Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University
100% Medical School

Acceptance Rate

SAU pre-meds excel

April 9, 2021

Southern Arkansas University’s Pre-Health Advisory Committee proudly announces that SAU has achieved 100 percent success on its medical school acceptance rate, with five students being accepted. 

Class of 2020-2021
Accepted Medical Students

 

Three Pre-Health Biology majors, Thomas Graham (of Magnolia), Katherine Pletcher (’21, of Magnolia), Cameron Nichols (’21, of Magnolia) as well as Agriculture major Jesse Tompkins (’21, of Taylor, Arkansas), will attend UAMS in Little Rock beginning this fall. 

Ashley Stewart (’20, of Lewisville, Arkansas) will attend the Edward Via School of Osteopathy in Monroe, Louisiana.

SAU is among the most affordable universities in the nation.
$ 100
Average savings per semester compared to graduate tuition in neighboring states

Our programs are routinely recognized as the best value programs nationally. SAU offers out-of-state tuition waivers to students from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

Biological Sciences (Pre-Health) program

Biological Sciences (Pre-Health)

Major in Biology  (BS)
Pre-Health Option
120 hours

University Requirement – 2 hours
GSTD 1002 Freshman Seminar

General Education – 24 hours (Mathematics, natural science and physical science
courses are included in the major.)

Biology – 48 hours:
BIOL 1203/1201 Principles of Biology I/Lab
BIOL 1213/1211 Principles of Biology II/Lab
BIOL 3023/3021 Microbiology/Lab
BIOL 3033/3031 Genetics/Lab
BIOL 3043 Cell Biology
BIOL 3763 Evolutionary Biology
BIOL 4013/4111 Ecology/Lab
BIOL 4101 Biology Colloquium
BIOL 4503/4501 Molecular Biology/Lab
SCI 3101 Pre-Health Colloquium

Select 8 hours from the following:
BIOL 3373/3371 Introduction to Neuroscience/Lab
BIOL 3703/3701 Vertebrate Physiology/Lab
BIOL 4033/4031 Developmental Biology/Lab
BIOL 4043/4041 Immunology/Lab
BIOL 4243 Viral Genetics
BIOL 4891 Independent Research

Select 8 hours from the following:
BIOL 2063/2061 Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab
BIOL 2073/2071 Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab
or
BIOL 3703/3701 Vertebrate Physiology/Lab
BIOL 3143/3141 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy/Lab

Chemistry – 20 hours
CHEM 1023/1021 University Chemistry I/Lab
CHEM 1123/1121 University Chemistry II/Lab
CHEM 3003/3001 Organic Chemistry I/Lab
CHEM 3103/3101 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
CHEM 3073/3071 Biochemistry I/Lab

**Mathematics – 5-6 hours
Option A:
MATH 1023 College Algebra
MATH 1033 Plane Trigonometry

Option B:
MATH 1045 Pre-Calculus Mathematics

Option C:
MATH 1525 Calculus I

**Some professional schools may require MATH 1525 Calculus I for admission.

Physics – 8 hours
PHYS 2003/2001 College Physics I/Lab
PHYS 2103/2101 College Physics II/Lab
or
PHYS 2203/2201 University Physics I/Lab
PHYS 2213/2211 University Physics II/Lab

Electives – 12-13 hours
University electives may be used for the remaining 12-13 hours.

*Some pre-professional schools may have additional recommended or required classes. Students should meet with the Pre-Health advisor or their faculty advisor as soon as possible to make sure all prerequisites are met by the time graduate school applications are due. Students are encouraged to look at the prerequisites for the particular preprofessional graduate programs to which they are applying. The following classes are generally recommended for students planning to attend the following pre-professional schools:

Medical School:
MATH 3043 Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics,
PSYC 2003 General Psychology, SOC 2003 Introduction to Sociology

Pharmacy School:
MATH 3043 Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics,
SPCH 1113 Introduction to Public Speaking, PSYC 2003 General
Psychology, Economics or Accounting (ECON 2103, ECON 2203, or ACCT 2003)

Physical Therapy:
MATH 3043 Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics,
PSYC 2003 General Psychology

Occupational Therapy:
MATH 3043 Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics,
BIOL 2403 Medical Terminology, PSYC 2003 General Psychology,
PSYC Abnormal Psychology, PSYC Developmental Psychology

Physician Assistant:
BIOL 2403 Medical Terminology, MATH 3043 Introduction to
Applied Probability and Statistics, PSYC 2003 General Psychology

Dental School:
PSYC 2003 General Psychology, SPCH 1113 Introduction to Public Speaking

Optometry School:
MATH 3043 Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics,
PSYC 2003 General Psychology, SOC 2003 Introduction to Sociology

Veterinary School:
ANSC 1003/1001 Introduction to Animal Science, ANSC 2002/2001
Animal Nutrition, SOC 2003 Introduction to Sociology

 

Pre-Health Professional Advisory Committee

The Pre-Health Advisory College Committee convenes to discuss the assessment and viability of pre-health activities, letters of recommendation and strategic planning. The committee is constituted of the advisors of the pre-health organization and the dean of the College of Science and Engineering. Visiting members to the committee will be added as required.

Committee Members:

Department:

Biology / College of Science and Engineering

Hours Required: 120
Categories: Major, Undergraduate
Delivery:On-Campus

The Pre-Health option is designed to maximize the success of students pursuing careers in professional and allied health fields. To plan the best path toward career goals, students are carefully advised as they progress through the program by a dedicated pre-health advisor, Dr. Antoinette Odendaal, ayodendaal@saumag.edu. Pre-Nursing students are advised directly by the SAU Academic Advising Center, sw-advising@saumag.edu.

Pre-Dental
General Course Requirements
  • 8 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with Labs
  • 8 hours Physics: Physics I & II with labs
  • 8 hours Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 8 hours Organic Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 3 hours of Biochemistry
Recommended Electives

Comparative Anatomy, Cell and Molecular Biology, Embryology, Histology, Microanatomy, Physiology and Genetics

Clinical/Health Care Experience

Shadowing a dentist is highly recommended.

Admissions Exam

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Application

Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)

Area Dental Schools
Professional Organizations
Pre-Dental Hygiene
General Course Requirements
  • 4 hours of Principles of Biology I with lab
  • 6 hours of Anatomy & Physiology I and II
  • 4 hours of Microbiology with lab
  • 4 hours of Chemistry: University Chemistry I with lab
  • 6 hours of Social Sciences: Psychology and Sociology recommended
  • 3 hours of Speech Communication
Clinical/Health Care Experience

20 hours of dental office observation

Arkansas Dental Hygiene Programs
Professional Organizations
Pre-Dietetics and Nutrition
General Course Requirements
  • 8 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
  • 8 hours Chemistry: College or University Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 4 hours Microbiology with labs
  • 1-3 hours of Medical Terminology
  • 8 hours Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs
  • 3 hours of Psychology
  • 3 hours of Sociology
  • 3 hours of Speech/Communication
Clinical/Health Care Experience

Shadowing is highly recommended and hours vary by school

Admissions Exam

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Arkansas Nutrition & Dietetics Masters Programs
Professional Organizations

https://www.nutritioned.org/registered-dietitian-arkansas.html

Pre-Medical
General Course Requirements
  • 8 hours of Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
  • 12 hours Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 4 hours Organic Chemistry I with lab
  • 4 hours Biochemistry I with lab
  • 8 hours of Physics: University Physics I & II or College Physics I & II
  • 3 hours of Genetics
  • 3 hours of Statistics
  • 6 hours of Social Sciences: Psychology & Sociology strongly recommended
Recommended Electives

Advanced Genetics, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Histology, Public Speaking, General Business/Finance

Clinical/Health Care Experience & Employment

Shadowing a doctor is highly recommended and showing involvement in patient care is considered essential.

Admissions Exam

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Application

American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)

Arkansas Medical Schools
Professional Organizations
Pre-Occupational Therapy
General Course Requirements
  • 8 hours General Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with lab
  • 8 hours Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab
  • 1-3 hours Medical Terminology
  • 4 hours General Chemistry: University Chemistry I with lab
  • 4 hour General Physics: College Physics I with lab
  • 3 hours Abnormal Psychology
  • 3 hours Developmental Psychology
  • 3 hours Sociology or Anthropology
  • 3 hours Applied Statistics
Clinical/Health Care Experience

25 hours of documented volunteering/shadowing/service learning

Admission Exam

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Application

Occupational Therapist Centralized Application Service (OTCAS)

Arkansas Occupational Therapy Doctoral Programs
Professional Organizations
Pre-Optometry
General Course Requirements
  • 8 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
  • 4 hours Microbiology or Bacteriology with lab
  • 8 Hours General Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 4 hours Organic Chemistry I with lab
  • 3 hours Biochemistry or Molecular Biology
  • 8 hours Physics: College Physics I & II with labs
  • 3 hours Calculus I
  • 3 hours Statistics
  • 3 hours Psychology
Recommended Electives

Cell Biology, Histology, Anatomy & Physiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Advanced Human Physiology, Mammalian Physiology, Immunology, and Endocrinology

Clinical/Health Care Experience

30 or more optometrist office shadowing hours

Admissions Exam

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

Application

Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS)

Area Optometry Programs
Professional Organizations
Pre-Pharmacy
General Course Requirements
  • 8 hours General Biology: Principles of Biology I & II with labs
  • 4 hours General Microbiology with Lab
  • 8 hours General Chemistry: University Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 8 hours Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 4 hours Physics: College Physics I with lab
  • 5 hours Calculus I
  • 3 hours Economics/Accounting
  • 3 hours Public Speaking
Recommended Electives

Genetics, Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, Calculus II, Introduction to Applied Probability and Statistics

Clinical/Health Care Experience

Pharmacy technician experience is strongly encouraged.

Admissions Exam

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

Application

Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)

Arkansas Pharmacy Programs
Professional Organizations
Pre-Physical Therapy
General Course Requirements
  • 4 hours Biology: Principles of Biology I with lab
  • 8 hours Anatomy & Physiology: A&P I & II with labs
  • 1-3 hours Medical Terminology
  • 8 hours Chemistry: College or University Chemistry I & II with labs
  • 8 hours Physics: College Physics I & II with labs
  • 3 hours General Psychology
  • 3 hours Developmental or Abnormal Psychology
  • 3 hours Statistics
Suggested Electives

Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Nutrition & Diet, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Embryology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Vertebrate Physiology, Histology, Molecular Biology

Clinical/Health Care Experience

60-100 hours of observation in a variety of physical therapy settings

Admissions Exams

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Application

Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS)

Arkansas Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs
Professional Organizations

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Pre-Physician Assistant
General Course Requirements
  • 8 Hours Principles of Biology I and II with lab
  • 4 hours Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
  • 4 hours Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
  • 4 hours Microbiology with lab
  • 3 hours Genetics
  • 8 hours University Chemistry I and II with Lab
  • 4 hours Organic Chemistry I with lab
  • 3 hours General Psychology
  • 3 hours Biostatistics or Statistics
Recommended Electives

Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, Embryology, Immunology, Virology, Histology, Endocrinology, Bacteriology, Pharmacology, Virology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry II, Medical Ethics, Sociology, Speech

Clinical/Health Care Experience & Employment

500 hours of direct patient care, paid or volunteer.

Admissions Exam

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Application

Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)

Arkansas PA Programs
Professional Organizations

 

Learning Goals

  1. Our graduates effectively communicate scientific knowledge.
  2. Our graduates have the knowledge to make informed and ethical scientific decisions.
  3. Our graduates think critically and creatively to analyze and solve scientific problems.
  4. Our graduates demonstrate the information literacy required for scientific study.
  5. Our graduates possess the knowledge and skill sets in biology to be successful.

medicine, medical school, pre-med, med, premed, pharmacist, doctor

Program Contact


About SAU

Southern Arkansas University offers personalized tour visits, faculty and staff who care about student success, and a caring campus community. SAU also offers traditional and unique academic degree programs that are ranked nationally for quality and affordability.

Nestled in a quiet and beautiful part of south Arkansas, SAU is a great place to call home and to study a broad range of academic programs, including some unique offerings to the state and region. Along with boasting a complete college experience on campus, the University is a short drive from outdoor activities and is central to many regional hubs, such as Texarkana, Shreveport, Little Rock, etc.

Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedication to student achievement and continues to grow, both on campus and online, with more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies.

Interested in our Pre-Health program?
Get started and receive more information from a program coordinator.

  • Middle and suffix fields are optional and may be left blank.
    By marking yes, you agree to receive text messages from Southern Arkansas University related to your admission and enrollment at the mobile number provided above. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at https://web.saumag.edu/online-privacy/.
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden

Southern Arkansas University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. All Rights Reserved.
100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753-5000 Telephone: (870) 235-4000
Online Privacy