Pre-Professional

ECU offers professional programs in dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies. We provide supplement advising and support to all students pursuing these programs, regardless of major. While ECU does not have programs for Optometry, Pharmacy, or Veterinary Medicine, we do provide assistance to students pursuing those professions.

Students can major in anything they like to prepare for careers in allied health, dentistry, law, and medicine, as long as they incorporate the necessary prerequisite courses (none for law). It is recommended that you choose a major that interests you and can lead to a satisfying career if you change your mind about your current career goals, or you need an alternate option.

Do you know what profession you would like to pursue, but are undecided on a major? Some popular options are below. These are only SUGGESTIONS. There is no perfect or right major. You can major in anything as long as you are sure to include the prerequisites for your professional program. These majors are merely ones that already include the prerequisites or allow you room to incorporate them and still finish in four years (you may have to take summer classes, though).

Medical / Dental / Veterinary / Optometry / Pharmacy / Physician Assistant

Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Business, Chemistry, Clinical Laboratory Science, Communication, English, Environmental Health, Exercise Physiology, Health Fitness Specialist, Health Services Management, Hispanic Studies, Mathematics, Math Education, Neuroscience, Nutrition, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Public Health, Science Education, or Sociology.

Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy

Anthropology, Biology, Biochemistry, Business, Chemistry, Communication, English, Exercise Physiology, Family & Community Services, Health Fitness Specialist, Hispanic Studies, Mathematics, Math Education, Neuroscience, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, Recreational Therapy, Rehabilitation Services (mental & social rehabilitation, not physical), Science Education, Sociology, or Special Education.

Law

There are no specific prerequisites for law school. Students interested in law can major in anything, but communication, writing, and critical thinking skills are essential, so you may want to consider one of the following:

Business, Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, or Sociology.

If you know you are interested in a very specific area of law you may want to major in a field that will be relevant, such as: Environmental Law – Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental Health; Intellectual Property – Computer Science or Engineering; Family Law – Child Development and Family Relations, Psychology, Social Work, or Sociology.