Preprofessional Programs

Information and advice on professional studies in architecture, business, clinical psychology, education, engineering, health-care professions, law, library and information science, the ministry, and social work are offered by designated faculty and staff members who are knowledgeable in these fields. Informational sessions are held throughout the academic year, beginning during Orientation. The preprofessional advisors are also available for individual discussions and consultation. For a list of the current preprofessional academic advisors, see Maureen Tobin, director of the Career Development Center.

Medicine

Medical-school course requirements are met at Kenyon as follows:

Introductory Biology
BIOL 113, 114 plus BIOL 109-110 (lab)

Introductory Physics
PHYS 130 and 135 plus 141 and 146 (lab)

Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 111, 112 or CHEM 115, 116 plus CHEM 113, 114 (lab) or CHEM 117, 118 (lab)

Organic Chemistry
CHEM 231, 232 plus CHEM 233, 234 (lab)

College Mathematics
At least two of the following: MATH 106, MATH 110, MATH 111, MATH 112, MATH 118, and MATH 213

English
ENGL 101-102 or IPHS*

Biochemistry
(highly recommended) CHEM 256

* The IPHS component is the Integrated Program in Humane Studies Concentration, which involves students in an intensive study of classical texts, with special attention given to the development of the capacity to think, write, and discuss clearly and critically.

In order to apply to medical schools by their senior year, first-year students should enroll in two of the following three:

• CHEM 111, 112 or CHEM 115, 116; plus CHEM 113, 114 (lab) or 117, 118 (lab)
• BIOL 113 and 114 plus BIOL 109- 110 (lab)
• ENGL 101-102 or IPHS 113-114.

Cooperative (3-2) Programs in Engineering, Environmental Studies, and Education

In cooperation with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, qualified students may participate in programs leading to degrees in the following fields.

Engineering

Case Western Reserve School of Engineering
The program offers bachelor of science degrees in biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, fluid and thermal, and mechanical engineering; metallurgy and materials; polymer science; and systems and control. There is also an interdisciplinary degree program.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
This program offers bachelor of science degrees in aeronautical, biomedical, chemical, civil, electric power, electrical, environmental, management, materials, mechanical, and nuclear engineering, and an interdisciplinary curriculum in engineering science.

Washington University, Sever Institute of Technology
Offered here are bachelor of science degrees in biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering; computer science; systems science and mathematics; and computer engineering.

Environmental Studies

Duke University School of the Environment Kenyon participates in the Cooperative College Program of the School of the Environment at Duke University. Participating students are accepted into either of two degree programs, the Master of Environmental Management or the Master of Forestry. Students may enter the School of the Environment at Duke after three years of undergraduate study or upon completion of the baccalaureate. Students interested in the 3-2 aspect should plan early.

Education

The Bank Street College of Education
The 5-STEP Program allows students to begin graduate work during the June and July sessions between their junior and senior year, return to their undergraduate campus to complete their senior year, and then return to Bank Street to complete a master of science in education.

Applications to 3-2 Programs

The associate provost approves these programs. Information, however, is available in the CDC. Ordinarily, students must apply by the end of the first semester of their junior year. But it is wise to begin planning as early as the first year of enrollment.

Admission to these programs is competitive and is decided by the professional institution. Admission to Kenyon does not guarantee admission to these programs. The professional schools will not accept applications unless approved by the associate provost, who in turn requires the approval of the student’s major department and the appropriate preprofessional advisor.

Requirements

The requirements of the professional schools may be obtained in detail from the CDC. Generally, since these are technical disciplines, a strong preparation in basic science and mathematics courses is expected. In addition, a sound background in nonscience courses is required. This latter requirement is normally no problem for Kenyon students.

Kenyon requires three full years in residence at the College, earning no fewer than 12 units. A strong academic record is required, ordinarily at least a B average. In their three years at Kenyon, students must complete all College diversification requirements and a major program. If, by the end of the junior year, a student lacks a course or two for completion of a major, the student may seek the approval of the department to count appropriate courses taken at the professional school toward the major. Such agreements must be made in writing and in advance.

To complete a major, the student must also complete the Senior Exercise. Arrangements for the Senior Exercise are made at the mutual convenience of the student and the department. The work required for the exercise is usually done in the fifth (or sixth) year, but can be done earlier if all parties agree. The department cannot require the student to return to Gambier for the exercise and must adjust its requirements if this is expected of resident students.

Awarding of the 3-2 Program Degree

The Kenyon degree is not awarded until the student completes the professional program (that is, after five years for engineering), unless the student withdraws as described below.

Failure to Complete a 3-2 Program

In the event that a student voluntarily withdraws from the professional portion of the program, the Kenyon degree may be awarded if and when credits that are sufficient to fulfill remaining degree requirements can be transferred to the College. Decisions about which courses transfer are made according to Kenyon’s policy regarding transfer credit described earlier. Since much of the coursework in the professional part of the program is highly technical and degree-specific, students are warned that substantial portions may not transfer to Kenyon. Students may, of course, return to the College to complete degree requirements.

If for any reason a student is dismissed by the professional school, the student must return to Kenyon for a full year of study to be awarded the Kenyon A.B.

Postgraduate option

Students who elect to complete four years at Kenyon and graduate from the College remain eligible for two years to participate in these programs. This provides an alternative to graduate work leading to master’s degrees and doctorates in these disciplines. For engineering, there are professional advantages to holding the bachelor’s degree rather than graduate degrees.