged to complete
as many of the prerequisites as possible before applying.
All students planning to apply to the School of Business for Fall 1997
and thereafter, will be required to complete a fourth-term proficiency in
a language other than English. This requirement must be met prior to graduation.
In addition, students applying for admission for Fall 1997 and thereafter,
must satisfy two of the three following area distribution requirements.
- 9 credits in humanities;
- 9 credits in social sciences other than economics;
- 6 credits in natural science courses (a minimum of two three-credit
courses).
Students may elect area courses on the basis of Pattern I area distribution
designations (see Chapter VI) with the following exceptions:
- mathematics courses may not be used;
- natural science courses may not include short courses and must carry
at least three credits;
- all philosophy courses, including logic courses, are considered
humanities.
Accounting 271 is required for admission. Although not required for
admission, Accounting 272 is highly recommended as an elective for sophomores,
particularly for students who plan to concentrate in accounting. The School
of Business Administration does not recommend other electives. Any thoughtfully
planned, balanced liberal arts program is acceptable preparation for admission.
Certain courses, some of which can be elected for LS&A degree credit,
cannot be transferred to the School of Business Administration. These include
Experiential courses, Dance, Physical
Education activity courses, and first
and second year ROTC courses. Residential College and Pilot courses
transfer to the School of Business Administration, but Pilot
Program credit cannot be used to satisfy area requirements.
With the exception of Accounting 271 and 272, Business Administration
courses cannot be elected until junior standing (at least 55 credits) has
been earned.
Dental Hygiene
The School of Dentistry grants a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene. This
baccalaureate program consists of a year of prescribed college courses followed
by three years enrollment in the School of Dentistry. The equivalent of
30 (semester) credits of college level work in liberal arts is a prerequisite
to the three-year curriculum in dental hygiene. Prerequisites include: (1)
Chemistry; (2) English Composition; (3) Speech; (4) Introductory Psychology;
(5) Introductory Sociology; (6) Additional electives to total 30 credits.
Interested students should contact the Director of Dental Hygiene, Wendy
Kerschbaum, in the School of Dentistry (3066 Dentistry, 763-3392) as soon
as possible, preferably during the freshman year. Additional information
about the dental hygiene program can be found in the School of Dentistry
Bulletin and Dental Hygiene brochures.
Education
Several paths are open to students who wish to obtain certification
in elementary school teaching (kindergarten through the eighth grade) or
secondary school teaching (grades seven through twelve).
Students can simultaneously satisfy degree requirements for an A.B.,
B.S., or B.G.S. degree and the requirements for a teaching
certificate. Some students complete teaching certificate requirements
by enrolling as special students in the School of Education after completing
an undergraduate degree. Alternatively, students can transfer to the School
of Education, usually at the beginning of the junior year, and complete
requirements for an Education degree with a teaching certificate. Students
interested in earning an elementary school teaching certificate usually
transfer to the School of Education for both a bachelor's degree and certification
in order to avoid complexities in program planning and to take full advantage
of the variety of choices offered within elementary education.
Interested students should study the Teacher
Certification Program in Chapter VI of this Bulletin and contact the
School of Education Office of Student Services (1033 SEB) regarding current
information and procedures for admission to the Teacher Certification Program.
Pharmacy
Students accepted to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program
transfer to the College of Pharmacy upon completion of at least 60 credits
of pre-professional work as outlined below. The College accepts students
only for the Fall Term, and the Pharm.D. curriculum requires an additional
four years of study. Deadline for submission of applications is February
1.
The 60 credits of pre-pharmacy study include:
- Anatomy 401;
- Biology 152 or 195;
- Chemistry 130, 210, 211, 215, 216, and either230 or 340;
- Mathematics 112 or 115 or 185.
- Microbiology 301 and 350 or Biology 206.
- Physics 125/127 and 126/128 or 140/141 and 240/241;
- Satisfaction of the LS&A English Composition requirement;
- Electives, including two social science courses and two courses in foreign
language or the humanities.
Honors alternatives to these courses are acceptable.
Students interested in transferring to the College of Pharmacy should
discuss their plans and curriculum with a pharmacy advisor. Advisors are
available in the College of Pharmacy.
Since spaces in the College of Pharmacy are limited and admission is
competitive, students are encouraged to develop program alternatives in
LS&A and to inform themselves of LS&A degree requirements. Application
to the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy is made through the Office
of Undergraduate Admissions.
In addition to the Pharm.D. program, the College of Pharmacy offers
Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bachelor of Science in
Medicinal Chemistry programs. Neither baccalaureate program leads to a professional
degree or pharmacy licensure. Students interested in these programs should
consult a Pharmacy advisor.
Pre-Legal Studies and Pre-Medicine
Pre-Law Studies
A strong liberal arts education is an ideal way to prepare for the professional
study of law. LS&A students should acquire the skills that enable critical
thinking, logical reasoning and effective writing by pursuing a balanced
and challenging undergraduate program.
Two serious shortcomings hamper many students who come to the study
of law. The first is inability to write or speak clearly and correctly.
The second is difficulty in thinking for themselves, attaining exactness
of thought and making valid analytical comparisons and differentiations.
LS&A students should try to avoid these shortcomings by (1) studying
and mastering English prose composition and exposition, and the use of English
in speaking; and (2) taking courses which demand precise thinking and close
reading.
There are no prerequisite courses and there is no required concentration
for entering law school. A prospective law student, above all, should take
courses in any subject which will be personally interesting, intellectually
challenging, and which will help provide an understanding of the nature
and aspirations of American society.
Interested students should obtain a copy of the University of Michigan
information circular "Academic Preparation for Law School" and
schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Academic
Advising Center and visit the Office of Career Planning and Placement for
information about the legal profession.
Pre-Medicine
LS&A students who wish to prepare for a career in medicine should
elect courses which lead to completion of degree requirements and simultaneously
fulfill the pre-medical requirements of the medical schools of their choice.
Pre-medicine is not a concentration. A balanced and challenging liberal
arts education is strongly recommended as an ideal way to prepare for the
professional study of medicine.
Interested students should obtain a copy of the University of Michigan
information circular "Academic Preparation for Medical School"
and schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Academic
Advising Center and visit the Office of Career Planning and Placement for
information about the medical profession.
Pre-medical course requirements are:
Chemistry. Usually four terms: Chemistry 130, 210, 211,
215, 216, followed by 230 or 302 or 340 is the recommended introductory
course sequence.
Note: Medical schools differ in the number of chemistry credits required.
Some require a minimum of two terms, some require a minimum of four terms.
All, however, require chemistry with laboratory. It is always advisable
to check with the medical school you are interested in if you have a question
about requirements.
Biochemistry. Many medical schools recommend biochemistry (the University
of Michigan Medical School requires it). Students may select from Biology
310, Biology 311, Biological Chemistry 415, or Chemistry 451.
Biology. Two terms, including lab work. Biology 152 and 154 are recommended
courses. Biology 195 is a one term, accelerated course that is an alternative
to 152-154. Many students also will want to complete at least one advanced
course in biology or zoology.
Physics. Two terms, including lab work. Students may select from
Physics 125/127 and 126/128, or Physics 140/141 and 240/241.
English. Two terms of English are required. Introductory Composition
satisfies one term of this requirement.
Mathematics. Some medical schools require a mathematics course (college
level calculus in most cases). Statistics and computer science are also
recommended courses.
The above courses account for approximately one third of the course
work for a B.A., B.S., or B.G.S. degree. Medical schools require demonstrated
proficiency in the sciences, but it is not necessary to concentrate in the
sciences.