2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Professional Programs

Sacred Heart University offers pre-professional advising in Pre-Dental, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physician Assistant Studies, Pre-Speech-Language Pathology, and Pre-Veterinary.

Pre-Law Program

Students interested in attending law school are advised to secure a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Excellent writing, research, and critical thinking skills are essential competencies for gaining admission to law school and for completing the requirements of a rigorous law school curriculum. Such skills are also conducive to the practice of law. Pre-law students are encouraged to join the university’s Pre-Law Club and to meet periodically with the Pre-Law advisor to discuss course selection and the law school application process. Experience suggests that a respectable score on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), a strong academic performance over the course of four years, excellent letters of recommendation, and interesting extra-curricular activity often result in a student’s acceptance to law school.

Pre-Health Professions Advisement Program

The Pre-Health Professions advisement program is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of students aspiring to pursue careers in dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, physical therapy, accelerated nursing, veterinary medicine and other related health professions. Our program offers comprehensive academic advisement tailored to guide students in constructing a well-rounded curriculum. This curriculum encompasses coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, English, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and other prerequisites essential for admission into advanced professional programs.  We also run a comprehensive Peer Mentoring Program, which provided sustained guidance to first year students as well as leadership opportunities for upper-class students.

Central to our program is a specialized seminar designed specifically for aspiring healthcare professionals. This seminar, offered at both the freshman/sophomore and junior/senior levels, provides targeted support and guidance tailored to the evolving needs of students as they progress through their academic journey and navigate the complexities of the application process. Whether students are just beginning their undergraduate studies or preparing to apply to professional programs, our seminar is structured to address their unique needs and challenges at each stage of matriculation.

In addition to academic advisement and seminar sessions, our program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning opportunities, including internships, shadowing experiences, and research opportunities. These hands-on experiences are integral components of our program and are carefully coordinated with our team of experienced advisors to ensure that students gain valuable insights, practical skills, and exposure to the healthcare field.

The Pre-Health Professions advisement program also welcomes many speakers to campus to discuss career and continuing academic options. By providing comprehensive academic advisement, targeted seminar sessions, and meaningful experiential learning opportunities, the Pre-Health Professions advisement program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in their journey towards a career in healthcare. We are committed to supporting students every step of the way as they pursue their aspirations and strive to make a positive impact in the healthcare field.